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Save Money, Sleep Well: Best Cheap Mattress Picks From Our Test Lab
Plenty of mattresses offer affordable price-points while still featuring the same top-tier materials and strong performance as their pricier counterparts.
For our best affordable mattress guide, we’ve selected beds based on factors like expected durability, quality of materials, and of course, sticker price.
Looking for more information about the top mattresses sold today? Our guide to the best mattress of 2023 includes a handful of budget-friendly options. To learn more about affordable mattresses you can order online, check out our picks for the best mattress in a box.
Spoiler Alert – Here’s Our Pick for the Best Cheap Mattress
Our testers found the Nectar Mattress performs consistently well when it comes to support and pressure relief, which we don’t always find in beds at this price-point.
The Best Cheap Mattresses
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Best Overall
Nectar Mattress
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Most Comfortable
Layla Essential Mattress
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Best for Side Sleepers
Leesa Studio
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Best for Back Pain
Brooklyn Bedding Essential
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Best Cooling
The Casper Mattress
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Best Hybrid
Silk & Snow Hybrid
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Best Memory Foam
Dreamfoam Essential
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Best for Couples
Siena Memory Foam Mattress
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Best for Guest Rooms
Allswell Mattress
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Jump to: Best Cheap Mattresses | Full Reviews | How We Test | How to Shop
Watch Video: We Tested the Best Cheap Mattresses of 2023 – Here Are Our Favorites
Watch our video below to learn more about our lab’s top picks for cheap mattress.
Our guide discusses 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. If you scroll a bit further, you’ll find an overview of different mattress types and tips for first-time mattress buyers. While shopping for your budget-friendly mattress, check out our list of the Best Affordable Sheets to go with your new bed.
Our Recommendations
Best Mattress Overall




Nectar Mattress
5
33% off your first Nectar purchase
Mattress Type:
FoamFirmness Option:
Medium Firm (6)Pros
- Deeply conforming feel provides excellent pressure relief
- Above-average edge support and motion isolation
- 365-night sleep trial and lifetime warranty
Cons
- Stomach sleepers over 230 pounds may receive inadequate support
- Foam may run hot for some sleepers
Bottom Line – Why It Makes the Cut
“The Nectar walks that fine line between quality and affordability better than most mattresses we’ve tested. I really like how firm this mattress feels — you get that cradling hug from the memory foam, but the support layers keep the surface nice and even.”
– Tom Ryan, Head of Product Testing
Product Details
The Nectar’s sticker price makes it a high-value mattress compared to other memory foam models. However, our testing found the mattress still performs at the same level as – if not better than – many pricier all-foam beds.
How It Performed
Our in-house testing found the Nectar has a much more balanced feel than many competing foam mattresses thanks to its higher-than-average firmness level. Side and back sleepers on our team enjoyed the generous cushioning for sore spots in their joints and lower back without sinking excessively. Stomach sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds may also feel comfortable, but those who weigh more will likely need a more supportive mattress.
We also recommend the Nectar for couples who value motion isolation. The foam layers absorbed most movement transfer and noise when we moved across the mattress or changed positions, so you should notice fewer disturbances if your partner tosses and turns at night.
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, we found the mattress conformed evenly to distribute your weight and alleviate pressure along the spine. The top foam layer is infused with phase change material intended to release your body heat and maintain a cool sleep surface.
If you live in the contiguous U.S., you’re eligible for free shipping. Nectar also offers a 365-night sleep trial to test out the mattress and a lifetime warranty against structural defects, both of which are longer than average.
Most Comfortable Mattress

Layla Essential Mattress
4.9
$110 off + 2 free pillows with code: Sleepy10
Price Range:
$449 – $699Mattress Type:
FoamFirmness Option:
Medium Firm (6)Pros
- Open-cell memory foam contours evenly without trapping too much heat
- Both layers absorb movement and isolate motion for couples
- Medium firm design well suited to side and back sleepers
Cons
- Foam layers may emit strong off-gassing odor for the first few nights after unboxing
- People over 230 pounds may feel stuck when moving on the surface or changing sleep positions
Bottom Line – Why It Makes the Cut
“An adaptive comfort layer and sturdy base give the Layla Essential a balanced, medium firm feel that many of our testers found comfortable. Based on our test results, the all-foam design should also check boxes for couples, hot sleepers, and people who are prone to sharp pressure points.”
