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Propel Mattress Review

Written by Tuck Staff

Propel Mattress Review

The Bottom Line.

  • The Propel Mattress by Brooklyn Bedding is an 11.5-inch thick hybrid bed that rates “medium” in firmness.
  • Phase change material and a copper infusion keep sleepers cool.
  • Average-weight side and back sleepers most enjoy the mix of cushion and support offered by the Propel Mattress.

Propel Mattress Overview

Propel Mattress Overview

Brooklyn Bedding sells the Propel Mattress on a separate website from its other mattress offerings, which include the Aurora Hybrid, Signature Hybrid, Bowery, Bowery Hybrid, Spartan Hybrid, and Bloom Hybrid. Brooklyn Bedding was founded in 1995 (then called R&S Mattress) and is known for selling affordable yet high-quality mattresses.

The Propel Mattress is a medium (5.5) hybrid that measures 11.5 inches in thickness. Base foam and 6 inches of pocketed coils form the support core. The mattress also contains three comfort foam layers. The top comfort layer is infused with copper and covered by fabric that contains phase change material, both of which are designed to keep the mattress cool.

Our Propel Mattress review guides you through the qualities of the mattress, so you can decide if this mattress is a good fit for you. We cover construction, feel, pricing, and performance. Additionally, we compare the Propel to similar mattresses and share information about Brooklyn Bedding’s shipping, warranty, and return policies.

Table of Contents

Full Video Review

Ratings Summary

Construction & Feel

Ratings Breakdown

Pricing & Discounts

Mattress Comparisons

 

Meet Our Testing Team
Keith
Keith
Sid
Sid
Athena
Athena
Alandrus
Alandrus
  • Average-weight side and back sleepers. Sleepers weighing between 130 and 230 pounds enjoyed the Propel the most, experiencing a good mix of support and pressure relief.
  • Lightweight back sleepers. Lightweight sleepers who prefer lying on their backs experienced adequate lumbar support from the coil and base foam layers and softness from the comfort foam layers.
  • People who sleep hot. With a copper-infused foam layer and phase change material in the cover, the Propel Mattress stays temperature neutral and doesn’t trap heat.
  • Couples who share a bed. The Propel rated well for edge support and motion isolation, so people who share a bed can use the full surface of the mattress and are unlikely to be disturbed by the other’s movement.
  • Budget-focused shoppers. The Propel Mattress is priced lower than many similar hybrid mattresses.

Not Recommended for...

  • Heavyweight stomach sleepers. Stomach sleepers weighing over 230 pounds didn’t feel properly supported by the Propel Mattress and experienced discomfort after sleeping on it.

Video Review

We’ve included everything you need to know about the Propel Mattress in our written review, but we understand some people want to see a mattress in action before buying. Watch our full video review below to see the Propel Mattress and learn more about how we tested it.

Ratings Summary


Our testing team conducted an extensive evaluation of the Propel Mattress. This review and rating process consists of three parts: in-house evaluation, external sleep testing, and data collection of verified owner experiences. To learn more about our review process, read our methodology here.

Our performance criteria and ratings for the bed are listed in the table below.

The Propel Mattress performed well in our testing, especially with back sleepers weighing under 230 pounds and in terms of motion isolation, edge support, sex, temperature neutrality, and pressure relief. Learn more about how we determined these ratings below.

Sleep Position Ratings

As part of our ratings process, we evaluated the Propel Mattress across different body types and preferred sleep positions. In addition to physical testing, we surveyed our sleep expert team and analyzed reviews from verified mattress owners and customers. Our findings are listed in the table below.

For more information on sleeping positions please see our guides for side, back, stomach and combination sleepers.

How Is the Propel Mattress Constructed?

Cover

The Propel Mattress cover is infused with phase change molecules, which help keep sleepers cool. Phase change material has the ability to regulate temperature by absorbing heat and cold and changing from solid to liquid and back again as a result.

This mattress cover also uses something Brooklyn Bedding calls “Upcycle” technology, which means encapsulated minerals are integrated into the cover. Brooklyn Bedding claims these minerals release far infrared rays that stimulate sleepers’ blood flow, promoting good sleep and body recovering in athletes.

Comfort Layers

Three foam layers make up the comfort section of the Propel Mattress: a 1.5-inch layer of responsive “CopperFlex” copper-infused foam, a 2-inch layer of conforming “Energex” foam, and a one-inch layer of conforming gel memory foam.

