The Secret to a Comfortable Sleep: Top Mattress Picks for 2026
Sleep affects everything you do during the day — productivity, mood, recovery, and long-term health if you want to wake up without aches and stay rested all day, choosing the right mattress matters.
In this review, you’ll find a shortlist of trusted, well-reviewed mattresses that balance comfort, cooling, and support, along with quick tips to help you pick the one that matches your sleeping position, body type, and budget.
Top Picks
| Category | Product | Price | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏆 Best Overall | Nectar Classic 12” Queen (New Version) | $649.00 | 92/100 |
| 💰 Best Value | ZINUS 10 Inch Green Tea Cooling Memory Foam (Queen) | $178.00 | 89/100 |
| 🎯 Best Budget | GAESTE 8 Inch Full Cooling Gel Memory Foam (Full) | $129.95 | 84/100 |
| ⚡ Best for Back Pain & Support | EGOHOME 14 Inch King (Made in USA) | $599.00 | 88/100 |
| 🔊 Best Comfort & Pressure Relief | Novilla 12 Inch Gel Memory Foam (King) | $369.99 | 86/100 |
How We Picked These Mattresses
You don’t need to be an expert to choose a mattress, but it helps to focus on what matters most.
We prioritized: comfort and firmness (matched to sleep position), cooling features for hot sleepers, pressure relief for hips and shoulders, edge support and weight capacity, CertiPUR-US or similar safety certifications, real-world user reviews and long-term value (price vs. expected durability).
We also considered practical details like mattress height, removable covers, and whether the mattress is shipped compressed in a box.
The result is a balanced mix so you can choose based on how you sleep and how much you want to spend.
Gaeste Full 8″ Cooling Gel Mattress
If you’re hunting for a mattress that’s easy to set up and actually feels supportive, this Gaeste Full 8″ Cooling Gel mattress is worth a look. You unbox it, lay it down, and it puffs up within hours — reviewers commonly report complete expansion in a day or two.
It’s medium-firm, so you’ll get a balance of contouring memory-foam hug and enough support to ease morning back aches.
The cooling gel top aims to keep nights more comfortable than older hybrids, and the removable cotton cover makes spills or stains less stressful.
Daily uses are straightforward: it’s a great everyday bed for side or back sleepers who want pressure relief without sinking in.
For special situations — moving into a new apartment, outfitting a guest room, or buying a practical kid’s bed — the mattress-in-a-box format and budget-friendly price make life easier.
If you want solid support without splurging on luxury name brands, this one offers a comfy middle ground.
What People Say
People highlight the quick expansion from the box, firm-but-comfortable feel that eases back pain, and minimal odor compared with other memory foams.
Many reviewers praise the platform beds’ fit and the removable covers.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ lydmonster
My partner and I absolutely love this mattress — it arrived vacuum-packed, fluffed up in a few hours (I let it sit 72 hours), and it’s firm in the best way. No more back aches and the removable cover fits nicely. It also felt a bit cooler than our old hybrid.
🗣️ Ljm1180
First time buying a mattress-in-a-box for me. Arrived on time, well packaged, expanded to full height in ~36 hours with no smell. Firm but comfortable — no pressure points on hips and shoulders, and it stayed put on my platform bed.
Long-Term Value
Compared with high-end memory-foam brands, this mattress delivers similar comfort for a fraction of the cost — reviewers note it feels close to pricier models after a few nights.
Because it’s budget-friendly upfront and has a removable cover, you can extend its usable life with protectors or a topper rather than replacing the whole mattress.
Situational Benefits
| Situation | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| New apartment | Ships compressed in a box so it’s easy to carry through stairs and doorways, then expands at home with minimal effort. |
| Guest room | Affordable price and neutral feel make it a comfortable, low-risk choice for occasional sleepers. |
| Back pain relief | Medium-firm memory foam provides support and pressure relief, reviewers say, reducing morning back discomfort. |
| Kids’ or teen bed | Durable, easy-to-clean removable cover and budget price make it practical for growing households. |
Health Benefits
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Pressure relief | Memory foam contours to hips and shoulders, reducing pressure points for side/back sleepers. |
| Improved morning comfort | Many users report fewer morning aches after switching from an older mattress. |
| Lower exposure to harmful chemicals | CertiPUR‑US certification indicates the foam meets standards for emissions and content. |
Versatility
Available in many sizes and thicknesses, it works for kids, guests, and everyday sleepers. Use it on platform beds, slatted frames, or even a low-profile foundation.
