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Written by
Austin Meadows
A new mattress represents a significant investment for most households, so you should strive to find the best mattress within your budget. Thanks to the booming online mattress industry, today’s shoppers can find plenty of high-value beds at different price-points.
Ultimately, the best mattress for the money depends on how much you want to spend. For that reason, our top picks include budget-friendly beds, mattresses with mid-range sticker prices, and high-end luxury models. The common denominators are high-quality materials and strong ratings across different performance categories to ensure a great return on your investment. For each top pick below, our testing team evaluated the mattress for factors like durability and quality of materials, then weighed their findings against its sticker price.
Below, you can read more about our best mattress for the money top picks. Also be sure to check out our buyer’s guide further down, which includes an overview of mattress types, factors that affect mattress pricing, and other important considerations for shoppers.
Best Overall
Memory foam mattresses frequently have a price point that falls solidly above what most people would consider to be affordable, but the Nectar is a welcome exception. With a competitive price and multiple layers of memory foam, it’s a compelling pick for people looking for pressure relief.
The first layer of memory foam in the Nectar’s comfort system is quilted into the bed’s cover. The memory foam is gel-infused to try to fight against heat retention, and the Tencel cover works in conjunction to boost breathability.
The second layer of memory foam has a thickness of 3 inches, and it sits on top of a 1-inch layer of gel-infused memory foam. With 5 total inches of this material, the Nectar mattress provides considerable cushioning to match where the body most needs it, and as a result, it plays an important part in proper spinal alignment.
The Nectar has a medium firm feel that is sturdier than many other memory foam mattresses, meaning that it doesn’t cause the body to sink deeply into the bed. For this reason, it is a good option for most side sleepers, particularly those over 130 pounds, as well as many stomach and back sleepers who weigh under 230 pounds.
Even at an accessible price, a mattress is still a big investment, and Nectar recognizes that by allowing customers to try it out for 365 nights with the option to return it for a full refund. They also provide a lifetime warranty that includes coverage of potential mattress defects.
Most Comfortable
With a robust innerspring design, the Dreamcloud provides a “best of all worlds” type of feel at a wallet-friendly price, making it a top pick in the value category.
The Dreamcloud has a thick, multi-layer design that starts with a layer of polyfoam quilted into a cashmere blend cover that is soft and stylish. The next layer is made with gel-infused memory foam that earns the mattress high marks for pressure relief and conforming. Firmer polyfoam sits beneath the memory foam, offering a stable layer to prevent significant sink.
The support core is made with individually-wrapped innerspring coils that cultivate considerable bounce without causing much in the way of motion transfer. The coils are arranged in zones to offer more support to the parts of the bed that hold up heavier parts of the body. The coils rest on a base layer of high-density polyfoam for shock and noise absorption.
The Dreamcloud has a medium firm feel that provides both comfort and cushioning for side sleepers, especially those over 130 pounds. It is also a good fit for many back and stomach sleepers that want a degree of contouring from their mattress.
Customers who want plenty of time to try out a mattress appreciate that the Dreamcloud comes with a 365-night sleep trial. It has a lifetime warranty that provides coverage for defects in materials and craftsmanship for as long as you own the bed.
Best Pressure Relief
The Puffy Mattress is an all-foam model with a medium (5) firmness level. The multiple foam layers offer excellent relief for people who experience pressure buildup at night. The price-point is also approachable compared to other luxury all-foam mattresses.
The 10-inch bed begins with a plush layer of memory foam that conforms closely to your body, followed by a polyfoam layer that is slightly firmer but still offers excellent contouring to cradle sharp pressure points. Beneath this comfort system is a 6-inch support core made of firm polyfoam that balances out the softer layers on top.
If pressure relief is a major factor in your search for a new bed, this model is a strong option. Side sleepers require a cradling surface to reduce pressure buildup in the shoulders and hips, so this bed may be especially comfortable for this sleep position – particularly those up to 230 pounds. The Puffy Mattress may also appeal to back sleepers up to 130 pounds, since back sleepers need a surface that keeps their body flat but also cushions the spine. The bed offers excellent motion isolation, making it a good fit for people who frequently wake up when their sleep partner shifts in bed.
Puffy includes a 101-night sleep trial with all mattress purchases. Customers who try the mattress out for at least 14 days are eligible for a full refund. The bed also comes with a lifetime warranty. Shipping is free within the contiguous U.S.