These layers combine to create a feel that is a mixture of conforming and responsive. The Propel Mattress “hugs” the body somewhat and relieves pressure well, which could help with pain relief. The copper infused in the uppermost comfort layer also helps keep the mattress temperature neutral.

Support Layers

The Propel Mattress support core comprises 6 inches of pocketed coils atop 1 inch of high-density base foam. Unlike innersprings, pocketed coils are individually encased. Individual encasement helps the mattress isolate motion. When one coil is compressed, it doesn’t automatically compress the coils next to it, since they aren’t connected to one another.

A coil support layer also adds to the mattress’s temperature neutrality, since it allows for airflow through the mattress.

Mattress Height

At 11.5 inches thick, the Propel Mattress has an average profile, which means regular sheets fit this mattress. This thickness allows the Propel Mattress to contain a 7-inch support core made of pocketed coils and base foam, as well as 4.5 inches of polyfoam comfort layers.

Product Name Firmness Thickness Support Core Components Comfort Layer Components Cover Components
Propel Mattress 5.5 (medium) 11.5″ 6″ Pocketed Coils

1″ HD Polyfoam

1.5″ CopperFlex Copper-Infused Polyfoam

2″ Energex Polyfoam

1″ Gel Memory Foam

TitanCool Fabric with Phase Change Material and Upcycle Technology Encapsulated Minerals

What Are the Firmness and Feel Like?

The Propel Mattress is available at one firmness level, which is medium, or 5.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale. At this firmness level, the bed is most appealing to average-weight sleepers, though lightweight back sleepers also find a nice mix of support and pressure relief in the Propel.

The Propel Mattress feels both conforming and responsive. The comfort polyfoam layers do “hug” the body, but sleepers don’t sink in as deeply as they would on other mattresses with foam layers. The pocketed coils and more responsive CopperFlex polyfoam layer give bounce to the Propel Mattress, so the mattress surface quickly springs back into place.

The Propel Mattress is a good choice for sleepers who don’t want to feel like they are sleeping “in” or “on” a mattress, but instead prefer a mix of responsiveness and contouring.

Ratings Breakdown

Performance Ratings

Next, let’s take a closer look at our performance ratings for the Propel Mattress. These ratings are based on findings from our internal and external testing teams, as well as verified owner and customer experiences with the mattress.

Durability

Since Brooklyn Bedding released the Propel Mattress in 2018, our durability rating is based on its construction and the quality of materials within it. We expect the Propel Mattress is last an average amount of time in terms of durability, which means it should last 6.5 to 7 years.

Generally, hybrid mattresses last longer than all-foam mattresses because pocketed coil layers are usually longer-lasting than foam support cores. The polyfoam comfort layers in the Propel might develop minor body impressions over time, but their life can be extended by rotating the mattress head-to-foot every 3 to 6 months.

Motion Isolation

brooklyn bedding propel mattress motion isolation

To assess how well the Propel Mattress isolates motion, we asked two sleep testers to lie on the mattress at once. One moved around while the other monitored how much motion transfer they felt. We also asked our external testers to report how much motion they felt when sharing the Propel with a partner overnight.

Both groups concluded that the Propel Mattress is very good at isolating motion. Very little motion transfers across the surface of the mattress in response to weight or movement, making the bed a good option for sleepers who share a bed with a partner.

Off-Gassing

When we initially opened the Propel Mattress, a moderately strong odor released into the air. It dissipated some within a few hours and was undetectable within two days. In our experience, the off-gassing from the Propel is average for a mattress that contains polyfoam layers.

Off-gassing occurs when volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are released into the air from manufactured materials, which is common with polyfoam. Most customers won’t be bothered by this off-gassing, but those who are particularly sensitive to it might prefer innerspring mattresses or those constructed with all natural materials.

Pressure Relief

brooklyn bedding propel pressure relief

We measured pressure relief in the Propel Mattress by spreading a sensory pad over the surface of the mattress and having sleep testers of different weights lie down on it. Our pressure-mapping tool measures how much pressure builds up on different parts of the body. We found the Propel Mattress to be very good at relieving pressure.

Our light- and average-weight sleep testers found the Propel Mattress cradled to their bodies and didn’t create any pressure points, especially in those who sleep on their backs. Heavyweight sleepers didn’t have the same experience on the Propel. While they experienced pressure relief, sleepers in this group tended to sink farther into the mattress and feel less supported.