Aesthetic Appeal
Low-profile, neutral cover fits most bedroom styles without drawing attention; it looks tidy and modern under your bedding.
Durability
The single-layer gel memory foam and a fitted cotton cover suggest a typical lifespan for entry- to mid-level memory foam.
A removable cover and CertiPUR‑US certification support safer, longer use when cared for.
Key Benefits
- Cooling gel layer helps reduce night sweats
- Medium-firm support reduces morning back pain
- CertiPUR‑US certified foam for safer materials
- Removable cotton cover for easy cleaning
- Mattress-in-a-box setup — fast and low-effort
Current Price: $129.95
Rating: 4.5 (total: 1,095+)
ZINUS 10″ Green Tea Cooling Mattress
If you want a no-fuss mattress that ships in a box and actually sleeps cooler than older foam beds, this Zinus 10″ Green Tea Cooling is an easy pick.
You unpack it, lay it flat, and it usually expands over 24–72 hours; some people report it puffs up within hours, others give it a couple of days.
It’s medium-firm, so you get a supportive feel that still contours around hips and shoulders — good if you switch between side and back sleeping.
The top gel layer and green-tea/charcoal infusions aim to manage temperature and freshness, and all foams are CertiPUR‑US certified.
Daily-wise, it’s great for regular use on platform beds, slatted frames, or low foundations, and it’s surprisingly handy for special situations — moving apartments, setting up a guest room, or outfitting a kid’s bed without the hassle of a big delivery.
If you like solid support without the premium price tag, this mattress gives dependable comfort and a straightforward setup.
What People Say
You’ll see people mention the firm-but-comfortable feel, quick expansion in 24–72 hours (sometimes faster), effective cooling from the gel layer, and that customer support can help if the foam needs coaxing to decompress fully.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ B E
Great value — arrived vacuum-packed, expanded to full size after a few hours (I left it 72 hours), and felt like the right mix of dense foam and memory foam with a cooling layer. Side sleepers reported less pressure and minimal motion transfer.
🗣️ CentrifugalFarce
Had some trouble with full expansion at first, but Zinus support guided me to set it on the floor and ‘work’ it a bit; within a few days it reached the right thickness. Firm and supportive — eased my low back and hip pain and had no odd smell.
Long-Term Value
This mattress often feels close to pricier memory-foam options at a lower upfront cost.
With a 10-year limited warranty and certified foams, you can extend the value by using a protector or topper instead of replacing the mattress soon.
Situational Benefits
| Situation | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| New apartment | Ships compressed so you can carry it up stairs or through tight doorways, then let it expand at home without scheduling a white-glove delivery. |
| Guest room | Affordable and neutral-feeling, so visitors get a comfortable night without a huge investment. |
| Hot sleepers | The gel memory foam layer and charcoal/green tea infusions aim to help regulate temperature and enhance freshness for warmer sleepers. |
| Back or hip pain | Medium-firm support and contouring top layer help relieve pressure points that can aggravate morning aches. |
Health Benefits
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Pressure relief | Memory foam contours to your body, reducing stress on your hips and shoulders, which many reviewers say helps cut morning soreness. |
| Better sleep quality | Users report longer uninterrupted sleep and less tossing, thanks to reduced motion transfer and supportive foam layers. |
| Lower exposure to harmful chemicals | CertiPUR‑US certification means the foams meet standards for emissions and content, which can help improve indoor air quality. |
Versatility
You can use it on platform frames, slatted beds, or low foundations; available in multiple sizes and thicknesses, so it works for everyday use, guests, dorms, or a spare room.
Aesthetic Appeal
Neutral white cover and low-profile look fit most bedroom styles and stay unobtrusive under your bedding.
