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Headshot of author Logan Foley
By Logan Foley
Why Trust Sleep Foundation

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.

Want to see our top mattress picks across different price ranges? Head over to our list of 2024’s best mattresses.

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Best Mattress for the Money of 2024

Nectar Mattress

You can find top-notch mattresses in a wide range of prices, each offering a mix of strong cushioning and sturdy support. The Nectar Mattress offers excellent contouring without sacrificing support, and the price-point is very reasonable given the high quality.

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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.

In-Depth Reviews

“With the Nectar, I didn’t sink too much into the memory foam – a common issue with this type of mattress. The surface feels exceptionally firm and supportive. I also noticed less heat retention than usual.” – Lauren Fountain, Senior Editor

  • Pros

    1. All-foam construction provides exceptional motion isolation

    2. Quilted cover and memory foam comfort layer cradle the body to relieve pressure

    3. Comes with a 365-night trial and lifetime warranty

  • Cons

    1. Foam layers are prone to heat retention

    2. Back and stomach sleepers who weigh more than 230 pounds may sink too deeply

Mattress Type

Foam

Firmness Options

Medium Firm (6)

Price Range

$359 – $1,098

Trial Period

365 nights

Memory foam mattresses frequently have a price-point that falls well 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.

What It’s Made of

The first layer of gel-infused memory foam in the Nectar’s comfort system is quilted into the bed’s cover. Next is a thick layer of polyfoam, which sits on top of high-density polyfoam.

All together, the foam layers provide considerable cushioning to match where the body most needs it and ultimately promotes proper spinal alignment. A breathable Tencel cover encases the mattress.

How It Performed

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 up to 230 pounds. Side sleepers should appreciate the deep contour from the memory foam comfort layers, relieving pressure buildup in the hips and shoulders. These foam layers also absorb a significant amount of motion. Those easily disturbed by a partner’s nighttime movement should notice fewer disturbances.

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.

“The Leesa Original Hybrid has just the right amount of cushioning to feel comfortable for different sleep preferences. Our testers experienced gentle cradling but never felt like they were sinking right into the mattress.” — Lauren Fountain, Senior Editor

  • Pros

    1. Foam comfort layers relieve pressure buildup

    2. Robust coils ensure support for the lower back

    3. Airflow through coils minimizes heat retention

  • Cons

    1. Stomach sleepers over 230 pounds might find the bed too soft

    2. May emit initial off-gassing odor

Mattress Type

Hybrid

Firmness Options

Medium Firm (6)

Price Range

$1,049 – $1,799

Trial Period

100 nights (30 night requirement)

The Leesa Original Hybrid has a balanced feel and strong cushioning that make it a comfortable mattress for many types of sleepers. The foam layers are especially appealing for people who enjoy light cradling from their mattress during sleep.

What It’s Made of

The mattress begins with a memory foam layer that hugs the body closely, followed by a polyfoam layer with a more responsive feel to prevent uncomfortable sinkage into the mattress. Beneath is a coil system that stabilizes the bed and provides sturdy support. Edges of the mattress are reinforced to help minimize sagging when you sit or sleep near the perimeter. The cover is made of a soft, knit fabric.

How It Performed

The Leesa Original Hybrid has a medium firm (6) feel that appealed to many sleepers on our team, but it earned the highest praise from side sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds and back sleepers up to 230 pounds. Stomach sleepers under 130 pounds also found it comfortable. These groups received the perfect balance of cushioning for areas like the shoulders and hips, while still getting ample support for the lower back.

Sleepers with painful pressure points will appreciate the contouring from the bed’s foam layers. The bed is also a good fit for people who sleep hot. While foam layers do retain some heat, this is offset by the airflow through the coil system.

Leesa ships the mattress for free to all 50 states. You’ll receive a 100-night sleep trial with your mattress, and a 10-year warranty.

“The Helix Midnight is one of the most comfortable mattresses I’ve tested as a side sleeper, especially for the affordable price. The pressure-relieving foam layers also performed well for our testers with joint pain.” – Tom Ryan, Head of Product Testing

  • Pros

    1. Foam layers gently contour to alleviate pressure without too much sink

    2. Pocketed coils are reinforced along the perimeter for enhanced edge support

    3. Below-average pricing for a hybrid mattress

  • Cons

    1. Some back and stomach sleepers prefer firmer Helix models

    2. Adaptive foam layers may restrict movement on the surface

Mattress Type

Hybrid

Firmness Options

Medium Firm (6)

Price Range

$749 – $1,399

Trial Period

100 nights (30-night requirement)

Side sleepers tend to put more pressure on their joints compared to other sleep positions. The Helix Midnight features a memory foam comfort layer that closely contours pain points to reduce pressure buildup in these areas.