Temperature Neutrality

Our external testers and owners of the Propel Mattress rate it highly on temperature neutrality. Even though the mattress contains polyfoam layers, which can tend to trap heat, it remains temperature neutral and is a good choice for sleepers who sleep hot.

Multiple factors contribute to the temperature neutrality of the Propel Mattress. The 6 inches of pocketed coils allow for airflow through the mattress, which helps with cooling. The top foam layer is infused with copper, which has cooling properties. Finally, the cover is infused with phase change material, a substance demonstrated to respond to body temperature fluctuations and help maintain a specific temperature.

Edge Support

brooklyn bedding propel edge support

We asked our sleep testers to sit along the edge of the Propel Mattress to see how well its edges supported them. Next, we had them lie near the edge of the bed to see if they felt at risk of “roll off,” a problem that occurs when edge support is weak. The Propel Mattress has very good edge support and testers felt supported when sitting on and lying near the mattress’s edges.

Strong edge support allows sleepers to use the full surface of the mattress without worrying about slipping off. It can also make getting in and out of bed easier and safer. Finally, edge support also plays a role when people have sex on a mattress.

Noise

Our internal and external testers found that the Propel Mattress is quiet, but not silent. Sleepers can expect to hear light sounds in response to weight and movement, such as when someone gets on and off the bed or rolls over.

Generally, hybrid mattresses make more noise than all-foam mattresses because of their coil layer, which can creak. The coils in the Propel Mattress make less noise than the springs in innerspring mattresses, however. The individual encasement of the coils helps keep the mattress quiet, since it keeps the coils from touching each other.

Sex

A combination of edge support and responsiveness make the Propel Mattress very good for sex. Although the mattress does “hug” the body somewhat, its surface quickly bounces back, so the foam layers don’t inhibit movement like they do in all-foam and hybrid mattresses that are extremely conforming.

Strong edge support allows for full use of the surface of the bed. Strong edge support also reduces the risk of slipping off the edge of the bed, which could be relevant with certain movements and positions. Although the Propel Mattress is fairly quiet in response to movement and should not be loud during sex, it also won’t be silent.

Sleeper Ratings

Next, let’s discuss the Propel Mattress ratings according to sleepers’ body weights and position preferences.

There is no universal ideal when it comes to mattress firmness and thickness. A sleeper’s body weight, shape, and preferred sleep position greatly influence which mattress works best for a person. In order to provide more customized information to our readers, we evaluated the Propel Mattress with sleep testers of different body weights and position preferences.

Lightweight Sleepers – Less than 130 lbs.

brooklyn bedding propel lightweight tester

In the lightweight sleeper group, those who prefer to sleep on their backs liked the Propel Mattress the most. Lightweight back sleepers experienced the adequate lumbar support and pressure relief needed to keep them comfortable throughout the night.

Lightweight sleepers who prefer to sleep on their sides and stomachs were less impressed by the Propel. Although our tools showed they didn’t experience pressure points, the mattress felt a little firm to these sleepers.

Average Weight Sleepers – 130 to 230 lbs.

brooklyn bedding propel Mattress average tester

The Propel Mattress is a strong choice for average-weight sleepers who prefer to sleep on their sides or backs. Average-weight side sleepers enjoyed spinal alignment on this mattress, while back sleepers experienced adequate lumbar support.

The medium (5.5) firmness of the Propel Mattress makes it ideal for average-weight sleepers wanting a mix of support and pressure relief. For this group, the Propel feels both responsive and conforming, so sleepers experience a mix of sleeping “on” and “in” the mattress.

Heavyweight Sleepers – More than 230 lbs.

brooklyn bedding propel heavyweight tester

Most heavyweight sleepers will prefer a firmer mattress than the Propel, though sleepers not far from 230 pounds might find enough support in this medium (5.5) mattress. Heavyweight back and side sleepers who specifically prefer softer-feeling mattresses could also be happy with the Propel.

Our heavyweight sleep testers who prefer to sleep on their stomachs were the least satisfied with the Propel Mattress. They found it didn’t provide the support they needed and could cause discomfort.

Pricing and Discounts

  • Twin $499
  • Twin XL $749
  • Full $799
  • Queen $999
  • King $1,249
  • California King $1,249

Propel Coupons and Promos

Take 20% off your Propel Mattress.

Use code = TUCKSLEEP20

How Does the Propel Mattress Compare to Other Beds?