Durability
Built with multiple foam layers and backed by a 10-year limited warranty, reviewers report solid performance for months to years of typical home use with minimal off-gassing.
Key Benefits
- Cooling gel top layer helps reduce night sweats
- Medium-firm support balances contouring and spine alignment
- CertiPUR‑US certified foams and OEKO‑TEX cover
- Mattress-in-a-box — easy delivery and setup
- 10-year limited warranty for peace of mind
Current Price: $178.00
Rating: 4.4 (total: 78,434+)
Novilla King 12″ Gel Memory Foam Mattress
If you want a comfy mattress that gets you back to solid sleep without a complicated setup, this Novilla King 12″ is worth a look.
You get a four-layer all-foam construction with a gel-infused top that aims to keep things cooler than older memory-foam models, and the design contours to your body to soften pressure points while still feeling medium-firm.
It comes rolled in a box, so you can lug it into an apartment or set it up in a guest room without scheduling a delivery slot; unwrap, let it decompress (many users see most expansion within hours, though full shape can take 24–72 hours), and you’re good to go.
Daily use: it’s solid for back and side sleepers who like a supportive, slightly contouring surface, and it’s convenient if you share a bed — motion transfer is low, so you won’t feel every toss and turn.
Special occasions: it’s an easy pick for temporary setups — moving days, a spare room for visitors, or outfitting a kid’s bed — because the price and portability make swapping or replacing simple. If you prefer firm, bouncy innersprings, you might notice the different feel.
Still, if you want reasonable cooling, pressure relief, and a mattress that keeps partner disturbance to a minimum, this one hits many useful marks.
What People Say
You’ll hear people praise the easy setup (vacuum-packed box), the supportive medium-firm feel that helps with back or hip pressure, and the mattress’s ability to dampen partner movement.
Common notes: allow up to 72 hours to fully expand, edge support can be weaker than innersprings, and cooling helps some sleepers but may not solve issues for very warm sleepers.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ AROD
Set up was straightforward — vacuum-packed, slice the wrap and it expanded quickly. I found it very comfortable and supportive (I’m about 180–190 lb) with good motion isolation; it nearly matched the comfort of my more expensive bed. A few caveats: edge support isn’t strong and warm sleepers might still notice heat.
🗣️ Melissa
Compact and easy to unpack. The medium-firm feel gave balanced pressure relief and the gel layer helped reduce overheating for me. Great option if you need an affordable, comfortable mattress for everyday use or a guest room.
Long-Term Value
Upfront, this mattress is far less than many premium memory foam or hybrid options, so you get comfortable performance at a lower price.
To keep it lasting longer, use a mattress protector and rotate it periodically — those small steps can delay the need for replacement and extend its value.
Situational Benefits
| Situation | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Moving or tight stairways | Compressed packaging lets you carry the mattress through doorways or up stairs without having to arrange a bulky delivery. |
| Guest room | Affordable and neutral-feeling, so visitors usually sleep well without a significant investment. |
| Sharing a bed | Low motion transfer means you’re less likely to feel your partner shift during the night. |
| People with pressure points | The memory foam contours to the hips and shoulders, relieving localized pressure and reducing morning aches. |
Health Benefits
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Pressure relief | Memory foam layers mold to your body and help reduce stress on hips and shoulders, which many sleepers find eases morning soreness. |
| Improved sleep continuity | Reduced motion transfer helps limit partner disturbances so you can sleep longer without waking from movement. |
| Lower chemical exposure | CertiPUR‑US certified foam reduces specific emissions and harmful substances compared with uncertified foams. |
Versatility
Works well on platform beds, slatted frames, or on the floor; available in multiple sizes and thicknesses, so it’s a practical choice for everyday bedrooms, guest rooms, or temporary setups.
Aesthetic Appeal
Neutral grey cover and simple profile blend into most bedroom styles and stay unobtrusive under your bedding.
Durability
Built with multiple foam layers designed to resist sagging, real-world reports are primarily positive for the first months to a couple of years.
However, a small number of users report sagging after longer-term use — using a protector and rotating can help.