– Jackson Lindeke, Director of Product Experience
Product Details
One of Layla Sleep’s newest mattresses, the Essential is a wallet-friendly all-foam model constructed with balanced comfort in mind. The medium firm (6) feel and gentle contouring should appeal to a wide range of people across different sleep positions and body types. An open-cell top layer also promotes breathability near the surface and helps you stay cool.
How It Performed
The Layla Essential earned favorable ratings from the vast majority of our testing team — a rare feat for a mattress this affordable. Side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds were particularly impressed, as were back and stomach sleepers below 130 pounds. Stomach sleepers over 230 pounds were the only testers who assigned negative ratings, complaining of inadequate support and too much sink. If this describes you, we recommend a firmer mattress with a sturdier support system.
Motion isolation was a performance area where the Layla Essential excelled. None of our testers felt any movement when lying side by side on the mattress, and our kettlebell drops resulted in minimal motion transfer. Our thermal body sensors also detected minimal heat on the surface during temperature control tests, and most of our testers agreed the mattress prevented excessive pressure buildup.
What It’s Made of
The Essential’s straightforward design consists of a memory foam comfort layer and high-density foam base. Measuring 9 inches thick, the mattress is considered a low-profile model and should be compatible with the vast majority of sheet sets. The cover is composed of poly-Lycra fabric styled with Layla’s signature hexagonal pattern. You may remove and machine wash the cover to keep your surface clean.
Layla offers free ground shipping to customers in the contiguous U.S. Your order comes with a 120-night sleep trial, during which you may return the Essential for a full refund if you aren’t satisfied. Should you decide to keep the mattress, you’ll receive a manufacturer’s warranty with 10 years of coverage against various defects.
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers




Leesa Studio
4.9
Up to $700 off + 2 free pillows
Price Range:
$549 – $999Mattress Type:
FoamFirmness Option:
Medium Firm (6)Pros
- Memory foam top layer adapts to the body to alleviate pressure
- All-foam construction absorbs most movement and noise
- Above-average firmness level offers extra support
Cons
- Close contouring may inhibit movement across surface
- Stomach sleepers over 230 pounds might need a more supportive model
Bottom Line – Why It Makes the Cut
“The Studio by Leesa feels surprisingly firm and supportive. Normally all-foam mattresses perform average at best for our testers who weigh 130 pounds or more, but this model was a big hit among our side and back sleepers in this weight range.”
– Jeremy Klein, Senior Product Expert
Product Details
The Leesa Studio is a memory foam mattress that is affordable and practical. An all-foam design and true medium firm (6) feel should appeal to many people regardless of weight or sleep position, making the mattress well-suited to guest rooms and combination sleepers.
How It Performed
A relatively firm all-foam design makes the Studio a good option for side and back sleepers, especially those weighing up to 230 pounds. Our testing shows these sleepers receive adequate contouring but won’t sink to an excessive degree.
During our tests, we found the mattress’ adaptive foam layers alleviated pressure quite well, so it’s a great choice if you wake up with aches and pains. The Studio is also well suited to couples. The three foam layers absorbed most movement transfer and noise when we moved across the mattress, so you and your partner shouldn’t experience any sleep disruptions when the other person changes positions.
What It’s Made of
The Studio begins with a memory foam comfort layer that offers moderate cushioning and relieves pressure points. Next is a polyfoam transitional layer that ensures your weight is evenly distributed across the mattress. The support core features high-density polyfoam that bolsters the sleep surface and prevents excessive sinkage. A cover made of polyester blend twill encases the foam layers. This fabric has a soft yet durable composition, and Leesa’s trademark stripes add signature styling. The Studio measures 10 inches thick, making it a medium-profile mattress.
In addition to its affordable pricing, the Leesa Studio qualifies for free shipping to customers in all 50 states. Each order includes a 100-night sleep trial, during which you can test the mattress and return it for a full refund anytime after the 30-night break-in period. If you choose to keep the mattress, you’ll also receive a 10-year warranty against structural defects.
