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Written by
Austin Meadows, Sleep Product Tester
We personally test every product featured in our reviews and guide to provide accurate, data-driven recommendations. Learn More
Following a recent round of product tests, we've updated this page to include the Siena Memory Foam Mattress as our best cheap mattress for guest rooms, and the Leesa Youth as the best cheap mattress for teens and young adults. The Nectar Mattress remains our best overall pick in this product category.
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Many consumers share the misconception that a high-quality mattress will cost thousands of dollars. This may be true for some models, but budget-friendly beds are also widely available. Despite 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, size, and special or unique features. The cost of a mattress also varies from brand to brand. Online mattress companies typically offer lower prices compared to brick-and-mortar stores, who face more overhead costs. For our best affordable mattress guide, we’ve focused solely on models from online brands. Our testing team selected the picks below based on factors like expected durability, quality of materials, unique construction details – and of course, sticker price.
Memorial Day is a great time to buy a mattress, with many mattress companies offering major discounts. Sales typically start in the weeks leading up to Memorial Day, so check our product reviews below for discount information. You can also head to our list of Memorial Day deals and discounts.
This guide will discuss how to find a mattress that’s both comfortable and easy on your wallet. Our picks for the best budget mattress models sold today are described in detail below. Scroll a bit further to find a detailed guide that includes an overview of different mattress types and tips for first-time mattress buyers.
Best Overall
The Nectar’s sticker price makes it a high-value mattress compared to other memory foam models. However, the mattress still performs at the same level as – if not better than – a lot of pricier all-foam beds.
What It’s Made of
The Nectar is constructed with a memory foam comfort layer over transitional and support layers of dense polyfoam. Though the mattress has a medium firm (6) feel, the memory foam conforms evenly to distribute your weight and alleviate pressure along the spine. The top foam layer is infused with phase change material intended to release body heat and maintain a cool sleep surface.
How It Performed
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.
During our sleep tests, we found the Nectar was most comfortable for side and back sleepers. This was especially true for people who favor these positions and weigh at least 130 pounds.
The company also offers a 365-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty, both of which are longer than average.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“After testing the Nectar, we found it performed as well as most of the more expensive memory foam mattresses on the market. An affordable all-foam mattress with comparable quality is hard to come by, and the year-long sleep trial only sweetens the deal for people who want to save on their purchase.”
Most Comfortable
Hybrids are known for being fairly expensive compared to other mattress types, but the DreamCloud Mattress is a notable exception. The mattress features thick foam layers, a supportive coil system, and a luxuriously soft cover, yet its price-point is low compared to many competing hybrid models.
What It’s Made of
The mattress begins with a layer of adaptive polyfoam quilted into the cover, followed by a memory foam comfort layer. Although the DreamCloud is considered medium firm (6), these layers give the surface an invitingly plush feel when you get into bed. A transitional layer of dense polyfoam serves as a buffer between the top layers and the support core, so people who weigh up to 230 pounds shouldn’t sink too much.
A pocketed coil system and high-density polyfoam base layer make up the support core. The entire mattress is encased in a cashmere-blend cover.
How It Performed
The DreamCloud’s thick comfort system gives the mattress a plush surface despite its medium firm feel, so this mattress will hit the sweet spot for people seeking a balance between contouring and support. The coils reinforce the edges to prevent sinkage when you get on and off the mattress, and they also allow you and your partner to use the entire surface for sleep or sex.
Cooling is another major strength of the DreamCloud. The cashmere-blend cover is quite breathable, and the coils generate enough air circulation to maintain a comfortable interior temperature. During our tests, the most favorable ratings came from side sleepers who weigh 130 to 230 pounds.
The DreamCloud Mattress qualifies for free ground shipping anywhere in the contiguous U.S. The company’s 365-night sleep trial is one of the longest in the online mattress industry, and those who decide to keep the DreamCloud receive a lifetime warranty that covers structural defects as long as they retain ownership.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“The DreamCloud is one of the most balanced mattresses we’ve tested. It’s a true medium firm and the coils provide great support, but the foam layers offer plenty of cushioning.”