Key Benefits
- Gel-infused top layer aims to help with temperature management
- Medium-plush/medium-firm balance gives pressure relief and spinal support
- Low motion transfer — good if you share the bed
- Ships compressed in a box for easier delivery and setup
- Uses CertiPUR‑US certified foam to limit harmful emissions
Current Price: $369.99
Rating: 4.3 (total: 32,554+)
EGOHOME 14 Inch King Memory Foam Mattress
If you’re hunting for a mattress that feels supportive without being rock hard, this MLILY EGOHOME 14-inch King is a solid candidate.
You get a copper-gel memory foam top and a cooling, graphene-infused cover that aim to keep temperatures steadier and pressure points softer than in older foam beds.
It arrives rolled in a box, so bringing it into an apartment or setting up a guest room is straightforward — unwrap it, let it expand (many users see most of the height back within hours), and you’re sleeping that night.
Daily use: it’s perfect if you want firmer back support or you’re a heavier sleeper — a lot of folks report less morning pain after switching.
Special occasions: because it ships compressed and fits standard frames, it’s convenient for moves, furnishing a rental, or a guest room refresh.
If you prefer a plush, bouncy innerspring, you’ll notice the difference, but if you want dependable support, low motion transfer, and a cooler-feeling foam mattress, this one’s worth trying.
What People Say
People commonly mention fast out-of-the-box expansion, a firmer-than-expected but supportive feel, and noticeable improvement in back discomfort.
Many appreciate the cooling cover and the made-in-USA construction; a few warm sleepers say cooling is subtle rather than dramatic.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ Sam H.
This mattress is absolutely perfect. It’s got decent side support and is not too firm and not too soft. The price is right, no strong odors, and my back pain has almost gone completely away after months of use.
🗣️ Drew Merten
I’m a big dude and this mattress supported me just fine. It expanded quickly (about an hour to full height), feels firmer than expected but comfortable, and I was glad to see it’s made in the USA.
Long-Term Value
Compared with pricier hybrid or innerspring options, this mattress gives a lot of performance for the price.
There’s a 10-year limited warranty, and the foam construction is built to resist sagging for years if you use a protector, rotate occasionally, and keep it on a solid frame. Those small habits stretch the mattress’s useful life and reduce replacement costs.
Situational Benefits
| Situation | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Moving or narrow stairs | Compressed packaging makes it easy to carry the mattress through doorways and up flights of stairs without coordinating a bulky delivery. |
| Chronic back pain | Medium/firm support and contouring foam help keep your spine aligned and reduce pressure that can contribute to morning aches. |
| Sharing a bed | Memory foam construction reduces motion transfer, so you’re less likely to wake from your partner’s movement. |
| Guest room or short-term setups | Good support and modest cooling in a budget-friendly package, so visitors usually sleep comfortably without a significant investment. |
Health Benefits
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Pressure relief | Copper-gel and memory foam layers contour to hips and shoulders, reducing localized pressure and easing morning soreness. |
| Spinal support | Medium-firm feel supports spinal alignment, which many reviewers say helped reduce or improve back pain over time. |
| Lower chemical exposure | CertiPUR‑US certified foams are made without certain harmful flame retardants and heavy metals, lowering some chemical exposure concerns. |
Versatility
Works on platform beds, adjustable bases, and slatted frames; available in many sizes and thicknesses, so you can pick what fits your bedroom or guest setup.
Aesthetic Appeal
The tight-top profile and black cover look modern and low-profile under bedding, so it blends into most bedroom styles without drawing attention.
Durability
Built with a dense base foam and a 10-year limited warranty, early user reports are positive about lasting support and minimal sagging, mainly when used on a proper foundation.
Key Benefits
- Copper-gel and gel memory foam layer for targeted pressure relief
- Cooling cover with graphene technology to help regulate temperature
- Medium/firm support that many find eases back pain
- Ships compressed in a box for easier delivery and setup
- CertiPUR‑US certified foam and made in the USA
Current Price: $599.00
Rating: 4.3 (total: 3,816+)
Nectar Classic 12″ Queen Mattress
If you want a no-fuss memory foam mattress that balances contouring comfort with solid support, this Nectar Classic is worth a look.