Best Cooling
The Tuft & Needle Mint is an all-foam mattress made with three layers of polyfoam that offer a comfortable balance of support and pressure relief.
The Mint’s top two layers are made with proprietary, open-cell Adaptive Foam that is infused with graphite and cooling gel. These two materials are meant to draw excess heat away from sleepers during the night in order to help disperse it. As a result, the mattress should sleep cooler than many competing foam beds. The support core of the bed consists of sturdy, high-density polyfoam to reinforce the sleep surface.
The Mint has a medium firm (6) feel, making it suitable for a wide variety of sleepers regardless of their preferred sleeping position. The polyfoam effectively relieves pressure by contouring closely to your body without allowing it to sink too deeply into the core. As a result, the Mint is a good fit for those who want a combination of sleeping “in” and sleeping “on” their mattress. The thick layers of conforming foam give it a cushioning feel that is especially suitable for side sleepers and people who weigh up to 230 pounds.
The Mint ships for free throughout the contiguous U.S. The mattress is backed by a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year limited warranty.
Best for Back Pain
• Sleepers who tend to overheat at night
• Individuals who share the bed with a partner
• People of all sizes and preferred sleep positions
Available at an affordable price-point, the WinkBed is a hybrid model. Customers can choose between four firmness options: medium soft (4), medium firm (6), firm (7), and Plus, which we consider firm (8). Due to the many different versions offered for this model, the WinkBed can accommodate sleepers of almost any preferred sleep position and size.
The cover of the mattress is made with a Tencel cover, which is a eucalyptus-derived fabric that wicks moisture and is very breathable. Beneath that lies a Euro-top quilted with gel-infused polyfoam, which is designed to draw heat away from the sleeper. This layer provides close contouring and relieves pressure. Next comes a layer of pocketed microcoils that help air circulate through the mattress and also contribute to the bed’s responsive feel. The medium soft version also has a transitional layer of polyfoam to prevent the sleeper from sinking too far through the comfort layers and coming into contact with the support core.
The comfort system for the Plus model is a bit different, using a high-density polyfoam layer on top of a bouncy latex layer for a buoyant feel and enhanced support. Each firmness option of the WinkBed uses a support core of zoned, individually wrapped coils, which prevent motion from transferring and promote airflow through the bed.
The medium soft and medium firm versions of the bed tend to be the most comfortable among people who weigh less than 130 pounds, who generally prefer more cushioning and softer beds. This trend continues among WinkBeds’ options, with the medium firm and firm models being preferred by those in the 130 to 230 pound range and the Plus model being favored by those who weigh more than 230 pounds.
Customers receive free shipping within the contiguous U.S. with each order. The mattress is backed by a 120-night sleep trial, which includes a compulsory 30-night break-in period. WinkBeds offers a lifetime warranty on the mattress.
Best for Side Sleepers
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While low-cost one-sided mattresses are fairly commonplace, flippable models with affordable price tags are harder to come by. The Layla Mattress bucks this trend with an innovative, reversible design that carries a budget-friendly price-point and performs well over time. The adaptive all-foam design is particularly well suited to side sleepers, and two firmness options makes the mattress a good option for people who prefer this position across different weight groups.
One side of the Layla Mattress has a medium soft (4) feel and a thick memory foam layer. This surface conforms very closely to cushion the shoulders and hips, align the spine, and alleviate pressure wherever it occurs. Side sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds will likely prefer this side. The opposite surface is considered firm (7) and won’t contour as closely, creating a more supportive feel for side sleepers who weigh more than 230 pounds. This side should also be quite comfortable for back and stomach sleepers who weigh 130 to 230 pounds.
A copper infusion in both memory foam layers is intended to prevent heat buildup on each surface and help the mattress sleep cool. The shared support core of high-density polyfoam is located in the center to reinforce the mattress no matter which side you choose. Another standout feature is the cover, which can be removed and dry-cleaned to keep the mattress hygienic. Thanks to its all-foam design, the Layla Mattress also absorbs movement and minimizes motion transfer, so you shouldn’t experience any sleep disturbances when your partner moves around or gets up – and vice versa.
