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Best Affordable Memory Foam Mattress
Memory foam was famously invented to help cushion NASA astronauts, but it quickly rose to popularity in the mattress industry. While the material was long associated with expensive luxury mattresses, as it has become more mainstream, an increasing number of affordable memory foam mattresses has entered the market.
The proliferation of budget-friendly memory foam mattresses has made these more accessible to the general public. However, overall quality and value vary from model to model. Our testing team has analyzed over 2,000 mattresses over the years, including hundreds of memory foam models, so we know what to look for in a new bed. We’ll share our top picks for the best affordable memory foam mattress based on our extensive hands-on testing.

Our #1 Pick: Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex
We’ve selected the Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam as the best affordable memory foam mattress. Its medium firm (6) feel is a good fit for many body types and position preferences, and the design incorporates components for cooling and zoned support that are more common in higher-priced models.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall Mattress
:Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam
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Best Cooling Mattress
:Leesa Original
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Best Mattress for Back Pain
:Bear Original
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Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
:Nolah Signature 12
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Best Firm Mattress
:Plank Firm
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Best Mattress for Couples
:Lull Original Mattress
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Best Mattress for Spinal Alignment
:Silk & Snow Mattress
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Affordable Memory Foam Mattress Deals Happening Now
- Save $216 — Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam
$649(List Price $865) - Save $333 — Leesa Original
$999(List Price $1,332) - Save $314 — Bear Original
$584(List Price $898) - Save $630 — Nolah Signature 12
$1,169(List Price $1,799) - Save $333 — Plank Firm
$999(List Price $1,332)
How We Test
How We Determine Our Best Overall Score
With each mattress we test, our team follows the same comprehensive research and evaluation methodology to ensure objective, data-based findings. The mattress testing process consists of four stages, beginning with our detailed analysis of the bed’s construction, materials, and firmness. This cursory exam allows us to calculate an expected lifespan to determine our durability score. We also review the brand’s shipping and return policies, as well as its overall reputation for customer service and satisfaction.
The second stage involves hands-on evaluations in our Seattle Test Lab. We use a wide range of tools and technology to determine how well the mattress relieves pressure, isolates motion, regulates temperature, and resists deep compression when weight is applied. Once we’ve finished the lab-based stage, our field testers take the mattresses home and sleep on them in their own bedrooms for 2 to 3 weeks. These in-home experiences capture how the mattress performs night to night in an authentic sleep environment. Lastly, we collect and read verified customer reviews of each product to make sure our findings are in line with the general public.
Throughout this four-step testing process, we record data and notes that contribute to each bed’s overall and individual performance ratings. The graph below shows how every performance metric contributes to product scores.

How We Determine the Best Affordable Memory Foam Mattress
Drawing from a product database that includes more than 2,000 mattress models, our team has narrowed down the best budget-friendly memory foam mattresses on the market today. We made our picks with the following criteria in mind:
- Quality construction: Cheap memory foam mattresses are a dime a dozen. To curate this list, we focused on memory foam models that exemplify quality materials and construction while still carrying an affordable sticker price.
- Strong performance: The best budget memory foam mattresses on this page earned high ratings during our hands-on and field testing phases. For many, motion isolation and pressure relief were the major strengths, but some models also received decent marks in other categories like edge support and temperature control.
- Value over affordability: Even at an unbeatable price, an inexpensive mattress may not be worth the investment if it begins to break down after a year of active use. Our list spotlights low-cost memory foam mattresses that should hold up decently well over time.
After filtering our list down to about 30 models, we ran each candidate through a fresh round of testing to pinpoint the most outstanding performers.
Our Testing Team

Logan Foley
Executive Product Director
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Mary Fenton
Head of Product Content
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Jeremy Klein
Product Testing Manager
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Brad Nehring
Product Testing Manager
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Colin Simpson
Product Research Manager
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Rachel Grice
Product Content Manager
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Best Overall Mattress: Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam
Best Overall Mattress
8.8/10Test Lab Score
Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam
An all-foam mattress that hugs and soothes pressure points for restful sleep.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Most side and back sleepers, couples, and sleepers prone to upper or lower back pain.