You get a cooling top layer, five comfort layers that cradle pressure points, and a medium-firm feel that many people say helps with back stiffness.
It ships compressed in a box, so bringing it into an apartment or guest room is straightforward — unbox, let it expand (some users see most height back in hours, others in a couple of days), and you’re ready.
Daily use: It’s great for couples because motion transfer is minimal, and for mixed-position sleepers who need a bit of contour without sinking too far in.
Special occasions: the boxed delivery and reasonable price make it a practical pick for moves, quickly furnishing a rental, or refreshing a guest room.
If you want something with a classic memory-foam hug, a lengthy trial, and a lifetime warranty, this one’s an easy option to try.
What People Say
You’ll often hear that it arrives in a box and is easy to set up, that it contours comfortably without feeling too soft, and that it helps reduce morning back soreness for a lot of users.
A few reviewers mention a short off-gassing smell and that complete expansion can take hours to a couple of days, but most folks report being pleasantly surprised by how quickly it feels sleep-ready.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ OverLord
We grabbed the Nectar during a sale and it arrived in three days. Setup was easy with a helper — the box is heavy — and it inflated almost instantly. It’s firm but still contours; at about 260 lbs I find it just the right balance and have slept better than I have in a long time.
🗣️ kirby
Came in a box that I could move myself up stairs, setup was straightforward, and I fall into it and don’t want to get out. It’s been five months and it still feels great; good comfort for the price.
Long-Term Value
Compared with pricier hybrid or luxury innersprings, this mattress gives strong day-to-day performance for the price.
The 365-night trial and lifetime warranty mean you can test it through seasons and keep it long-term without worrying about a short factory guarantee.
Using a mattress protector and a solid foundation will help prevent sagging and extend the mattress’s useful life, lowering replacement costs down the road.
Situational Benefits
| Situation | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Moving or narrow doorways | Compressed packaging makes the mattress easy to carry through tight spaces and up stairs without arranging special delivery. |
| Sharing a bed | Memory foam layers cut down motion transfer, so you’re less likely to be disturbed by a partner’s movements. |
| Morning back stiffness | Contouring layers and medium-firm support help distribute weight and relieve pressure that can trigger morning aches. |
| Furnishing a guest room or rental | Good all-around comfort, boxed delivery, and an extended trial period make it low-risk and convenient for short-term or occasional use. |
Health Benefits
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Pressure relief | Memory foam contours to the hips and shoulders, reducing concentrated pressure and helping reduce soreness. |
| Spinal alignment | Medium-firm support helps keep the spine supported across different sleeping positions, which many users find eases back pain. |
| Improved sleep quality | Reduced motion transfer and balanced contouring help you stay asleep longer and wake up feeling more refreshed. |
Versatility
Works on platform beds, slatted frames, and many adjustable bases; available in multiple Nectar styles and sizes so you can pick what fits your bedroom or guest setup.
Aesthetic Appeal
Tight-top, low-profile design in a clean white cover that stays out of sight under bedding and suits most bedroom styles.
Durability
Built with layered support foams and backed by a forever warranty, early user reports show good hold-up over a year or more when used with a proper foundation and protector.
Key Benefits
- Cooling top cover and breathable fabric to help regulate temperature
- Contouring memory foam for pressure relief at the hips and shoulders
- Medium-firm support that suits many sleep positions
- Minimal motion transfer, suitable for couples
- 365-night trial and a ‘Forever’ warranty reduce buying risk
Current Price: $649.00
Rating: 4.3 (total: 7,338+)
FAQ
How Do You Choose The Right Mattress For Your Sleep Style And Body?
You should start by matching firmness to your sleep position and body weight: side sleepers generally benefit from a softer to medium surface to relieve shoulder and hip pressure, back sleepers tend to prefer medium to medium-firm for spine support, and stomach sleepers usually need firmer layers to avoid sinking at the hips. If you share the bed, prioritize motion isolation and edge support so movement doesn’t wake you; foam models like the GAESTE Full 8″ cooling gel option at $129.95 and the Zinus 10″ Green Tea at $178.00 offer strong motion isolation on a budget, while mid- to high-range picks such as Novilla at $369.99, EGOHOME at $599.00, or Nectar at $649.00 add more comfort layers and durability.