Best Mattress for Back Pain

Brooklyn Bedding Essential
4.7
25% off
Price Range:
$532 – $1,132Mattress Type:
HybridFirmness Option:
Medium Firm (6)Pros
- Thin foam comfort layers offer gentle cradling without an excessive body hug
- Affordable price-point for a hybrid bed
- Strong airflow through coil base
Cons
- Returns incur a $99 removal fee
- Some sleepers may prefer thicker, plusher cushioning
Bottom Line – Why It Makes the Cut
“The Essential is Brooklyn Bedding’s budget-friendly hybrid, but we found it performs at the same level as many of its more expensive counterparts. Cushioning foam layers and a coil base ensured decent pressure relief for most of our testers without too much sink.”
– Danny Noyed, Senior Product Editor
Product Details
Brooklyn Bedding offers an impressive lineup of beds that cater to different sleep preferences and budgets. The Essential is a foam hybrid model that cushions your body while delivering ample support — at a considerably lower price-point than other hybrids we’ve tested.
How It Performed
The foam layers in the Essential’s comfort system are thinner than some other foam hybrids you’ll find on the market, which results in slightly less cushioning. This earned the bed higher marks during our ease of movement tests, compared with plusher foam beds that inhibit movement across the surface.
Side sleepers under 130 pounds and back sleepers up to 230 pounds enjoyed the combination of light contouring and sturdy support. These testers reported adequate cushioning for the shoulders, hips, and spine while receiving enough pushback to prevent the lower back from sinking too deep. The mattress also performed well with hot sleepers due to the cooling airflow through the coils.
What It’s Made of
The Essential begins with a cotton and polyester cover quilted with 1.5 inches of polyfoam. This is followed by a thin transition layer of high-density polyfoam that lightly contours to your figure while acting as a barrier between your body and the thick base. The support core contains pocketed coils that are responsive and sturdy. A polyfoam base layer stabilizes the mattress and helps promote durability.
Brooklyn Bedding offers a 120-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty. Shipping is free to addresses in the contiguous U.S.
Best Cooling Mattress

The Casper Mattress
4.6
Up to 60% off
Price Range:
$595 – $1,395Mattress Type:
FoamFirmness Option:
Medium Firm (6)Pros
- AirScape comfort layer promotes breathability and dissipates heat
- Foam layers isolate motion to help couples sleep soundly
- Above-average support for an all-foam mattress
Cons
- Side sleepers under 130 pounds may not receive enough cushioning
- High potential for strong initial off-gassing
Bottom Line – Why It Makes the Cut
“The Casper’s AirScape foam layer makes a world of difference for hot sleepers like me. I felt a deep hug from this mattress, but there wasn’t any of that uncomfortable overheating that can occur on all-foam beds.”
– Logan Foley, Managing Editor
Product Details
One of Casper’s newest mattresses, this all-foam model — known simply as “The Casper” — delivers exceptional comfort for hot sleepers. The topmost layer consists of open-cell foam that circulates air and reduces heat buildup. A breathable, moisture-wicking cover also adds to The Casper’s above-average temperature control. This mattress is a great option for anyone who’s felt overly warm or sweaty sleeping on foam models in the past.
How It Performed
A true medium firm (6) mattress, The Casper earned its most positive ratings from side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds, and back and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds. You may need a softer, more adaptive mattress if you sleep on your side and weigh less than 130 pounds. Conversely, many back and stomach sleepers on our team weighing more than 230 pounds claimed the mattress did not provide sufficient support.
As is often the case with all-foam models, The Casper earned high marks for motion isolation and pressure relief. Strong performance during our temperature control tests was more of a surprise, and we’ve attributed this to the AirScape comfort layer and breathable cover fabric.
What It’s Made of
The Casper begins with a comfort layer of AirScape open-cell polyfoam. This proprietary material is perforated to promote airflow and minimize heat retention, allowing the surface to remain cool and comfortable throughout the night. A memory foam transitional layer adds extra cushioning while creating a buffer between your body and the support core, which is made of high-density polyfoam.
The blended cover contains upcycled cotton, recycled polyester, rayon, and a hint of Lycra spandex to make the fabric stretchy. At 10 inches thick, The Casper is considered a medium-profile mattress and won’t necessitate a deep-pocket fitted sheet.
Casper offers free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. and provincial Canada. You’ll receive a 100-night sleep trial with The Casper, and a 10-year warranty against structural and material defects if you decide to keep your mattress.