What It’s Made of

A cover made from Helix’s proprietary Soft Touch Design fabric encases the mattress. This material is stretchy and breathable to allow for more air circulation. The proprietary Memory Foam Plus comfort layer is engineered to be more responsive than typical memory foam, while a transitional polyfoam layer beneath helps evenly distribute weight and acts as a cushion between the comfort layers and the support core. A layer of pocketed coils makes up the support core. These coils help lift the wider areas of the body to keep the spine aligned. Extra coils line the perimeter for reinforcement, allowing sleepers to sit or sleep closer to the edge. A final base layer made from polyfoam prevents shifting.

How It Performed

Our testing found the foam layers and medium firm (6) feel performed best with side sleepers who are at least 130 pounds. Sleepers who frequently experience joint pain also found the memory foam comfort layer significantly reduced pressure-induced pain in these areas. Thanks to air circulation from the coil support core, the mattress keeps cooler compared to other models made with memory foam. Hot sleepers who enjoy the “body-hugging” feel of memory foam but find it retains too much heat may like the Helix Midnight.

Along with a competitive price-point for the Midnight, Helix offers free ground shipping to all 50 states. Midnight mattress purchases are backed by a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty protecting against structural defects.

“The Bear Original is an all-foam mattress that caters to sleepers who enjoy foam in moderation. The design excels at cushioning, minus the deep body hug you’ll find in plusher foam models.” — Logan Foley, Managing Editor

  • Pros

    1. All-foam design excels at pressure relief

    2. Foam layers offer strong motion isolation

    3. Firmer feel than many other foam mattresses

  • Cons

    1. Side sleepers under 130 pounds may need a plusher mattress for cushioning

    2. High potential for initial off-gassing odor

Mattress Type

Foam

Firmness Options

Firm (7)

Price Range

$511 – $1,099

Trial Period

120 nights (30-night break-in period)

The Bear Original stands out from competing all-foam mattresses with a slightly firmer design. It’s a good option for sleepers who enjoy moderate conforming without excessive sinkage. It’s also a good match for co-sleepers with differing preferences when it comes to foam beds.

What It’s Made of

The mattress had a firm (7) feel, which is firmer than the average all-foam mattress. It begins with a memory foam layer that gently conforms to your body, followed by a polyfoam layer with more responsiveness. The support core is composed of high-density polyfoam that gives the bed a sturdy feel. The cover is made with a Tencel fabric that is naturally cool and breathable, but you can opt for a Celliant-infused cover for an extra fee to help cool the bed even further.

How It Performed

Foam beds don’t always appeal to sleepers over 230 pounds due to their lack of support. However, the Bear Original earned high marks from side sleepers over 230 pounds and back sleepers over 130 pounds. These groups found the bed was firm enough to support their bodies while offering just the right amount of cushioning to avoid painful pressure buildup. Even many stomach sleepers, who don’t typically favor all-foam models, enjoyed the Bear Original.

The foam layers minimize motion transfer, making the mattress a good option for co-sleepers who wake each other up with nighttime movement.  Pressure relief is another strength of this mattress thanks to even contouring from the foam layers.

Bear offers a 120-night sleep trial to try out the mattress at home. Beyond the sleep trial, you’ll also receive a lifetime warranty. Shipping is free to addresses in the contiguous U.S.

“The Brooklyn Bedding Essential is a great fit for sleepers who want a touch of foam but don’t want to feel hugged by their mattress. Our testers reported just enough cushioning to ease pressure off their joints.” – Logan Foley, Managing Editor

  • Pros

    1. Quilted surface offers gentle pressure relief

    2. Coil system generates strong support

    3. Foam layers reduce motion transfer

  • Cons

    1. Stomach sleepers may find their hips sink excessively

    2. Coils may transfer more movement and cause disturbances

Mattress Type

Hybrid

Firmness Options

Medium Firm (6)

Price Range

$532 – $1,132

Trial Period

120 nights (30-night requirement)

The Brooklyn Bedding Essential is a budget-friendly hybrid mattress that combines the contouring of foam with a sturdy coil system. The result is a mattress that feels comfortable for a wide range of sleepers, especially those seeking a bed that’s neither too plush nor too firm.

What It’s Made of

The Essential’s cover is composed of a soft cotton and polyester fabric quilted with 1.5 inches of polyfoam, creating a lightly cushioned surface. Beneath is a thin polyfoam layer that enhances contouring but has a high-density composition to prevent your body from sinking too deeply. The support core contains pocketed coils that generate ample pushback, followed by a high-density polyfoam layer that provides a stable base for the entire mattress.

