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Written by
Bill Fish
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Many consumers share the misconception that a high-quality mattress should cost thousands of dollars. This may be true for some models, but budget-friendly beds are also widely available. Despite their affordable price-points, these mattresses offer the same high-quality materials and strong performance as many of their more expensive counterparts.
Several factors play a role in mattress pricing. These include mattress type, materials, and special or unique features. The cost of a mattress also varies from brand to brand. Online brands typically offer lower prices for mattresses compared to brick-and-mortar sellers, who face more overhead costs.
This guide will discuss how to find a comfortable and affordable mattress. Below, you’ll find our picks for the best budget mattress models sold today, along with a comprehensive guide that includes an overview of different mattress types and tips for first-time mattress buyers.
Sink into the Nectar for a deeply conforming cradle and pressure relief throughout the body.
The Nectar is constructed with three memory foam layers over a support core of high-density polyfoam. Though the mattress has a medium firm feel, the memory foam conforms very closely to the sleeper’s body to create a deep cradle many liken to sleeping “in” – as opposed to “on” – the mattress. This results in exceptional pressure relief and ample cushioning for the shoulders, spine, and hips.
We recommend the Nectar to couples due to its superior motion isolation and noise-free design. Thanks to a dense and durable support core, the Nectar’s edge support is better than average compared to other memory foam models. The bed’s mid-level feel is suitable for most sleepers regardless of body type of sleep position.
That said, lighter side sleepers will likely find the mattress too firm, while heavier stomach sleepers note uncomfortable sagging around the midsection. Like other memory foam mattresses, the Nectar may also absorb and trap body heat, causing it to sleep warm.
The Nectar’s price makes it a best value mattress compared to other memory foam models. The company also offers a 365-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty, both of which are longer than average.
Tuft & Needle’s flagship polyfoam bed provides gentle body-conforming with a light bounce.
The T&N Original Mattress from Tuft & Needle is made with a comfort layer of open-cell, graphite-infused polyfoam over a high-density polyfoam support core. The foam offers semi-close conforming and very good pressure relief, but the surface has a medium firm feel and the polyfoam is somewhat responsive. This gives sleepers the combined feeling of sleeping “on” and sleeping “in” their mattress.
Like other all-foam models, the T&N Original Mattress excels at motion isolation and does not produce any noise when bearing weight. These attributes make the mattress ideal for people whose sleep is easily disturbed by movement or noise. The comfort layer material is also fairly breathable, allowing the bed to sleep cooler on the surface than many of its all-foam competitors. The high-density base offers decent stability and support, as well.
While the T&N Original Mattress is a good choice for sleepers in any position who weigh less than 230 pounds, it may be too soft and prone to sagging for heavier individuals – back and stomach sleepers in particular. Edge support may be another issue, as a lack of perimeter reinforcement may cause deep sinkage when owners get in and out of bed.
The T&N Original Mattress is available for a very affordable price compared to other all-foam beds. Tuft & Needle also offers a 100-night sleep trial and 10-year warranty for the mattress.
The Layla Mattress’s memory foam layers relieve pressure well, while its dual firmness supports a variety of needs for different sleepers.
The Layla Mattress is an all-foam mattress that combines copper-infused memory foam comfort layers with polyfoam in a flippable construction. Each side offers a vastly different feel in terms of firmness, with a suitable option available for a wide variety of sleepers.
One side has a “medium soft” (4) feel on the 10-point firmness scale, while the other side is a “firm” (7-8). The medium soft side consists of 3 inches of copper-infused memory foam over 2 inches of a zoned polyfoam, which provides targeted support to different areas of the body. The firm side has 1 inch of the copper-infused memory foam over 4 inches of polyfoam.
The memory foam provides deep cradling and pressure relief for sleepers of all sizes, while its copper infusion works to draw some excess heat away from the body. The cover is made of a breathable blend of polyester, viscose, and spandex, with a Thermo-Gel cooling agent sewn in that responds to heat.
The Layla Mattress’s versatility makes it a solid option for sleepers of all sizes and sleeping positions. Sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds will likely prefer to sleep on the medium soft side, while the firm side is better suited to the needs of sleepers who weigh more than 130 pounds.