Best for Side Sleepers
Helix Sleep offers a wide selection of hybrid models, each of which is specifically designed for certain people based on their body type and sleep position. The Midnight is one of the company’s most balanced models. With a medium firm (6) feel and mid-level profile, the mattress is geared toward side sleepers who weigh at least 130 pounds but it also offers adequate support for those who utilize other positions.
What It’s Made of
The Midnight features a memory foam comfort layer and a polyfoam transitional layer. These components cushion and contour to the body, but not to the same “body-hugging” extent as softer mattresses with foam layers. The support core contains pocketed coils and a base layer of high-density polyfoam. The coils are reinforced along the perimeter to prevent deep sinkage when you sleep near the edges or get in and out of bed. A polyester cover encases the mattress.
How It Performed
Most of our testers found the Midnight comfortable and supportive in equal measure. Side sleepers who weigh at least 130 pounds felt adequate cushioning around their shoulders and hips – common sites of pressure buildup for those who primarily use this position. Meanwhile, back and stomach sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds received good support and didn’t sink excessively.
The reinforced coils make the surface fairly easy to move across and effectively minimize sinkage. The coils also promote airflow to help the mattress sleep cool. Thanks to the memory foam layer, the Midnight also isolates motion well for a hybrid and can reduce sleep disturbances for people who share their mattress with someone else.
Helix Sleep offers free ground shipping to customers in all 50 states. The Midnight is backed by a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“The Midnight is a true crowd-pleaser – soft enough for side sleepers, but also plenty of support for back and stomach sleepers. This mattress is one of the best budget-friendly hybrids we’ve tested.”
Best for Couples
The Nolah Original 10 stands out from other all-foam mattresses thanks in large part to its breathable materials. Constructed with open-cell foam layers that absorb a minimal amount of heat and a breathable, moisture-wicking Tencel cover, the mattress is a great option for sleepers who normally overheat on all-foam beds.
What It’s Made of
The Original 10’s comfort layer is made of proprietary AirFoam material. The foam’s open-cell composition is intended to promote airflow and prevent heat from building up near the surface. The mattress also features a high-resilience polyfoam transitional layer and high-density foam support core. These layers are designed to reinforce the sleep surface and prevent sleepers from sinking. A cover made of Tencel – a fabric derived from eucalyptus – encases the foam layers.
How It Performed
The Original 10 has a medium (5) feel that provides a comfortable balance of body contouring and even support. The mattress was particularly well-received by side sleepers on our testing team who weigh 230 pounds or less. These testers received ample cushioning around the shoulders and hips – two areas where pressure buildup is common for people who primarily use this position – but the mattress didn’t sink too much either.
Most testers weighing up to 230 pounds agreed above-average cooling was a major strength of the Original 10. The mattress also performed well in terms of motion isolation, and should be a good option for people who tend to wake up when their sleep partner changes positions or gets up during the night.
The Original 10’s price-point makes it suitable for shoppers on a budget and ground delivery is free of charge throughout the contiguous U.S. Nolah also allows customers to opt out of the 120-night sleep trial to further reduce their up-front costs. Those who go through with the trial qualify for free return shipping should they decide the mattress isn’t right for them. Regardless of whether or not you choose the sleep trial, each customer receives a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty with their purchase.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“The Nolah Original’s AirFoam layer lives up to its name. This mattress slept noticeably cooler than most of the foam models that have passed through our testing lab.”
Best for Back Pain
The Bear Original is an all-foam model with a firmer feel than many competing foam beds. The added support combined with the traditional contouring of foam makes this a good choice for sleepers who need extra reinforcement to alleviate back pain.
What It’s Made of
The mattress has a firm (7) feel with a 10-inch profile. A comfort layer of memory foam provides the sort of contouring that people expect from foam beds. Beneath is a transitional layer of polyfoam that feels firmer and gives the bed some responsiveness, followed by a support core composed of high-density foam that provides a sturdy base for the entire bed.
A cover made of Celliant fabric encases the mattress. This material is engineered to convert body heat into infrared energy, which is then conferred back to the sleeper. The process is meant to improve muscle recovery by improved circulation and blood oxygen levels.
How It Performed
As with many foam beds, the Bear Original is well-suited to side sleepers, who need strong contouring to cushion the shoulders and hips. The above-average firmness also makes this bed ideal for back sleepers, who often require a firm surface to support the lumbar area and padding to cradle the spine.