With so many mattresses on the market, comparison shopping can be difficult. We’ve written this section to help mattress shoppers understand the similarities and differences among comparable mattresses. Keep reading to see how the Propel Mattress compares to its competition.

Propel Mattress vs. Brooklyn Bedding Signature

The Propel and Brooklyn Bedding Signature are both hybrid mattresses sold by Brooklyn Bedding. Both come in medium (5.5) firmness, but the Brooklyn Bedding Signature is also available in soft (3.5) and firm (7.5) settings. These additional options could be attractive to heavyweight sleepers that might find the Propel to be too soft, as well as lightweight sleepers that might find the Propel to be too firm.

Both the Propel and Brooklyn Bedding Signature Mattress have average profiles measuring 11.5 inches. Their constructions are similar, with 6 inches of pocketed coils and the remaining space dedicated to polyfoam layers. Although the Brooklyn Bedding Signature also rates high in temperature neutrality, it doesn’t contain a copper infusion in a foam layer or phase change material in its cover.

Read our complete Brooklyn Bedding Signature Mattress Review.

Propel Mattress vs. Brooklyn Bedding Aurora

Like the Propel Mattress, the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora is a hybrid mattress offered by Brooklyn Bedding that contains a cooling copper infusion in a foam comfort layer and phase change material in the cover. Both mattresses come in medium (5.5) firmness, though the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora is also available in soft (3.5) and firm (7.5) options. Heavyweight and lightweight sleepers who want a mattress that is firmer or softer than the Propel might like these options.

Both mattresses are constructed similarly, though there are some key differences. At 13.5 inches thick, the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora has a high-profile. The Aurora will require deep pocket sheets not required by the 11.5-inch Propel. The height difference is due to the Aurora’s 8-inch pocketed coil layer. Although the Aurora devotes more space to pocketed coils, it is actually a more conforming mattress than the Propel. Its comfort layers “hug” the body more, giving sleepers the sensation of sleeping “in” rather than “on” the mattress.

Read our complete Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Mattress Review.

Propel Mattress vs. Bear Hybrid

The Bear Hybrid measures medium-firm (6) on the firmness scale, making it comparable to the Propel, which rates medium (5.5). An 8-inch pocketed coil layer makes the Bear Hybrid thicker than the 11.5-inch thick Propel. In total, the Bear Hybrid has a 14-inch profile, making it an above-average thickness that will require customers to buy deep pocket sheets to fit.

Like the Propel Mattress, the Bear Hybrid’s cover contains particles that cause it to emit infrared energy, which both companies claim improve sleep and physical recovery. The Bear Hybrid conforms to the body less than the Propel Mattress does, so it’s an attractive option for sleepers who want to feel like they’re floating on the mattress as they sleep. Price-wise, the Bear Hybrid runs about twice as much as the Propel Mattress, which could be a deciding factor for more budget-conscious shoppers.

Read our complete Bear Hybrid Mattress Review.

Propel Mattress vs. Molecule 1

The Molecule 1 is an all-foam mattress that comes in one medium-soft (4.5) firmness level. Like the Propel Mattress, the Molecule 1 is affordably priced and costs quite a bit less than similar mattresses. The Molecule 1 rated well with the same sleepers that like the Propel: average- and lightweight back sleepers, and average-weight side sleepers. Heavyweight sleepers rated the Molecule 1 much lower than they did the Propel Mattress. The Molecule 1 is too soft and cannot provide the support needed for most heavyweight sleepers.

The Molecule 1 conforms closely to the body, and is a good option for sleepers who want to feel “hugged” by their mattress. Although there is some “hug” to the Propel, it is also more responsive. The Molecule 1 is a good choice for people who enjoy feeling like they are sleeping “in” rather than “on” the mattress, while the Propel provides a mixture of both sensations.

Read our complete Molecule 1 Mattress Review.

Propel Mattress vs. Casper Hybrid

The Casper Hybrid is constructed similarly to the Propel Mattress, with three polyfoam comfort layers, 6 inches of pocketed coils, and 1 inch of base foam. Also like the Propel, the Casper Hybrid is medium (5.5) in firmness and of average thickness. Since both mattresses have so much in common and are both priced for the budget-conscious, it can be difficult for shoppers to identify which option is best for them.