Best Hybrid Mattress




Silk & Snow Hybrid
4.4
Use this link for the most current Silk & Snow discount
Price Range:
$600 – $900Mattress Type:
HybridFirmness Option:
Medium Firm (6)Pros
- Excellent balance of cushioning and support
- Sturdy, reinforced edges
- Zoned coils provide targeted support to the midsection
Cons
- Back and stomach sleepers over 230 pounds may feel uncomfortable sinkage
- Coils transfer some motion across surface
Bottom Line – Why It Makes the Cut
“This Silk & Snow model proves a high-quality hybrid can also be wallet-friendly. Our team was particularly impressed with the lower back support — you can really feel extra cushioning from the transitional lumbar pad.”
– Colin Simpson, Research Manager
Product Details
The Silk & Snow Hybrid is a medium firm (6) bed sold at a reasonable price-point compared to other hybrid models we’ve tested of similar quality and construction. While the mid-range firmness level performed well across weight categories, our testers who weigh more than 130 pounds greatly benefited from the bed’s excellent support.
How It Performed
Our testing found the foam comfort system and coil support core create a balance of cushioning and support that is well-suited for side sleepers. Our testers who frequently use this position require pressure relief in the shoulders and hips but enough support to prevent excessive sinkage in other areas of the body. We noticed the coil system ventilated the bed’s interior quite well, and cooling gel infusions in the foam are meant to reduce heat retention, making this an appealing option if you tend to overheat.
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 your 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 your body and help you maintain healthy sleep posture. We found the firm foam encasement around the mattress’ perimeter provided excellent edge support, which is helpful if you have trouble getting in and out of bed or tend to sleep close to the edges.
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 for you to test out the mattress. A 30-night break-in period is required, after which you may return the bed for a full refund.
Best Memory Foam Mattress

Dreamfoam Essential
4.3
20% off with code: SLEEPFOUNDATION20
Price Range:
$206 – $862Mattress Type:
FoamFirmness Option:
Medium Soft (4), Medium (5), Medium Firm (6), Firm (7), Firm (8)Pros
- All-foam construction promotes cushioning
- Multiple firmness and profile options
- Five profiles available, each carrying a distinct firmness level
Cons
- Foam layers are prone to sagging along perimeter
- Some sleepers may not enjoy the “hugging” feel of foam
Bottom Line – Why It Makes the Cut
“The Dreamfoam Essential really hits the mark with the classic contouring we’ve come to expect from all-foam mattresses. With so many firmness options to choose from, just about everyone can find at least one model that offers the right amount of cushioning for their needs.”
– Lauren Fountain, Senior Editor
Product Details
The Dreamfoam Essential from Brooklyn Bedding is a quintessential memory foam mattress with an extremely attractive price-point. The bed has more profile options than most foam beds we’ve tested, with thicker models costing more. However, even the highest profile is reasonably priced, making this an excellent option for budget shoppers seeking a foam bed.
How It Performed
The mattress is available in five different profiles, ranging from 6 to 14 inches. All models conform closely to your body so you’ll receive some pressure relief no matter which thickness you pick, but our testers found that thinner models were noticeably firmer than thicker models. The firmness levels range from medium soft (4) for the 14-inch model to firm (8) for the 6-inch model.
During tests, side sleepers felt the most comfortable on the 12- and 14-inch models. This sleep position benefits from soft beds with deep contouring to cradle shoulders and hips. Back sleepers under 130 pounds also enjoyed the balance of pressure relief and support in these thicker models. We don’t recommend the higher profiles for sleepers over 230 pounds, since the plush layers may not provide sufficient support. The 14-inch model is especially plush, so it caters mostly to sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds and those who seek strong pressure relief.
Due to their thinner and firmer construction, the 6- and 8-inch models felt most comfortable for stomach sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds. However these models were too firm for side and back sleepers on our team.
What It’s Made of
The Dreamfoam Essential is composed entirely of foam. The 6- and 8-inch models contain a 2-inch comfort layer of memory foam and a support core made of high-density polyfoam. The 10-inch model has a similar composition, except the memory foam layer is slightly thicker to enhance plushness. The 12- and 14-inch models both feature a third polyfoam layer to maximize contouring and softness.