The foam layers absorb motion effectively, which means couples can sleep without disturbing each other with movements and rustling at night. Hot sleepers who tend to overheat on foam beds may find this bed comfortable, since the Celliant fabric is designed to sleep cool.
Bear offers free shipping within the contiguous U.S. The mattress comes with a 120-night sleep trial and lifetime warranty.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“As a back sleeper, I find most foam beds are too soft for my needs. But the Bear Original has a firmer surface that feels noticeably more supportive than other foam beds I’ve tried out.”
Best for Guest Rooms
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Siena mattresses
Finding a mattress for your spare bedroom can be challenging because everyone has different needs when it comes to firmness and support. You may not find a mattress that feels comfortable for all of your overnight guests, but the Siena Memory Foam Mattress is a safe bet for most. This medium firm (6), all-foam model gently contours to the body but shouldn’t sink excessively for people who weigh up to 230 pounds. Our testing also shows the mattress isolates motion, alleviates pressure, and feels reasonably stable along the perimeter.
What It’s Made of
The Siena begins with a comfort layer of adaptive memory foam, followed by a polyfoam transitional layer. These materials cushion and conform to the body while keeping you on an even plane. The top layer is infused with cooling gel intended to dissipate body heat and help you sleep cool. We also found the surface relatively easy to move across during our tests, which can be attributed to the firmer feel of this mattress.
The Siena’s support core is composed of high-density polyfoam. This layer is designed to stabilize the entire mattress. We noticed minimal sinkage along the perimeter – especially compared to other memory foam beds. A cover made of knit polyester encases the entire mattress. The Siena measures 10 inches thick, making it a medium-profile model.
How It Performed
Throughout our tests, the Siena performed well in areas where memory foam mattresses tend to fall short. The medium firm feel and mid-range profile give the mattress above-average support, so the testers on our team who weigh up to 230 pounds didn’t sink excessively as they might on a softer, thicker all-foam model. The Siena also excelled during our motion isolation tests, and very few of our testers experienced painful pressure buildup while lying on the mattress.
Among our different types of testers, the Siena was most comfortable for side sleepers weighing 130 to 230 pounds, and back and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds. However, testers across most weight and position groups gave the mattress a rating of “good” or better.
In addition to its affordable pricing, the Siena Memory Foam Mattress qualifies for free ground delivery throughout the contiguous U.S. Your purchase will include a sleep trial that spans 180 nights, giving you plenty of time to test the mattress and decide whether it’s right for you. If you decide to keep it, you’ll also receive a manufacturer’s warranty that covers structural defects for up to 10 years.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“The Siena’s firmer feel and above-average support elevate it over other memory foam mattresses in this price range. Our testers who weigh 130 pounds or more often sink too much on cheap foam beds, but not in this case.”
Best for Teens and Young Adults
If you’re mattress shopping for a pre-teen, teen, or young adult, the Leesa Youth is a reliable and affordable option. The all-foam design combines close contouring with a sturdy support system to help your child sleep comfortably. Leesa recommends the Youth for children who are at least 8 years of age, but the mattress can also serve high school grads as they head off to college.
What It’s Made of
The Youth’s comfort layer is composed of memory foam, while the transitional layer is dense polyfoam. When testing the mattress, we noticed deep cushioning from these layers but those of us weighing up to 230 pounds didn’t sink too deeply. Both foam layers have an open-cell composition, which promotes breathability and reduces uncomfortable heat retention.
High-density polyfoam makes up the support core. Accounting for 7 inches of the Youth’s 10-inch profile, this layer offers good overall stability and reinforcement for the sleep surface. The entire mattress is encased in a polyester-knit cover featuring Leesa’s signature stripe pattern. In terms of firmness, the Youth is considered medium (5).
How It Performed
During our hands-on tests, the Youth proved popular with the side and back sleepers on our team weighing up to 230 pounds. The most favorable ratings came from those under 130 pounds, but testers of 130 to 230 pounds also found the mattress comfortable and didn’t report excessive sinkage around the midsection.
Like most of the other memory foam mattresses we’ve tested, the Youth performed well for motion isolation. Our testers noticed little to no motion transfer when lying side by side on the mattress, even when the other person changed positions or got out of bed. Our tests also revealed minimal pressure buildup and low heat retention, the latter of which can be attributed to the Youth’s open-cell foam layers.