- Feel: Medium firm (6) feel with a deep hug from the adaptive surface foams and extra pushback beneath the midsection from the zoned support layer.
- What It’s Made Of: Memory foam and polyfoam comfort layers over zoned transitional polyfoam and a high-density foam support core.
- What We Don’t Like: This model may feel too soft for back and stomach sleepers over 230 pounds.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
The Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam is a versatile mattress that can accommodate a wide range of sleep needs and preferences. This medium firm (6) model incorporates design elements more common in mattresses with higher price tags, and our testing team found it performed well across categories with few notable drawbacks.
How It Performed
With its medium firm (6) feel and deep comfort system, the Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam was most popular among our side-sleeping testers. Those between 130 and 230 pounds felt particularly comfortable on the mattress, noting a deep cradle that relieved pressure without sacrificing support. Back sleepers up to 230 pounds and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds also enjoyed the light contour and close, body-molding effect.
Best Cooling Mattress: Leesa Original
Best Cooling Mattress
8.2/10Test Lab Score
Leesa Original
High-quality all-foam bed that appeals to most sleepers.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Hot sleepers who like the feel of memory foam, side sleepers, and couples.
- Feel: A medium (5) design that provides gentle cushioning and conforming without excessive heat retention.
- What It’s Made Of: The comfort system features a layer of proprietary open-cell foam over a layer of memory foam, and the support core consists of high-density base foam.
- What We Don’t Like: Inadequate support for many back and stomach sleepers.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance






The Leesa Original’s balanced all-foam design excels at motion isolation and pressure relief, also incorporating features engineered for cooling. As a medium (5) model, it’s on the softer side and a solid match for many side sleepers. Despite its plusher feel, it doesn’t trap heat as much as many other all-foam models we’ve tested.
How It Performed
Because of its medium (5) feel, the Leesa Original performed best for our side-sleeping testers. Those weighing up to 230 pounds reported balanced contouring and support that eased pressure without letting them sink in too deeply. Some back and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds also found that the mattress helped them maintain a neutral sleep position, but those who weigh more said the comfort system was too soft.
Best Mattress for Back Pain: Bear Original
Best Mattress for Back Pain
7.8/10Test Lab Score
Bear Original
An affordable foam bed designed for those with an active lifestyle.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Sleepers with frequent or lower back pain and those who prefer minimal hug from their mattress.
- Feel: A firm (7) feel with very light contouring and a sturdy underlying base that pushes back against your weight.
- What It’s Made Of: A memory foam comfort layer over transitional polyfoam and high-density base foam. The cover is made of quilted Celliant intended to draw heat away from the surface.
- What We Don’t Like: This mattress is firmer than the average memory foam model, so some side sleepers may need more cushioning.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
The Bear Original is a firm (7) all-foam model built for enhanced support. Sleepers who experience frequent pain from their midsection or hips sagging into their mattress should appreciate the extra pushback and strong overall stability of this mattress, which offers a limited contour to keep your body on a fairly even plane.
How It Performed
In our tests, the Bear Original was suitable for most sleepers across body types and position preferences. Side sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds were the most enthused because their hips and shoulders could sink into the surface without digging in too hard. Due to the firm (7) feel, the Bear Original also performed better during ease of movement tests than many other memory foam models we’ve tested. However, this limited give also means the mattress did not perform as well in motion isolation and pressure relief tests compared to the competition.
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers: Nolah Signature 12
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
8.1/10Test Lab Score
Nolah Signature 12
A close-conforming foam bed with a medium firmness.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Side sleepers, especially those up to 230 pounds, and people who frequently wake up with pressure points.
- Feel: A medium (5) feel with deep contouring and enhanced support around the lumbar region.
- What It’s Made Of: A comfort system with four individual layers. These include Nolah’s proprietary AirFoam, which is engineered to relieve pressure like traditional memory foam without as much heat retention, and two zoned layers for extra lower back support. A high-density foam support core stabilizes the mattress.
- What We Don’t Like: Deep cradling can make movement more difficult, and cause some stomach and back sleepers to sink in excessively.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance






Side sleepers often benefit from a mattress that molds closely to their curves to ease pressure, and the Nolah Signature can deliver. This medium (5) all-foam model combines a close hug with breathable materials to cradle a side sleeper’s hips and shoulders without trapping too much heat.