Dreamfoam mattresses come with a 120-night sleep trial so that you can test the mattress at home. You’ll also receive a 10-year warranty. Shipping is free to addresses in the contiguous U.S.
Best Mattress for Couples

Siena Memory Foam Mattress
4.3
50% off
Price Range:
$199 – $499Mattress Type:
FoamFirmness Option:
Medium Firm (6)Pros
- All-foam design with a medium firm feel offers even contouring and above-average support
- Foam layers isolate motion to prevent nighttime awakenings for co-sleepers
- Affordable pricing and 6-month trial period
Cons
- All-foam design reduces ease of movement
- May lack sufficient support for stomach sleepers over 230 pounds
Bottom Line – Why It Makes the Cut
“The Siena’s firmer feel and above-average support elevate it over other memory foam models we’ve tested in this price range. Our side and back sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds were particularly impressed, since they often sink too much on all-foam mattresses.”
– Tom Ryan, Head of Product Testing
Product Details
Finding a mattress for your spare bedroom can be challenging because everyone has different needs regarding firmness and support. You may not find a mattress that feels comfortable for all of your overnight guests, but our tests show that the Siena Memory Foam Mattress is a safe bet for most. This medium firm (6), all-foam model gently contours to your body but shouldn’t sink excessively if you weigh up to 230 pounds. Our testing results also show the mattress isolates motion, alleviates pressure, and feels reasonably stable along the perimeter.
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 too much 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.
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.
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.
Best Mattress for Guest Rooms




Allswell Mattress
4.1
Use this link for the most current Allswell discount
Price Range:
$279 – $539Mattress Type:
HybridFirmness Option:
Firm (7)Pros
- Highly supportive hybrid design with strong coil system
- Memory foam infused with copper and graphite sleeps cool
- Very affordable price-point
Cons
- Side sleepers under 130 pounds may receive insufficient pressure relief
- Foam sometimes emits off-gassing odor at first
Bottom Line – Why It Makes the Cut
“If you’re looking for a foam hybrid with a firmer feel, look no further than the Allswell. This mattress has a nicely cushioned surface while still delivering robust support and falling well below average in terms of cost.”
– Brad Nehring, Product Expert
Product Details
The Allswell Mattress — also known as simply The Allswell — is a budget-friendly hybrid model designed for exceptional support. A firm (7) feel ensures the mattress should be comfortable for most sleepers who weigh at least 130 pounds, especially those who sleep on their backs or stomachs.
How It Performed
The comfort layer is made with cooling materials, so this surface may retain less heat than other foam hybrids. Our testers report that the quilted cover prevented the surface from feeling overly stiff, while the memory foam in the comfort layer cushioned the surface. The coil support core provided excellent overall stability during tests, and thicker coils along the perimeter helped us feel more secure when sleeping near the edges or getting in and out of bed. The coils also promote steady air circulation to help the mattress core maintain a comfortable temperature. The balance of cushioning and support felt comfortable for a wide swath of testers on our team, though it seemed to perform slightly better with back sleepers overall.
What It’s Made of
The Allswell begins with a cover quilted with soft polyfoam. Beneath is a memory foam comfort layer infused with copper and graphite meant to reduce heat retention, followed by a thick coil base composed of pocketed coils. The edges are reinforced, which made it easier for our testers to lie close to the edges without sagging. The Allswell stands out from competing hybrids due to its highly affordable price-point.
Customers in the contiguous U.S. qualify for free ground delivery. The mattress is backed by a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.
What to Look for in a Cheap Mattress
A new mattress doesn’t need to compromise quality at the expense of affordability. In this guide, we’ll cover mattresses that are both high-quality and wallet-friendly.
Important Mattress Considerations
First and foremost, your mattress should reflect your preferences. Do you sleep on your side, back, or stomach? Do you like a softer bed, or one that’s more firm? Other important qualities include temperature control, pressure relief, edge support, and motion isolation. Many low-priced mattresses check all these boxes.
How Much Should You Spend on a Mattress?
Expect to pay at least $500 for a high-quality model, knowing that the average queen size mattress costs between $1,000 and $2,000. Factors that affect cost include size, materials, brand, and where you purchase the bed (online or in a retail store).