In addition to a low sticker price for this mattress, Layla reduces your upfront costs with free ground delivery anywhere in the contiguous U.S. The mattress comes with a 120-night sleep trial, free shipping on all returns, and a lifetime warranty against excessive sagging and other structural defects.
Best for Active People
The Zoma Mattress was designed with athletes and active people in mind. Its materials and construction are intended to help your muscles recover quickly after a day of action. The comfort system features a layer of zoned memory foam that increases support at your midsection and alleviates pressure points beneath your shoulders and hips. You may want to consider the Zoma Mattress if you lead a physically demanding lifestyle or need a model made for pressure relief.
Beneath the 2 inches of zoned, gel-infused memory foam is a proprietary polyfoam called Reactiv. This transitional layer is firmer than the memory foam and helps you feel as if you’re sleeping “on” rather than “in” the mattress.
The support core is made from 7 inches of high-density polyfoam that helps to maintain spinal alignment and create a durable base. In total, the Zoma Mattress measures 11 inches tall, meaning it’s compatible with most standard sized sheet sets. The cover is a stretchy blend of polyester and spandex that’s ventilated to enhance airflow.
At a 5 out of 10 on the firmness scale, the Zoma Mattress is within the range that most sleepers find comfortable. Our testers determined that back and side sleepers under 230 pounds most preferred the mattress’ medium feel. Stomach sleepers who weigh under 130 pounds rated it highly as well. If you’re a stomach sleeper above 130 pounds, you may find a firmer mattress more supportive.
Those who purchase the Zoma Mattress have 100 nights to try it, with a 30-day required break-in period. Zoma ships its mattress for free within the contiguous U.S. and backs it with a 10-year warranty.
Best Hybrid
It’s a challenge to find another quality mattress that is as affordable as the Allswell Hybrid. Even with its budget price point, it contains solid components and even some extra features that are more often found in much pricier models.
The support core of the Allswell is made up of individually pocketed coils with perimeter reinforcements for added edge support. This type of coil system fosters significant bounce while reducing motion transfer thanks to the ability of each spring to compress more independently of the other coils around it.
The comfort system is composed of graphite- and copper-infused memory foam. This layer helps cushion pressure points but does not have deep hug like traditional memory foam. Along with the pocketed coils, the memory foam contributes to slightly above-average motion isolation.
The overall feel is firm, which makes the Allswell a great fit for most back and stomach sleepers. The bounce from the coils makes it easy to move on top of the bed, making it a strong option for combination sleepers who frequently adjust their position during the night.
Even with its low price, the Allswell comes with a no-risk sleep trial that lasts for 100 nights. A 10-year warranty provides customers with a remedy in case of a defect in materials or workmanship.
The testing team at Sleep Foundation has tried out hundreds of mattresses and carries years of experience in the sleep product industry. This expertise gives us the ability and authority to judge which mattresses offer the best value across all price ranges. Our team includes side, back, stomach, and combination sleepers, as well as different body types, so we can factor in all types of sleepers into our mattress testing.
To arrive at our list of best mattresses for the money, we lie on each mattress to evaluate firmness, support, and contouring. Our testers also use special tools to measure metrics such as temperature neutrality, pressure relief, and motion isolation. We’ve taken all of our test results into account when considering each model’s price-point and construction quality. Our top picks represent the mattresses that offered the best quality and performance features among beds in similar price ranges.
A benefit to shopping online is that it lets you browse at your own pace, researching from the comfort of your home computer. You can learn about the benefits and downsides of different options, read independent reviews, and comparison shop to determine your best options.
Many mattresses sold online are available for the best price when purchased directly from the manufacturer; however, you can find models available from third-party sites like Amazon. Sellers range from smaller, online-only brands to mattress industry powerhouses like Sealy and Tempur-Pedic.
Mattress stores often upsell their products, playing on their customer’s ignorance by selling mattresses above list price. If you do decide to shop in store, make sure you research mattress prices online first.
While there are times of the year that almost always feature sales, including most major holidays (Labor Day, Memorial Day, etc.), promotions are common year-round for mattresses sold online. Discounts are often displayed from the get-go, and if not, you can check third party sites for coupons. These offers can deliver meaningful savings, in many cases cutting the final price by 10% or more.
Standard shipping is almost always included in the price of a mattress sold online. Some sellers offer financing plans, but you’ll generally need to pay up front (with a credit card, Paypal, or other electronic payment). These mattresses normally have a sleep trial, letting you return the mattress within a set window of time to get a refund.