The Layla Mattress has a price that is around the middle of the pack for an all-foam mattress. The bed comes with a 120-night sleep trial and is covered by a lifetime warranty.
The Idle Gel Plush mattress’s thick foam layers provide close and even body-contouring, while its cooling cover helps the surface resist the buildup of body heat.
The Idle Gel Plush is ideal for people who enjoy the body-cradling feel of an all-foam mattress. This model is constructed with 3 inches of “Buoyancy” polyfoam that conforms to the body without sinking too much, followed by 3 inches of contouring memory foam. The mattress offers a medium (5) feel with ample cushioning on the surface, making it best suited to side sleepers who weigh 230 pounds or less. Back and stomach sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds may also find the mattress comfortable, but heavier individuals will probably sink a bit too much.
An 8-inch support core of high-density polyfoam provides great stability without sacrificing comfort layer thickness, so the result is a balanced medium feel. The Idle Gel Plush is encased in a cover made of Ice fabric designed to improve thermoregulation on the surface. The polyfoam comfort layers are also infused with gel for added cooling. The surface foams absorb motion quite well, which can eliminate its transfer across the surface and minimize sleep disruptions for couples.
If you’re in the market for a luxurious all-foam mattress, the Idle Gel Plush also has a reasonable price-point. The company offers an 18-month sleep trial, which is one of the longest trial periods in the industry, along with a lifetime warranty for added owner protection. Ground shipping is free for all orders, as well.
The Nolah Original 10 is an all-f0am bed with a balance of conforming and support that is well-suited to side sleepers who weigh up to 230 pounds.
The Zoma Sports Mattress uses contouring foam to alleviate pressure points along with a zoned layer that provides enhanced support throughout the body.
The Zoma Mattress is an all-foam model with a polyfoam comfort layer that is “zoned,” or divided into different firmness levels. This ensures more support and less sinkage for areas where people tend to carry more weight, such as the midsection and hips, and softer cushioning for the head and neck, shoulders, and legs. The mattress also includes a transitional foam layer that provides added reinforcement for your body, followed by a stabilizing base layer of high-density polyfoam. Its feel is considered medium (5) and contours somewhat closely, but the comfort layer is also fairly responsive compared to memory foam, so you may notice a light bounce on the surface.
The zoned design and medium feel make this mattress best suited to people who weigh up to 230 pounds. Plush padding for their shoulders and hips promotes even spinal alignment and pressure relief for side sleepers, while back sleepers can rest on the surface without sinking excessively. We also recommend the mattress for couples. The foam absorbs motion to cut down on transfer across the surface and minimize sleep disturbances for co-sleepers, and the mattress itself is completely silent.
Given the advanced design of its zoned comfort layer, the Zoma Mattress has a very reasonable price-point. The company offers free shipping and returns for all customers in the contiguous U.S., and the mattress is backed by a 10-year warranty.
The comfortable, no-frills Element is a budget-friendly bed fit for adults, teens, and kids alike.
The Casper Element is a budget-friendly all-foam mattress made with a layer of perforated polyfoam over a high-density foam base. The mattress has a medium firm (6) feel and the polyfoam is somewhat responsive, but it also offers decent body conforming for people who weigh up to 230 pounds.
Like other all-foam models, the Casper Element isolates motion very well and is completely silent when bearing weight. Couples and co-sleepers should experience fewer nighttime disruptions related to movement or noise. Pressure relief is another major strength. Side sleepers receive ample cushioning beneath the shoulders and hips for even spinal alignment, while back sleepers won’t sink too much around the hips and experience added pressure.
That said, heavier individuals – stomach sleepers in particular – may notice excessive sagging due to the bed’s all-foam construction. The foam layers also retain and trap body heat, causing the bed to feel overly warm to some sleepers, and edge support is minimal.
The Element is the most affordable mattress in Casper’s lineup. The company offers free shipping anywhere in the contiguous U.S. and Canada. They also back the mattress with a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.
The CoolBreeze’s gel memory foam contours, cushions, and reduces pressure throughout the body.