Mattress Type and Quality
Foam mattresses and innersprings tend to carry the lowest price-points. These usually cost between $700 to $1,200 for a queen. Hybrids and latex mattresses are more expensive, with an average queen price of $1,500 to $2,200. Airbeds are the most expensive mattress type — expect to pay at least $2,500 for an airbed in any size.
Firmness and Support
Firmness is one of the most important considerations when choosing a new mattress. Our testing team rates firmness on a 10-point scale with 1 as the softest and 10 as the firmest. Most mattresses fall between soft (3) and firm (7-8).
Softer mattresses contour closely and hug the body, making them a good fit for side sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds. Side sleepers can benefit from extra cushioning around their shoulders and hips, two areas back and stomach sleepers need more support to reduce sinkage along the midsection.
Additional Features
Depending on your preferences, these features and accessories may be helpful additions to your sleep space:
- A dual-firmness mattress that has a different feel on each side
- A zoned mattress with firmer materials beneath your midsection to minimize sinkage
- Mattresses with cooling covers that disperse body heat on contact
- An adjustable bed that allows you to elevate different parts of your body while you sleep
Mattress Shopping Tips for Budget-Conscious Shoppers
Here are some tips for getting the most bang for your buck on your new mattress.
Be on the Hunt for Sales, Discounts, and Bundle Deals
Many brands offer sales around holidays likePresidents’ Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, and Veterans Day. You may also find a good deal on Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
You can also save money by taking advantage of bundles. These packaged deals allow you to buy pillows, sheets, mattress pads, beds, and other sleep accessories with your mattress at a discounted rate.
Do Your Research
Before choosing a mattress, we recommend comparison shopping to help you get an idea of how much different brands charge for different types and sizes of mattresses. We also suggest visiting a mattress store and checking the price tags to see if you’ll save more by buying online.
Take Advantage of Sleep Trials and Warranties
Online (direct to consumer) brands offer sleep trials that let you test your new mattress at home before deciding whether you want to keep it. Most trials run between 90 and 365 nights, and many include 30-night requirements to break in the mattress. Free return shipping is often included as well.
Standard mattress warranties cover manufacturing defects for up to 10 years. If your mattress is defective, the manufacturer repairs or replaces it. There may be some additional fees, so be sure to read your warranty’s fine print.
Dive Deeper – In-Depth Mattress Guides
Our team evaluates mattresses using a wide range of criteria to determine the best options for different types of sleepers. For more information, visit the mattress guides below.
Data-Driven Results You Can Trust
We evaluate mattresses and other products in SleepFoundation.org’s Seattle testing lab using equipment and criteria to determine how well each mattress performs in areas like pressure relief, temperature neutrality, ease of movement, and motion isolation. Each person on our testing team brings years of experience and expertise to these hands-on tests.
Our top picks all share one thing in common: they cost less than many competing models but don’t sacrifice quality or performance despite their relatively low sticker prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Foam and innerspring mattresses are the most affordable mattress type on average. Most queen size models fall between $700 and $1,200. You’ll pay a bit more for hybrids, latex mattresses, and airbeds. Comparison shopping between different brands can help you find the most reasonably priced models for your needs.
We recommend a baseline budget of $500 for a new mattress. You should budget for more if you also need to buy things like sheets or a bed frame. Although the average mattress costs between $1,000 and $2,000, buying a well-made model with durable materials can be a high-value investment in the long run.
Expensive mattresses aren’t necessarily better than affordable ones. Some high-end models are constructed with materials like high-density memory foam, latex, and steel coils that help ensure a long lifespan and a good return on your investment. However, some inexpensive mattresses are comparable in terms of quality and performance.
The average mattress should be replaced after seven years of continuous use. Latex mattresses, hybrids, and foam models with high-density layers often last longer. Rotating your mattress head to foot every three to six months can prevent deep impressions from forming on your sleep surface.
You should replace your mattress when you notice signs of moderate wear and tear. These include indentations in the surface measuring 1 inch or deeper, “trenching” down the middle, creaky springs, and rips or tears in the cover fabric. Check your warranty to see if these issues are covered as defects — you may be entitled to free repairs or a replacement mattress.
Still have questions?
Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market. Send an email to [email protected] or call us at (877) 672-8966 with your questions and we'll help you find exactly what you're looking for.