Serta iComfort (2019-2023) — Our Expert Overview (2024)

Note: This is not a review. This is our plain-English explanation and overview of the current Serta iComfort mattresses for 2020. Also see our overview of the Serta iComfort Hybrid series.

If you’d prefer to watch rather than read, see our Serta iComfort Mattresses Overview video.

Serta iComfort Mattresses

The iComfort line from Serta includes 4 models, two of those with two different comfort levels, so 6 mattresses in total. These new 2020 versions replace the previous iComfort models, the Blue and Blue Max series. Like the prior versions, however, the new iComfort mattresses feature a variety of memory foams over a foam support core.

With the latest models, Serta introduces some new foams with a variety a features intended to help you sleep cool. Serta indicates the extent of each model's cooling features with embroidered snowflakes on the side panel of each mattress (see the image below).

Serta models are mainly available through mattress retailers, but just recently did start selling them through their website.

We also noted that the terms Serta uses to describe the comfort/feel didn't quite correspond with how we would classify these mattresses. See below.

iComfort Memory Foams

Serta has introduced a new set of memory foams used in the 2020 iComfort models, and the differences in feel between the models come down to the combination and amount of the foams used in each. Here's a rundown of the new memory foams Serta is using. In addition to these, you'll see a more standard gel memory foam, called Gel Active Max, used in the mattresses; this foam is similar to earlier generations of Serta's gel memory foams.

Carbon Fiber Memory Foam

This new-for-2020 foam is a slow responding one with lots of that melting, memory foam feel. It's infused with carbon fibers; carbon (like graphite) is a known conductor, and its use in this foam is meant to channel heat away from the body.

We've been starting to see carbon used in foam mattresses, but most commonly, we've seen it as carbon dust; Serta is instead using longer fibers, which might better help heat travel compared to dust.

Here's a look at that carbon fiber foam. It's included in all 6 of the new Serta iComfort mattresses.

UltraCold System Memory Foam

A variation of the Carbon Fiber Memory Foam, Serta's "UltraCold System" is comprised of the same carbon fiber-infused foam, but with an added layer of phase change material on top.

We have seen phase-change coatings used more and more often in mattresses; you can liken it to wax beads covered in a casing. When cool, they feel noticeably cool to the touch, and it takes much longer for your body to warm them than it would a plain foam. This type of phase-change coating is intended to keep you feeling cooler longer while you fall asleep.

Here's what the phase-change coating look like on top of the UltraCold System foam.

Air Support Foam

The other notable new memory foam from Serta is its Air Support Foam. It's still a memory foam, but it's scored into hollowed-out cubes. Here, Serta is creating some air flow, much in the same way as egg-crate foam or even springs. There's simply less material, and more opportunity for air to move through and around the foam.

The Air Support Foam is used in just the two CF4000 mattresses, and we noticed it helps creating more cushioning and conformance, along with noticeable pressure relief.

Here's a look at the Air Support Foam.

Serta iComfort CF1000

The base model in the iComfort series, the CF1000 comes in just one comfort level, and contains just one type of memory foam, the Carbon Fiber Memory Foam. The support foam is 1.8-lb. standard poly foam; the same support foam is used in all of the iComfort mattresses.

This is a 10" tall mattress, and we found it to have a Medium softness on our scale. While it does give you some slow-melting memory feel, it has the least amount of that feel in the series. Aside from the carbon fiber foam, it has no additional cooling features. However, this is not a mattress with deep cushioning -- we felt more of a 'floating-on-top' feel, so more of your body will be exposed to the air.

Below: Serta iComfort CF1000

Serta iComfort CF2000

Stepping up in the line, the 12" tall CF2000 includes the same Carbon Fiber Memory Foam included on all of the new iComfort mattresses, but adds Serta's Gel Active Memory Foam as well. Like carbon, gel is a known conductor of heat, so it's intended to add some extra heat-dissipation qualities.

In our tests, the CF2000 felt softer than the CF1000, but we'd still class it as a Medium softness level overall. We noted more conformance and cushioning compared to the CF1000, and we think it would probably be a better choice for side sleepers for that reason.

Since the iComfort CF2000 has two foams with cooling properties, Serta gives it two "snowflakes" as an indication of those features.

Below: the iComfort CF2000

Serta iComfort CF3000

Continuing up the line, the 12" tall CF3000 substitutes Serta's UltaCold System memory form for the Gel Active Foam. The layer of phase-change material on top of that foam gives it a palpable coolness to the touch. The CF3000 also gets a new cover with cooling properties. Serta called is the "Max Cold" cover, and it includes fiber that do give it a coolness to the touch.

The iComfort CF3000 comes in two softness levels: Medium and Plush. We found the medium version to actually be the firmest model in the entire iComfort line. The Plush version was more of a Medium Soft in our assessment.

With both, though, you do experience more cushioning depth and conformance compared to the CF1000 and CF2000 mattresses, so this model may be a good choice if you prefer firmer support, but also want a bit of that hugged or cradled sensation you get from a mattress with deeper cushioning.

The CF3000, since it has three cooling features (the carbon fiber memory foam, the phase change coating, and the cooling cover), gets three 'snowflakes' printed on the side panels.

Below: Serta iComfort CF3000

Serta iComfort CF4000

The top of the line iComfort mattress is the CF4000, available in two softness levels, Firm and Plush. These have all of the cooling features of the CF3000 mattresses, and add the Air Support Foam, with its hollowed-out cube-shaped cells of memory foam. It also adds height -- for a total of 13.5" inches.

We found the Firm version to have more of a Medium Soft feel, and because of the additional foam, it felt a little softer to us than the CF2000, and certainly had deeper cushioning and conformance we thought would especially suit side sleepers that need more pressure relief.