The CoolBreeze from Dynasty Mattress is built with a pressure-relieving memory foam comfort layer, along with two memory foam transitional layers. The mattress has a medium firm (6) feel, so sleepers won’t sink too deeply beneath the surface, but the foams offer close contouring and very good pressure relief.
The memory foam also cradles the shoulders and hips to ensure even spinal alignment for side sleepers, while maintaining a fairly supportive feel for back sleepers. Additionally, the CoolBreeze provides excellent motion isolation and does not produce any noise when bearing weight. These characteristics make the mattress a great option for people who experience sleep disruptions due to their sleep partner’s movements. The zipper can be unzipped and machine-washed, as well.
That said, edge support is somewhat weak in this mattress and owners will notice significant sinkage when getting in and out of bed. The mattress also absorbs and traps a fair amount of body heat. As a result, it may sleep too warm for some.
The CoolBreeze costs significantly less than the average memory foam mattress. Buyers also receive two free pillows with each purchase, along with a 120-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.
The Yogabed’s premium memory foam ensures less pressure for sleepers and fewer disruptions for couples.
We’ve selected the Yogabed as one of our best price mattress picks due in part to its balanced contouring. For one, the mattress is constructed with a comfort layer of gel-infused memory foam and responsive polyfoam over a 2 -layer, 7-inch high-density polyfoam base. The mattress has a medium firm (6) feel, but the memory foam conforms and cradles the body to reduce pressure in the shoulders, back, and hips.
Side sleepers who weigh up to 230 pounds should feel enough support to keep their spines aligned evenly, while back sleepers should remain on a fairly even plane without sinking too much. As is the case with many competing memory foam models, the Yogabed also excels at motion isolation and does not produce any noise – two helpful qualities for couples.
Stomach sleepers may notice a bit more sagging around the midsection, which can affect how supportive the mattress feels. The same is true for anyone who weighs more than 230 pounds. The edges also lack strong support, so owners may notice significant sinkage when sitting or lying near the edges.
The Yogabed costs below average for an all-foam mattress in a queen size, and the company offers free shipping anywhere in the contiguous U.S. The mattress is backed by a 101-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.
With copper-infused memory foam and zoned pocketed coils, the Allswell offers high-quality construction at a very affordable price.
The Allswell is one of our best affordable mattress picks for a few reasons. This hybrid model is made with a copper-infused memory foam comfort layer over a pocketed coil base. The mattress has a firm (7-8) feel and thick coils give the surface a very springy, responsive feel. This results in strong support for sleepers and a feeling of sleeping “on” – rather than “in” – the mattress.
The Allswell is also a good choice for hot sleepers. Thanks to strong air circulation through the coil layer, the mattress maintains a cool and consistent temperature. Edge support is another strong point. The support core is zoned with thicker coils reinforcing the border to prevent deep sinkage, while thinner coils provide comfortable cradling for the sleeper’s body.
Due to its highly responsive surface, the Allswell’s motion isolation is somewhat limited, and the coils may squeak and creak on occasion. This can lead to nighttime disruptions for couples. The mattress may also feel too firm for some people, including lightweight side sleepers.
The Allswell is very inexpensive compared to the average hybrid model, and Allswell offers free shipping anywhere in the contiguous U.S. The mattress is backed by a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.
Finding a cheap mattress is easier than ever. This is primarily due to the rise of online mattress brands over the past decade. Historically, mattress shoppers bought beds from brick-and-mortar sellers, which typically charge thousands of dollars to cover the overhead costs of operating physical stores and employing onsite sales staff. Online brands have much lower overhead costs so they’re able to offer considerably lower price-points.
Online mattresses – also known as “mattresses in a box” or “beds in a box” – may be cheaper, but they offer the same high-quality materials, comfortable designs, and durability of their more expensive competitors. Today’s online shoppers can choose from hundreds of brands and retailers.
Buying a cheap mattress online is a fairly straightforward process. First, customers should research affordable mattress options by comparing different brands and models. After narrowing down their final picks, they should review product materials and specs to see which model offers the right firmness, comfort, and support. To purchase a mattress model, simply select the desired size from its product page and follow the checkout instructions.