The mattress is available in twin, twin XL, full, and queen sizes. Leesa allows customers to bundle their purchase with a platform bed, foundation, or metal bed frame. Shipping is free of charge to customers in all 50 states, and each order comes with a 100-night trial period. Those who keep their Leesa Youth after the trial ends will receive a 10-year warranty against structural defects.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“The Leesa Youth delivers strong pressure relief and motion isolation on par with other memory foam mattresses we’ve tested, but at a sticker price that falls well below average. Good temperature control and ease of movement further set the mattress apart from its competitors.”
Best Cooling
The Silk & Snow Hybrid is a medium firm (6) bed sold at a reasonable price-point compared to other hybrid models of similar quality and construction. While the mid-range firmness level will appeal to a wide range of weight categories, sleepers who weigh more than 130 pounds may benefit from the bed’s excellent support.
What It’s Made of
The mattress begins with a quilted polyfoam layer followed by a thicker layer of memory foam. This comfort system conforms closely to the body and cushions areas where pressure buildup may occur. Beneath is a pocketed coil system that is zoned to provide extra support to heavier parts of the body and promote healthy sleep posture. A firm foam encasement around the perimeter of the bed provides excellent support for sleepers who have trouble getting in and out of bed or tend to sleep close to the edges.
How It Performed
The foam comfort system and coil support core create a balance of cushioning and support that is well-suited for side sleepers, who require pressure relief in the shoulders and hips but enough support to prevent excessive sinkage in other areas of the body. The coil system should ventilate the bed’s interior, and cooling gel infusions in the foam are meant to reduce heat retention, making this an appealing option for sleepers who tend to overheat.
Silk & Snow ships free within the contiguous U.S. and Canadian provinces. The mattress is backed by a 15-year warranty and comes with a 100-night sleep trial. A 30-night break-in period is required, after which customers may return the bed for a full refund.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“The S&S Hybrid contradicts the idea that high-quality hybrids need to be expensive. We especially enjoyed how comfortable the mattress felt for people over 230 pounds, and this was thanks to the lumbar support pad and zoned, foam-encased coils.”
Best Pressure Relief
Get $160 off a Layla Memory Foam Mattress + 2 free memory foam pillows with code: SLEEPFOUNDATION
The Layla Mattress is an all-foam model 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.
What It’s Made of
One side of the mattress has a medium soft (4) feel on the 10-point firmness scale, while the other side is firm (7). 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 to create a more supportive feel. The shared support core is composed of high-density foam, and located between both comfort systems.
How It Performed
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.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“If you’re shopping for a reversible mattress on a budget, you can’t do much better than the Layla. High-quality materials and two distinct feels make it an excellent choice for anyone who wants versatility in their mattress, and a lightweight build lets you flip between surfaces without too much hassle.”
Best for Stomach Sleepers
Despite its luxurious construction and high-quality materials, the CoolBreeze from Dynasty Mattress costs significantly less than the average memory foam mattress. The mixed-material design is ideal for people who want a combination of contouring and responsiveness.
What It’s Made of
The CoolBreeze is built with a pressure-relieving memory foam comfort layer, followed by secondary memory foam and latex layers. The base is composed of high-density polyfoam, and the cover is a cotton-polyester blend. The mattress is available in three firmness levels: medium (5), medium firm (6), and firm (8).
How It Performed
The memory foam cradles the shoulders and hips to ensure even spinal alignment for side sleepers, while maintaining a fairly supportive feel. Our testing shows the mattress is most comfortable for side sleepers who weigh 130 to 230 pounds, and back and stomach sleepers who weigh under 130 pounds.
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 cover can be unzipped and machine-washed, as well.
Buyers also receive two free pillows with each purchase, along with a 120-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“Don’t be fooled by the CoolBreeze’s affordable pricing – this is a thoughtfully designed mattress with a luxurious, high-profile build and quality materials. All three firmness levels provide decent support for an all-foam bed, but our testers over 230 pounds all agreed the firmest option was exceptionally comfortable.”