Both mattresses give a mix of contouring and responsiveness, so sleepers don’t feel like they are sleeping completely “on” or “in” the mattress. Although both mattresses rated similarly with average- and heavyweight sleepers, the Casper Hybrid was preferred by lightweight sleepers, especially those who sleep on their sides. The Casper Hybrid is a bit quieter than the Propel Mattress, though the Propel is superior in terms of edge support.

Read our complete Casper Hybrid Mattress Review.

Propel Mattress FAQ

  • Sleep Trial 120 Nights

  • Shipping Free in contiguous U.S.

  • Warranty 10-year

  • Made In USA

  • Where Can I Buy the Propel Mattress?

    The Propel Mattress is sold on a dedicated website and Amazon.com. Brooklyn Bedding also manages showrooms in Arizona and Utah.

  • Where Do They Ship? 

    Brooklyn Bedding ships to U.S. and Canada.

  • White Glove Delivery?

    Brooklyn Bedding does not offer white glove delivery.

  • Old Mattress Removal?

    Brooklyn Bedding does not offer old mattress removal.

  • Full Delivery Policy

    Brooklyn Bedding’s delivery policy is as follows:

    1. The Propel Mattress is compressed and put in a box to be shipped. The weight of the box ranges from 58 pounds for a twin to 120 pounds for a king.
    2. Deliveries within the contiguous U.S. are free and carried out by FedEx Ground.
    3. Brooklyn Bedding takes 1 to 3 business days to prepare the mattress for shipping, then shipping takes 3 to 5 business days.
    4. Brooklyn Bedding cannot guarantee delivery on a specific day. They are willing to delay a shipment if needed, so the mattress will most likely arrive within 2 days of your preferred date.
    5. Shipping to Hawaii or Alaska begins at $125 per mattress. Customers in these states can contact Brooklyn Bedding for a custom shipping price quote.
    6. Shipping to Canada beings at $250 per mattress. Deliveries to Canada are made by UPS.
    7. Brooklyn Bedding does not ship outside of the U.S. and Canada. They are willing to ship the mattress to a freight forwarding company, which international customers can pay to ship the mattress the rest of the way.
  • Trial Period and Warranty Details

    Trial Period

    The Propel Mattress trial period operates as follows:

    1. Customers who purchase a Propel Mattress have up to 120 nights from the delivery date to determine if it is a fit for them. If the Propel is not a good fit, a customer may return it at no cost within this time period.
    2. If a customer paid shipping fees on the mattress, those fees will not be returned.
    3. Customers must try the mattress out for 30 nights before initiating a return. This 30-day period allows time for the customer and the mattress to adjust.
    4. If a customer feels the mattress is too firm, they may request a free topper from Brooklyn Bedding instead of returning the mattress.
    5. Customers may only return one mattress to Brooklyn Bedding per calendar year.

    Warranty

    The Propel Mattress warranty operates as follows:

    1. The warranty lasts for 10 years from the date of mattress purchase.
    2. The warranty cannot be transferred and only applies to the original purchaser.
    3. Brooklyn Bedding will repair or replace a mattress that shows defects during the warranty period.
    4. Covered defects include deterioration in the foam layers, splitting or cracking in the mattress, indentations of over 1 inch, and mattress sagging.
    5. For the warranty to remain valid, the mattress must be continuously supported by a solid wood or metal foundation. The foundation should have “little to no give,” and any slats should be a maximum of 4 inches apart. Customers may need to provide evidence of the foundation they used if they try to use the warranty.
    6. The warranty doesn’t cover normal mattress softening that occurs over time, stains or normal wear and tear of fabric, impressions that measure less than 1 inch, or damage due to the mattress being on an inappropriate foundation.
    7. Keeping the mattress compressed for over 60 days can void the warranty.
    8. The warranty is void if the mattress is stained, burned, cut, torn, wet, in unsanitary condition, or has been physically damaged.

Company Information

  • Customer Service

    8 of 10 owner experiences show customers have a positive experience with Brooklyn Bedding.

  • Company History

    Brooklyn Bedding was incorporated in 2009, but its parent company, called R&S Mattress, launched in 1995.

  • BBB Rating

    Brooklyn Bedding has earned an A+ from the Better Business Bureau.

  • Physical Stores

    Brooklyn Bedding operates multiple showrooms across Arizona and two in Utah.

  • Contact Brooklyn Bedding

    1-888-210-8751 | PropelSleep.com

  • Find Brooklyn Bedding on Social

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