Be sure to look for coupons and discounts on the brand’s website – these promotions can reduce the bed’s asking price by hundreds of dollars. Many online brands also offer sales for certain holidays, such as President’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, and Veteran’s Day. Sales for consumer holidays like Amazon Prime Day (July 15), Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving), and Cyber Monday (the Monday after Thanksgiving) are also common.
Mattress shoppers should take many different variables into account in order to choose the best inexpensive mattress. Some mattress brands can be misleading with their marketing jargon, advertising beds with features like “universal comfort” and “unlimited durability” that simply don’t exist. Instead of focusing on inaccurate descriptions, take time to research the following characteristics.
Certain mattress features and characteristics can drive up the price-point by a considerable margin. These include the following:
This list is not exhaustive. If a mattress has a relatively high price-point, be sure to read the specs to see why. The cost may reflect special features like those described above – but in some cases, the bed might be overpriced.
We recommend reading the fine print on a mattress brand’s shipping, return, and warranty policies before purchasing a new bed, especially if you are buying online. These policies are fairly consistent across different brands, but careful research will help shoppers avoid hidden fees. This section includes a general overview of what to expect for mattress shipping, returns, and warranties.
Options: The vast majority of online brands offer free ground shipping within the contiguous U.S. Some also ship for free to Alaska, Hawaii, and/or Canada. Most standard ground deliveries reach their destination in two weeks or less. If standard shipping will take too long, customers may be able to select expedited shipping for an added charge. A third option, if available, is White Glove delivery. This includes in-home assembly and old mattress removal, but the wait time is often longer – typically two to three weeks.
Rates: Standard ground shipping is normally free within the contiguous U.S. Customers in Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, and other non-contiguous locations that qualify for delivery may pay anywhere from $100 to $600 for mattress shipping. Expedited shipping will also incur extra charges, but usually no more than $50. If White Glove delivery is not free, expect to pay at least $150 for in-home assembly and old mattress removal.
Method: For standard ground shipping, the mattress will be compressed with a machine press, wrapped in plastic, and delivered in a compact box. Couriers will leave the box on the customer’s doorstep, and a signature will not be required. The same is true for expedited deliveries. White Glove couriers deliver mattresses in trucks, and will not compress the beds for shipping. A signature is usually required for a White Glove delivery and an adult 18 years or older should be at the residence when the couriers arrive.
Sleep Trial: Online brands usually offer a sleep trial, during which customers can test out a mattress, then decide whether to keep the bed, exchange it for a different model, or return it for a refund. Most sleep trials last at least 90 nights, and some span one year or longer. In some cases, customers must “break in” the mattress for a certain length of time (usually 30 nights) before they can return the bed for a refund. This allows your body to adjust to the mattress fully before you decide it’s not for you.
Cost: Most online mattress brands offer free returns within the sleep trial period. In most cases, the company will send couriers to pick up the mattress from the customer’s residence, then transport it for recycling or donation. Alternatively, the customer may be asked to dispose of or donate the mattress themselves. Returned mattresses are never restocked or resold. Some brands charge return fees, but these charges are usually less than $100.
Refund: Once a mattress has been returned to the company, customers should receive a refund on the original form of payment – though this process can take up to 30 days. If the customer is asked to recycle or donate the mattress, they may need to submit photographic proof to the company.
Exchanges: Some brands allow mattress exchanges during the sleep trial for different models, sizes, or both. Exchanging for a more inexpensive model will require paying the difference, whereas exchanging for a lower model results in a partial refund.
Length: All mattresses come with a product warranty, which covers products that develop defects. Most mattress warranties span 10 years in length, but 15-, 20-, and 25-year warranties are also available. “Lifetime” warranties cover the mattress as long as the original buyer retains ownership.
Costs: If the warranty is non-prorated, then owners do not pay for repairs and replacements of defective mattresses, though they may need to cover shipping and transportation charges for sending the mattress to the manufacturer for defect inspection.