Whether you’re looking in the affordable, value, or luxury category, it’s essential that you find a mattress that allows you to get consistent amounts of restorative sleep. That means choosing an option that doesn’t just have a great price but more importantly is the right fit for your needs.
The bevy of brands, products, and marketing lingo can make it tricky to know what to really look for when shopping for a new mattress. Stay on the right track by focusing on these key factors:
As you start shopping for a new mattress, you’ll find that prices can be all over the map. Understanding what affects the price of a mattress can help you detect a good value. Some of the most important factors to know include:
If you’re in the market for a new mattress and shopping online, you might be wondering about how shipping, returns, and warranties are handled and if they end up affecting the cost of your new bed.
Basic ground shipping to your home is almost always free for a mattress bought online. With standard shipping, the mattress is compressed to fit into a large box that is delivered to your door. When it arrives, you take the box to your bedroom, and when you remove the packaging, the mattress will retake its complete size.
Standard shipping normally takes a few business days depending on where you are located and where the mattress ships from, which is usually a production facility or warehouse. Before shipping, some companies require a few extra days to process your order and/or build the mattress.
This delivery method is usually free for customers who live in the contiguous United States. Standard shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, or international locations is offered by some companies but generally with an extra cost.
Another option for delivery includes actually setting up the mattress in your bedroom. This service often includes removal of an old mattress at the same time.
A few companies provide White Glove delivery for free with the purchase of a mattress. Others offer it for an extra charge, and in some cases, there may be different prices for installation alone as opposed to installation and removal of an existing mattress.
White Glove delivery may not be available in all areas, including in places outside the contiguous 48 U.S. states. In those places, customers in need of these services can look for third-party companies that help with these types of projects.
Generous return policies are commonplace in the online mattress industry. With most brands, you can expect to have a sleep trial that lets you try out the bed at home with the option to return it if it doesn’t work for you.
Most sleep trials are around 100 nights, but some last for even a full year. In many cases, you’ll be required to keep the mattress for a period of time — usually up to a month — before starting a return so that your body can adjust to a new sleeping surface.
If you want to return the mattress, you won’t need to try to get it back in the box. Many companies will send someone to pick it up from your home, and then the company will donate the bed. This is a simpler method, although you may need to move the mattress to your front door or curb.
Other companies don’t pick the mattress up but instead require that you donate the mattress and provide a copy of the donation receipt. If you are unable to personally coordinate donation, you can speak directly with the manufacturer for assistance.
The majority of companies offer a sleep trial that has no restocking or return shipping fees; however, you should always check because in some cases there are costs deducted from your refund. Costs above-and-beyond the mattress itself, such as for expedited shipping or White Glove delivery, are almost never refunded if you opt for a return.
These typical return policies apply to mattresses purchased directly from the manufacturer. If you purchase from a third-party retailer (like Amazon), the length and terms of the return policy may be different.
A warranty is a guarantee against defects in a mattress. These warranties cover abnormal or premature deterioration but not typical wear-and-tear. A minor amount of sagging that occurs gradually over time is expected from most mattresses and won’t usually be covered by a warranty.
Mattress warranties can have complicated terms. One component is the length, which often runs from 10 to 25 years. Another component is the remedy, which is what the company will do if a defect arises. Most often, the company will have the choice of either repairing or replacing a defective bed.
Whether you have to pay anything, including shipping costs, as part of this remedy also depends on the terms. A prorated warranty provides less coverage over time, requiring you to pay an increasing portion of the repair or replacement costs based on how long you’ve had the mattress. A non-prorated warranty offers the same coverage no matter how long you’ve had it.
The most valuable warranties are long, cover a broad range of defects, are non-prorated, and do not require the customer to pay any shipping costs.
The cost of the mattress itself is not the only item to account for as outfit your bedroom. While these won’t apply for every shopper, they are important to think through as you plan to make your mattress purchase.
The following sections give an introduction to the five key types of mattresses. Within each mattress type, you can expect commonalities, but it’s important not to assume that all mattresses within a category will have the same performance. There can be variation depending on the specifics of how the mattress is built, the quality of its materials, and other factors.