How It Performed
Thanks to its close conforming, side sleepers on our testing team gave the Nolah Signature high ratings. Those who weigh up to 230 pounds were particularly impressed, noting that their hips and shoulders felt cradled yet supported by the thick comfort system. Many back and stomach sleepers would have preferred more support, but those under 130 pounds also gave the mattress decent ratings.
Best Firm Mattress: Plank Firm
Best Firm Mattress
8.5/10Test Lab Score
Plank Firm
A reversible foam mattress with an ultra-supportive feel on both sides.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: People who weigh more than 230 pounds, especially back and stomach sleepers.
- Feel: Flippable design with a firm (7) feel on one side and extra firm (9) on the other. Both surfaces feel ultra-supportive with limited cushioning.
- What It’s Made Of: The firm side’s comfort system features quilting material and 2 inches of polyfoam, while the extra firm side only contains quilting foam. A shared support core of high-density polyfoam core rests between the two comfort systems.
- What We Don’t Like: The limited cushioning can feel too firm for some, especially side sleepers up to 230 pounds.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance






While many all-foam models are built for plushness and conforming, the Plank Firm is designed for robust support. This flippable model includes firm (7) and extra firm (9) sides, making it a good option for sleepers who want two exceptionally supportive sleep surface options.
How It Performed
With a firm (7) and an extra firm (9) side, both options on the Plank Firm earned high marks from back and stomach sleepers. Side sleepers gave this mattress more mixed reviews, though most of our testers across weight groups could lie comfortably in the position on the firm (7) side.
Best Mattress for Couples: Lull Original Mattress
Best Mattress for Couples
8.6/10Test Lab Score
Lull Original Mattress
Medium firm all-foam mattress with a close-conforming feel.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Side sleepers, couples, and budget shoppers.
- Feel: Medium firm (6) feel with a bit of plushness on the surface and dense support layers to push back compression.
- What It’s Made Of: A three-layer design consisting of gel-infused memory foam over transitional polyfoam and a high-density foam base. The cover is a stretch-rayon blend.
- What We Don’t Like: Most back and stomach sleepers over 230 pounds will need a firmer, less adaptive mattress. By the same token, side sleepers under 130 pounds may find this model too soft.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
If you and your partner are shopping for an affordable memory foam mattress together, the Lull Original should meet your needs as a couple without going over your budget. This three-layer foam model excels at motion isolation, one of the most important considerations for co-sleepers, and its balanced medium firm (6) feel appeals to side sleepers across different weight groups.
How It Performed
Lull Original earned its highest ratings from side sleepers on our testing team. Those between 130 and 230 pounds were particularly impressed with how this mattress balances gentle contouring on the surface and decent pushback from the underlying support layers. Back sleepers under 130 pounds also found the Lull Original comfortable.
Best Mattress for Spinal Alignment: Silk & Snow Mattress
Best Mattress for Spinal Alignment
8.4/10Test Lab Score
Silk & Snow Mattress
A foam mattress that conforms close to your body for pressure relief.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Side and back sleepers, people with persistent back pain, and value seekers.
- Feel: Available in medium (5) and firm (7) designs, each with a distinct balance of contouring and support to accommodate different sleeper types.
- What It’s Made Of: A three-layer design consisting of gel-infused memory foam and transitional polyfoam over a high-density foam base.
- What We Don’t Like: Both designs can hinder movement and make changing sleep positions more difficult.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
The Silk & Snow Mattress is a three-layer memory foam model available in two firmness levels. Whether you prefer the close contouring of the medium (5) design or need the extra support of a firm (7) model, this Canadian-made mattress has you covered — and the sticker price falls well below average compared to the competition.
How It Performed
After testing both versions of the Silk & Snow Mattress, our team determined that the plusher medium model is a solid match for side sleepers up to 230 pounds. The foam layers of this design mold closely to create a pressure-relieving cradle that promotes even spinal alignment while pushing back against the shoulders and hips. Heavier side sleepers, as well as back and stomach sleepers up to 230 pounds, will probably prefer the more supportive build of the firm (7) design.