If the warranty is prorated, then owners must pay a certain percentage of the original mattress price to replace their bed with a non-defective model. This percentage typically increases on an annual basis. For example, a 20-year warranty with 10 years of non-prorated coverage will become prorated in year 11, when owners typically need to pay 55 percent of the original price (or 5 percent for each year of ownership) to replace their mattress. In year 12, they will pay 60 percent. This rate increase will continue until the warranty expires.
Covered Defects: Most mattress warranties list all covered defects. These often include measurements for indentations in the surface that indicate a defect, also known as a “sagging depth.” Other recognized defects may include physical flaws in the mattress that cause early deterioration and manufacturing defects with the cover. On the other hand, physical damage that occurs due to inadequate foundational support or owner abuse is never covered. Additionally, warranties will not cover issues that arise over changes in the owner’s personal mattress preferences.
In addition to potential shipping, return, and warranty costs – as well as the mattress itself – shoppers may face other expenses when purchasing a new bed. Please consider the following add-ons when selecting a mattress.
The majority of models sold today fall within one of five categories: hybrid, innerspring, latex, airbed, and foam. These categories are fairly consistent in terms of general construction and materials. However, every individual model offers a unique design and customers will notice significant variations within each mattress type. In this next section, we’ll take a closer look at each mattress type.
Definition: A hybrid is a specialized type of innerspring mattress composed of comfort layers of memory foam or latex, along with a support core of pocketed coils. Although softer and firmer hybrids are available, most have a feel that falls between medium soft and medium firm.
Balanced Feel: Hybrid mattresses offer the contouring and pressure relief of all-foam and latex beds coupled with the strong support and exceptional breathability of innersprings. For this reason, many sleepers consider hybrids the most balanced mattress type. Although the average hybrid costs between $1,600 and $2,000, many hybrid models – including the Allswell listed above – are available for much less.
Definition: The oldest type of mattress still sold today (as well as the cheapest), innersprings consist of polyfoam comfort layers over support cores of open bonnell, offset, or continuous wire coils. Innersprings generally feel somewhat firm and are very responsive, resulting in an exceptionally bouncy surface.
Steady Cooling: Innerspring coil layers promote strong air circulation. As air travels through the interior of the mattress, it will regulate the overall temperature and help sleepers stay comfortable. And because most innersprings conform very little, sleepers experience less sinking and more surface cooling. Innersprings are usually quite affordable, with an average price-point of $900 to $1,100.
Definition: Latex, a material produced from rubber tree sap, is naturally durable and resilient. Mattresses made with latex often have very long lifespans compared to other beds. The material gives the surface a very responsive feel. Latex is also breathable, resulting in above-average temperature neutrality for this mattress type.
Responsive Pressure Relief: Latex conforms to sleepers to cradle the body and alleviate pressure. However, the material’s responsive feel prevents sleepers from sinking too much. This makes latex beds a good option for sleepers with pressure point issues who don’t enjoy the deep body cradle of foam. Latex mattresses can be somewhat pricey with an average price-point of $1,600 to $2,000, but budget models are available in the $800 to $1,200 range.
Definition: Airbeds feature motorized air chambers in their support cores. Owners can add or remove air from these chambers to adjust the overall firmness of the mattress. Standard airbeds contain at least two chambers, but some have six or more. Airbeds may also be equipped for different firmness levels on each side.
Unparalleled Customization: Many of today’s airbeds can be adjusted to feel soft, firm, or anywhere in between. This can be especially beneficial for sleepers who enjoy different firmness levels on a nightly basis, as well as couples with contrasting preferences. However, “budget airbeds” are virtually non-existent. Expect to pay at least $2,000 for a queen size model, and many exceed the $3,000 mark.
Definition: Foam mattresses may be built with comfort layers of polyfoam or memory foam. Those that contain both materials in the comfort system are known as mixed-foam models. The support core is always made of high-density polyfoam, and dense transitional layers may also be included for extra sleeper support.