Look for safety certifications like CertiPUR‑US when you care about foam chemistry, check weight limits if that applies to you, and take advantage of trial periods and return policies so you can test how the mattress really feels in your home.
What Should You Expect When You Unbox A Mattress In A Box?
Most mattress-in-a-box models arrive vacuum-sealed and heavy, so place the packaged mattress where you want it before cutting it open. Carefully remove the outer packaging, then the vacuum wrap; do not use sharp tools near the foam.
Expect some expansion and mild off-gassing; manufacturers commonly advise waiting 24–72 hours for complete expansion and scent dissipation — reviews show some GAESTE and Zinus mattresses expand in hours while others take the whole recommended window.
Put the mattress on a supportive platform or base, keep the room ventilated during the first day, save the original box and receipt until you’re sure you’ll keep it, and follow the brand’s setup guidance to protect your return or warranty rights.
How Can You Care For Your Mattress To Keep It Comfortable Longer?
You’ll extend comfort and lifespan by using a good-quality mattress protector, rotating (not flipping) many foam mattresses every 3–6 months if the manufacturer recommends it, and avoiding jumping or sitting on the very edge repeatedly.
Spot-clean spills with a mild detergent and follow the care instructions for the cover; don’t remove sewn-in covers unless the brand explicitly allows it. If the mattress feels too firm at first, give it several weeks to break in or add a topper to fine-tune the feel.
To stay cool, choose breathable sheets, a cooling mattress pad, and maintain a cooler bedroom temperature; many gel-infused models help, but bedding and room climate matter a lot. Finally, register your mattress, keep purchase records, and read the trial and warranty terms—Nectar’s 365-night trial is a generous policy that can give you confidence to test the mattress over time.
What Sleepers Prefer
When choosing between the Gaeste Full 8 Cooling Gel, ZINUS 10 Green Tea Cooling, and Novilla King 12 Gel Memory Foam, you mainly prioritize how cool and contouring the mattress feels, the thickness and firmness that suit your sleep position, and the overall value for the price.
If you sleep hot or want a lower-profile, firmer feel, you’ll lean toward the thinner cooling-gel options.
In contrast, side sleepers or anyone looking for more pressure relief and motion isolation will usually choose the thicker 12-gel memory foam.
Wrapping It Up
Pick the mattress that fits your sleep style and budget — not the one with the flashiest ad. If you want an all-around winner with a lengthy trial and proven performance, the Nectar Classic covers comfort, contouring, and cooling. If you need the best value, ZINUS delivers certified foam, cooling foam, and a very affordable price.
For a low-cost option that still keeps you cool, the GAESTE 8″ Full is easy to handle and wallet-friendly.
If back pain is your primary concern, prioritize supportive, firmer constructions like the EGOHOME 14″.
Finally, Novilla is a firm middle ground if pressure relief and a plush yet supportive feel are priorities.
Use the selection tips above to match firmness and features to your sleep style, and you’ll be much more likely to wake up refreshed and pain-free.
| Product | Image | Rating | Price | Dimensions & Weight | Material & Highlights | Special Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 Inch Full Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress |
 |
4.5/5 (1,095 reviews) | $129.95 | 75 x 54 x 8 inches, 37 pounds |
|
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| ZINUS 10 Inch Green Tea Cooling Memory Foam Mattress |
 |
4.4/5 (78,434 reviews) | $178.00 | 80 x 60 x 10 inches, 52.5 pounds |
|
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| Novilla 12 Inch Gel Memory Foam King Mattress |
 |
4.3/5 (32,554 reviews) | $369.99 | 80 x 76 x 12 inches, 57.9 pounds |
|
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| EGOHOME 14 Inch King Size Memory Foam Mattress |
 |
4.3/5 (3,816 reviews) | $599.00 | 80 x 76 x 14 inches, 96 pounds |
|
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| Nectar Classic 12” Queen Mattress |
 |
4.3/5 (7,338 reviews) | $649.00 | 80 x 60 x 12 inches, 78 pounds |
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