Who Is a Memory Foam Mattress Best For?
With a diverse array of memory foam mattresses available, nearly anyone can find a design that meets their needs and suits their preferences. However, memory foam mattresses tend to be most popular with the following groups:
- Side sleepers: Memory foam mattresses typically mold to a side sleeper’s curves, reducing pressure buildup around areas that often dig harder into the mattress, such as the hips and shoulders.
- Sleepers with pressure-related pain: Memory foam redistributes the sleeper’s weight, so sleepers who experience discomfort where their body touches the mattress may appreciate the close cushioning and even conforming.
- Couples: By compressing directly under the sleeper, memory foam limits vibrations that could otherwise transfer from one side of the bed to the other. For partners who share a bed, this may help reduce sleep interruptions during the night.
Who Are Memory Foam Beds Less Than Ideal For?
Performance varies between models, so you may be able to find an option that limits the drawbacks associated with memory foam. However, the average memory foam mattress is usually less than ideal for the following groups:
- Hot sleepers: Many memory foam mattresses incorporate components designed for cooling, but the material’s dense composition and close hug can trap body heat against the sleeper and make the surface feel warm.
- Active sleepers: Some find memory foam harder to move on because of its close hug and tendency to retain body impressions even after you’ve moved. Active sleepers and those with mobility issues may prefer a more responsive surface.
- Stomach sleepers and those over 230 pounds: There are some very supportive memory foam mattresses on the market, but more often than not, these models are built for close contouring and cradling. Stomach sleepers, people over 230 pounds, and other individuals who may need more support from their mattress might want to look at other designs.
What to Consider When Shopping for an Affordable Memory Foam Mattress
Affordable mattresses should be comfortable for both your body and your wallet. Mattress qualities related to performance criteria like motion isolation, edge support, ease of movement, and durability should all come into play as you make your decision. However, the following factors are most important when shopping for an affordable memory foam mattress.
Sleeping Position and Body Weight
Sleeping position and body weight are among the top considerations for any mattress shopper because they are strongly related to your support needs.
Side sleepers typically gravitate toward memory foam mattresses. These models traditionally conform closely to the body and relieve pressure well, and this can be beneficial for side sleepers who feel sharp pain in their shoulders, lower back, or hips.
Back sleepers may also enjoy how memory foam molds to their body, though they’re likely to need a slightly firmer surface than side sleepers—especially if they weigh more than 230 pounds. Stomach sleepers have the most significant support needs, so they generally prefer firmer memory foam models that won’t make them sink excessively or a different type of mattress altogether.
Body weight also plays a role in the optimal affordable memory foam mattress. Lighter folks in particular may prefer memory foam models for their notable conforming. Heavier individuals, on the other hand, may need a firmer surface and strong support system to sleep comfortably without excessive sag.
Contouring and Pressure Relief
Contouring and pressure relief are often the main selling points for memory foam mattresses. A memory foam model should be able to adjust to the shape of your body and redistribute pressure to limit buildup around areas like the shoulders and hips.
The extent of contouring and pressure relief varies between models. Many budget-friendly options use thinner layers of memory foam that don’t hug the body as deeply, but they may incorporate polyfoam for additional cushioning.
Temperature Regulation
Memory foam has a reputation for trapping heat because it molds closely to the body and limits air circulation. Some models incorporate features designed to counteract this, such as cooling gel infusions in the comfort systems and breathable cover fabrics, but affordable memory foam mattresses are less likely to include these elements due to budget constraints.
Dig Deeper — More Mattress Guides by Type
For more information on our top mattress picks for different product categories, check out the guides listed below.
Shopping Guides by Best Mattress for Sleeper Types
- Best Mattress for Back Sleepers
- Best Mattress for Heavy Sleepers
- Best Mattress for Lightweight Sleepers
- Best Mattress for Athletes
- Best Mattress for Couples
- Best Mattress for Kids
- Best Mattress for Toddlers
- Best Mattress for Seniors
- Best Mattress for Teenagers
- Best Mattress for Shoulder Pain
- Best Mattress for Back Pain
- Best Mattress for Hip Pain
- Best Mattress for Arthritis
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