Exceptional Contouring: Memory foam conforms closely and evenly to the sleeper for good weight distribution, spinal support, and pressure relief throughout the body. Polyfoam also conforms, but a little less so. Foam mattresses are generally low-priced. The average model costs between $900 and $1,200, but many foam beds – including six of our seven top picks – are available for $800 or less.
|
Mattress Type |
Average lifespan |
Average Price |
|
Innerspring |
5 to 7 years |
$900-$1,100 |
|
Foam |
6 to 7 years |
$900-$1,200 |
|
Hybrid |
6 to 7 years |
$1,600-$2,000 |
|
Latex |
8 years or longer |
$1,600-$2,000 |
|
Airbed |
8 years or longer |
$2,000-$2,400 |
The cost of a mattress often depends on where and when customers look for a new bed. Online brands tend to be much cheaper than brick-and-mortar sellers. Additionally, shoppers can save money with holiday sales, comparison shopping, and bundling.
Online mattress brands frequently offer sales and promotions that align with holidays. These sales will be prominently advertised throughout the company’s website, including the homepage and individual product pages. Many brick-and-mortar sellers offer holiday sales as well, but customers may need to contact or visit the store to learn about these promotions.
In the next section, we’ll take a closer look at what to expect from different holiday sales.
|
President’s Day |
3rd Monday in February |
President’s Day was originally established to observe George Washington’s birthday, but today the holiday recognizes all past presidents.
Because President’s Day is a federal holiday that falls on a Monday, most people receive a three-day weekend. This is also the first major sales holiday of the year, so shoppers should look for new coupon and discount codes from different brands. |
|
Memorial Day |
Last Monday in May |
Memorial Day honors military veterans and public servants who have died in the line of duty. Like President’s Day, this Monday holiday is typically observed over a three-day weekend.
Memorial Day is one of the most common mattress sales periods, meaning online brands offer promotions to compete with brick-and-mortar sellers. Expect sizable discounts and coupons. |
|
Independence Day |
July 4th |
July 4th, which honors the United States’ independence from Great Britain, may fall on any day of the week. If Independence Day takes place on a Friday through Monday, people normally receive a three-day weekend. Otherwise, it will be a floating mid-week holiday.
That said, online brands often offer sales throughout Independence Day week. |
|
Amazon Prime Day |
July 15th |
Beginning on July 15th each year, Amazon.com offers a two-day sale for people with Prime memberships. The sale includes lower prices on popular items, as well as free or discounted shipping throughout the U.S.
An Amazon Prime membership currently costs $119 per year or about $12 per month. Students can become members for an annual fee of $59. |
|
Labor Day |
First Monday in September |
The Labor Day holiday honors workers with a three-day weekend. For many families, Labor Day also aligns with the beginning of a new school year.
Mattress brands often begin the sales on the Friday of Labor Day weekend and extend them to the Monday holiday. Generous discounts and coupons for adult and child beds are fairly common. |
|
Veteran’s Day |
November 11th |
Veteran’s Day honors retired and active-duty military personnel. Like Independence Day, this holiday is always held on November 11th and may fall on any day of the week.
Many mattress brands use Veteran’s Day to kick off sales and promotions that extend throughout the holiday shopping season. Additionally, customers should look into the policies of different brands, as some offer discounts to past and present military personnel. |
| Black Friday | The day after Thanksgiving | Considered the kick-off to holiday shopping season, the consumer holiday known as Black Friday always takes place the day after Thanksgiving. Black Friday usually entails massive online and brick-and-mortar sales.
Most major brands offer some sort of Black Friday promotion. This may include not only sales and discounts but also price-matching for other brands. |
| Cyber Monday | Monday after Thanksgiving | Cyber Monday is a consumer holiday akin to Black Friday, but it exclusively applies to online sales. In many cases, online mattress brands will link Black Friday and Cyber Monday with a weekend of sales and promotions.
Expect steep discounts for Cyber Monday. Many brands also offer free bedding supplies, as well as bundling options to help shoppers save money. |
As with other products, finding cheap beds online requires extensive research into different brands and models. When browsing mattress websites, keep an eye out for the following:
Although buying a mattress online is usually the cheapest option, brick-and-mortar stores have one notable advantage: price negotiation. In their quest to complete a sale and receive their commission, sales staff may knock down the price of a new bed.