How It Performed

The mattress has a thinner comfort system than many foam hybrids we’ve tested, so we found the mattress offered light cushioning without the deep body hug you might find in a hybrid with thicker foam layers. This composition was ideal for the back sleepers on our test team who weigh up to 230 pounds, since this sleep position needs some cushioning for the spine but also requires strong support for the lower back. Side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds also felt very comfortable on this mattress, receiving just the right amount of cradling for the shoulders and hips.

Due to the relatively thin foam layers, the Essential offers better ease of movement than beds with thick foam layers, which tend to hinder movement across the surface. It also runs cooler than models with thicker foam layers, since the foam doesn’t hug your body as deeply. Hot sleepers on our test team gave the bed high ratings compared to other foam hybrids we’ve tested in the lab.

Brooklyn Bedding offers free shipping to addresses in the contiguous U.S. The mattress comes with a 120-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

“Saatva’s Memory Foam Hybrid provides just enough cushioning to relieve pressure in your lower back without the deep sinkage that often plagues this type of mattress. Our tests show the mattress is best suited to side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds, but the balanced design earned praise from most of our team across different sleep positions and body types.” – Tom Ryan, Head of Product Testing

  • Pros

    1. Zoned comfort layer provides extra lower back support

    2. Foam-encased coils stabilize the mattress and reduce perimeter sinkage

    3. All orders come with free White Glove delivery

  • Cons

    1. High potential for strong initial off-gassing

    2. Back and stomach sleepers over 230 pounds may sink excessively

Mattress Type

Hybrid

Firmness Options

Medium Firm (6)

Price Range

$925 – $2,630

Trial Period

365 Nights ($99 Return Fee)

Saatva is best known for luxury mattresses, many of which are on the expensive side, but the Memory Foam Hybrid offers a high-quality design and strong performance without too steep of a sticker price. This medium firm (6) mattress is thoughtfully constructed to cradle your lower back, minimize motion transfer, and promote enough airflow to help you sleep comfortably. Additional perks for shoppers include free White Glove delivery and a year-long sleep trial.

What It’s Made of

The Memory Foam Hybrid begins with a layer of adaptive polyfoam quilted into the cover, giving the mattress an invitingly plush surface. A memory foam comfort layer adds extra contouring to ensure even weight distribution and close cradling for your body. The memory foam is zoned to feel denser and firmer beneath your lumbar region, which can reduce pressure points in your lower back. Convoluted transitional polyfoam completes the comfort system, creating a buffer between your body and the support core while circulating air throughout the interior.

The hybrid’s coils are encased in fabric and designed to move independently from one another. This results in great overall stability for the mattress without too much motion transfer. Dense foam encases the coils and secures the perimeter from excessive sinkage. The cover is composed of soft, breathable organic cotton. The fabric is treated with Guardin, an antimicrobial agent intended to stave off dust mites and other contaminants.

How It Performed

Like many other memory foam hybrids we’ve tested, the Saatva model was most popular among the side sleepers on our team. Those weighing 130 to 230 pounds were particularly impressed, but the mattress earned solid ratings across the board from this sleep position group. Back and stomach sleepers up to 230 pounds also felt comfortable on the Memory Foam Hybrid, but those weighing more found the mattress a bit too soft and lacking in support.

Pressure relief proved a major strength during our tests. Most of our testers experienced minimal pressure buildup, and body-mapping sensors indicate the memory foam gently hugs the body with extra support for the lower back. Our testers didn’t feel much motion transfer when lying side by side on the mattress, but the coils provided enough reinforcement to help us move across the surface with relative ease. We also noticed decent pushback when sitting along the perimeter for our edge support tests.

All Saatva purchases include free White Glove delivery. Couriers transport the Memory Foam Hybrid to your residence and assemble it in a room of your choice. You can request removal of your old mattress at no extra cost. Your order also comes with a generous sleep trial that runs for 365 nights. If you choose to keep the mattress, it’s further backed by a lifetime warranty.

“The Nectar Hybrid combines the cushioning layers of an all-foam mattress with the sturdy coil support of a traditional innerspring. This is one of the most balanced hybrids on the market today, and the below-average sticker price means you’ll get your money’s worth.” – Jackson Lindeke, Director of Product Experience

  • Pros

    1. Memory foam comfort layer contours evenly and moderately to alleviate pressure

    2. Perimeter coils are reinforced to reduce sinkage along the edges

    3. All orders come with a yearlong sleep trial

  • Cons

    1. Back and stomach sleepers over 230 pounds may not receive enough support

    2. Foam layers likely to emit strong off-gassing after the mattress is unboxed

Mattress Type

Hybrid

Firmness Options

Firm (7)

Price Range

$359 – $1,338

Trial Period

365 nights

If you frequently wake up feeling sore or stiff, you should consider investing in a mattress that cradles your spine and reduces pressure buildup in sensitive areas like the shoulders and hips. The firm (7) Nectar Hybrid builds on the brand’s flagship all-foam design by pairing adaptive foam layers with sturdy pocketed coils. The result is deep cushioning for your body without too much sink, making this mattress a solid choice for most people regardless of how much they weigh or which sleep position they favor.