Definition: As the name indicates, a hybrid makes use of multiple different materials. A hybrid always has a support core made with innerspring coils. The comfort system, though, can utilize memory foam, polyfoam, latex, micro-coils, and other textiles. The comfort system is thick and noticeably affects the overall feel of the bed.
Balanced Performance: The goal of a hybrid is to provide the benefits of various materials without triggering their drawbacks. A hybrid can provide the responsiveness and edge support of an innerspring but with the pressure relief and comfort of a foam mattress.
Definition: Innersprings have one central component, which is a coil system. The coils, or springs, compress and bounce back as you move on top of the mattress. The comfort system is sparse or inexistent, featuring at most thin layers that are usually made with cotton or polyester.
A Low-Cost Building Block: Some customers choose to “DIY” their own hybrid by first purchasing an innerspring mattress and then placing their preferred mattress topper above it to serve as a comfort system. This requires separate purchases but offers flexibility and can bring cost savings.
Definition: The performance of a latex mattress is driven by latex rubber. The latex used in mattresses is usually natural, meaning that it is derived from trees; however, latex can also be produced synthetically. Natural latex can be made using the Dunlop or Talalay process, which will affect its overall feel.
Responsive With Contouring: Latex has an appealing mixture of cushioning and bounce. It can lightly cradle the body, but it’s also easy to move on top of, which keeps you from feeling stuck in the bed.
Definition: The defining feature of an airbed is its support core that is made with an air chamber. That chamber can inflate or deflate, changing the firmness with the touch of a button on a remote or smartphone. Comfort systems above the air chambers vary widely and can include foam, latex, wool, cotton, and/or fiber fill.
Choose Your Own Firmness: Customers who want the ability to adjust their mattress firmness are big fans of airbeds. In addition, each side has a separate chamber, which works great for people who share a bed but have diverging firmness needs.
Definition: Foam mattresses are built with an array of layers that can include polyfoam, memory foam, and latex. No coils or spring are used in foam beds. The feel of a foam mattress depends in large part on the type of foams used and the thickness of the layers.
Standout Contouring: Foam mattresses, especially memory foam options, lead the pack when it comes to contouring and pressure relief. This can promote healthy spinal alignment and make the bed more comfortable for people with pronounced pressure points.
| 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 |
One of the best ways to get the best mattress for your money is to score the best deal possible. The next sections explain some helpful steps to be a savvy mattress shopper.
A little bit of research can go a long way in helping you save money on a mattress. Understanding the normal price ranges and what influences price can fine-tune your ability to spot a good deal.
Comparison shopping is another useful money-saving strategy. Without the pressure of a salesperson, you can collect information at your own pace and see how similar models are priced. Knowing about competitors’ pricing enables you to more effectively negotiate and ask for price matching or other deals.
When doing your research, make sure to be on the lookout for bundles, especially if you also need a new bed frame, pillows, or bedding. Many companies offer free extras, or you can negotiate for them to be included with your purchase.
Holiday sales are a big deal in the mattress industry. Historically, brick-and-mortar stores offered the best values on a handful of holidays because of the nature of the mattress sales cycle. New models were regularly launched in the early summer, creating a motivation to clear out inventory with big sales around Memorial Day. The Fourth of July and Labor Day anchored sale events to promote the new mattress lines. In addition, other major shopping days, like Black Friday, have been a staple for retail mattress stores.
Fortunately for shoppers, the online mattress industry has followed suit, offering great values on holidays to compete with brick-and-mortar stores. They’ve even added new holidays – Prime Day and Cyber Monday – to the list.
| Holiday | When it Happens |
|---|---|
| President’s Day | 3rd Monday in February |
| Memorial Day | Last Monday in May |
| Independence Day | July 4th |
| Amazon Prime Day | July 15th |
| Labor Day | First Monday in September |
| Veterans Day | November 11th |
| Black Friday | The day after Thanksgiving |
| Cyber Monday | Monday after Thanksgiving |
If you can shop on these holidays, you likely won’t have to look hard to find promotions. Retail stores publish ads and flyers, and online companies have banners and pop-up ads that show major savings. You can usually find reduced prices, free accessories, or both.
If you aren’t able to make a purchase around these dates, it can still be useful to make note of holiday deals. Keep a record of the details, and then later, you can ask for the same pricing. While this negotiating tactic won’t always work, some sellers will end up giving you the price offered during a prior sale.
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.
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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