Our team of sleep experts has personally tested hundreds of mattresses using a wide range of metrics to guide our evaluations. For this list, we focused on models with approachable price-points that also perform quite well in certain areas – even compared to their costlier competitors.
Our rigorous, hands-on testing process involves feedback from sleepers with varying weights and position preferences. The selections above reflect our latest findings, but rest assured we’ll continue to reevaluate our list, test out new mattresses as they become available, and update our top picks accordingly.
Below you will find more information about our team’s research methodology for ranking best cheap mattresses:
The cost of a mattress depends on a number of factors such as materials and quality of construction. Watch the video below for an in-depth explanation of why some mattresses cost more than others.
An online mattress – also known as a “mattress in a box” or “bed 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 affordable 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.
Pressure-mapping tools help our testers measure pressure relief in mattresses.
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 expensive 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 cushioning, 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 are available for much less.
Definition: The oldest type of mattress still sold today (as well as the cheapest), innersprings consist of foam 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. Latex mattresses 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 mattress, 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 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.
| Holiday | Date | Sales Info |
|---|---|---|
| President’s Day | 3rd Monday in February | 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 | Like President’s Day, Memorial Day is a Monday holiday 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 | If July 4th falls 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 | Mattress brands often begin 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. |
| Veterans Day | November 11th | Veterans Day is always held on November 11th and may fall on any day of the week. Many mattress brands use Veterans 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.
Watch the video below to see how buying a mattress online compares to buying from a brick and mortar store
The wide selection of inexpensive mattresses means that you needn’t compromise when buying on a budget, so the best cheap mattress is one that supports your body type in your preferred sleep position while fulfilling your personal preferences. Different people require different things from a bed, so there will never be one mattress that is best for everyone.
Before shopping for a new mattress, consider what your unique needs are. Once you know what you’re looking for in a bed, you can narrow down your choices by reading independent reviews and learning more about how different budget mattresses perform. A dealbreaker for one person may be a must-have for another, so focus on performance in various categories rather than relying on marketing jargon.
While there are budget-friendly options for most types of mattresses, all-foam and innerspring models have the lowest average price. These designs are straightforward, making them less pricey than complex hybrid mattresses. They also use less expensive materials than beds with natural latex. However, these qualities do not make them worse than beds with a higher average cost.
Depending on your needs, innerspring and all-foam mattresses can provide years of comfortable nighttime support. All the same, buying on a budget doesn’t mean settling if you have your eye on a hybrid or latex mattress. Some of these beds are available at surprisingly low prices, and you can usually snag extra discounts through online promotions or by waiting for a sale.
Just because a mattress has an affordable price-point doesn’t mean it’s low-quality. In fact, a budget mattress may meet your needs better than a model that costs twice or even three times as much.
The ideal mattress for any sleeper provides adequate support to prevent their body from sinking excessively, but also feels soft enough to cushion the spine and alleviate pressure. This is why firmness level is one of the most important factors to take into account when choosing a new mattress. If you find an inexpensive mattress with a firmness level that corresponds to your body type and sleep position, then there’s a good chance this mattress will meet your needs.
The best way to determine whether or not a mattress is right for you is to sleep on it. Most online mattress brands offer sleep trials that allow you to test out the bed for at least 90 nights. If you decide the mattress feels too soft or too firm before the trial period ends, you’ll be able to return it in exchange for a full refund – though small return fees may apply in some cases. We recommend taking full advantage of sleep trials in order to find the mattress that’s best for you.
Mattress prices vary widely depending on materials, construction, warranties, and shipping. The most affordable models can cost under $300 while high-end mattresses can run well over $5,000, though a high sticker price doesn’t always mean better sleep. When choosing a mattress, the most important thing to consider is whether a model is suited to your specific sleep habits. Even if a mattress is the right price, it may be the wrong mattress for your needs.
Online companies that manufacture inexpensive mattresses often save money by cutting out retail spaces and shipping mattresses directly to consumers. Many sleepers can find a mattress that’s comfortable and supportive for under $1,000 or even $500. If there’s a model that’s just out of your budget, it may be worth waiting to purchase – many mattress sellers run holiday sales that can greatly lower the cost.
Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market. Send an email to [email protected] with your questions and we’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
Sleep Product Tester
Austin is a professional writer and researcher who has covered sleep science and sleep products for over a decade.
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