What It’s Made of

The Nectar Hybrid’s comfort system contains a memory foam comfort layer and polyfoam transitional layer. The latter is slightly denser, so the mattress feels plush when you get into bed but pushes back against your weight as your body settles. A cooling gel infusion in the top layer helps offset uncomfortable heat retention.

Pocketed coils and dense base foam make up the support core. Thicker coils line the perimeter to minimize sinkage, allowing you to sleep near the edges without feeling like you’ll roll off the bed. A soft, quilted cover encases the mattress. Like its all-foam counterpart, the Nectar Hybrid measures 12 inches thick.

How It Performed

Since the Nectar Hybrid has a firm feel, the mattress earned favorable ratings from testers who normally find foam hybrids too soft. The highest marks came from side sleepers weighing more than 230 pounds, and back and stomach sleepers weighing 230 pounds or less. We also found the mattress absorbs movement well and minimizes motion transfer to a significant extent, which can be beneficial for couples. Other testing highlights included edge support and ease of movement.

Nectar offers free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. The company’s 365-night sleep trial is one of the longest in the online mattress industry. Should you decide to keep your Nectar Hybrid, it’s also backed by a lifetime warranty that covers structural and material defects as long as you retain original ownership.

“When testing the Layla, our team found this bed excelled at relieving pressure buildup. The flippable design meant that testers in most weight categories could find a firmness level that worked for them.” – Danny Noyed, Senior Product Editor

  • Pros

    1. Dual-sided design offers two firmness levels

    2. All-foam construction excels at pressure relief

    3. Foam surface absorbs movement

  • Cons

    1. Foam layers may emit some strong initial off-gassing odor

    2. All-foam construction can lack responsiveness for sex

Mattress Type

Foam

Firmness Options

Medium Soft (4), Firm (7)

Price Range

$749 – $1,249

Trial Period

120 nights

The Layla Mattress, a memory foam bed known for its flippable design, features a medium soft (4) feel on one side and a firm (7) feel on the other. This all-foam model is great for those who are unsure what their firmness preference is or want to invest in a bed that provides them with options.

What It’s Made of

The soft side of the mattress features a thick comfort layer of copper-infused memory foam and a slightly thinner layer of convoluted polyfoam. The firm side features the same copper-infused memory foam but in a much thinner layer. Sandwiched between the two comfort systems is a support core made from high-density foam. A breathable cover made from a blend of polyester, rayon, viscose, and poly-Lycra encases the foam layers.

How It Performed

Performance-wise, the Layla stands out in the pressure relief category. The soft side conforms closely to your body to relieve pressure points and performed well for the side sleepers on our test team. The firm side does this less so and proved to be a good option for heavier sleepers on our team — or stomach and back sleepers who needed a more supportive surface. The bed also isolates motion well and produces minimal noise when bearing weight, making it great for couples and light sleepers.

Layla offers a 120-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty. Shipping is free to addresses in the contiguous U.S.

“People who like adaptive yet supportive mattresses should enjoy the Silk & Snow Hybrid. The top foam layers hug the body closely, but the foam lumbar pad and zoned coils keep your body on an even plane.” – Colin Simpson, Research Manager

  • Pros

    1. Balanced hybrid design combines adaptive foam layers with supportive coils

    2. Lumbar pad provides zoned support to the lower back

    3. Coils promote airflow for excellent overall cooling

  • Cons

    1. Coils may transfer movement when switching positions at night

    2. Sleepers who weigh more than 230 pounds may prefer a more supportive mattress

Mattress Type

Hybrid

Firmness Options

Medium Firm (6)

Price Range

$650 – $950

Trial Period

100 nights (30-night requirement)

Sleepers who feel pressure points in their shoulders, lower back, and hips typically need a mattress that provides a balance of even contouring and sturdy support. The Silk & Snow Hybrid accomplishes this thanks to its balanced medium firm (6) feel, and a foam lumbar pad designed to cushion and reduce pressure in the lower back.

What It’s Made of

The mattress features a Euro-top cushioned with adaptive polyfoam, followed by a memory foam comfort layer. These materials contour evenly to create a cloud-like feel as your body settles into the mattress. A foam lumbar pad cushions the lower back. The pocketed coils are zoned to feel thicker and more supportive beneath the torso and hips. Extra coil reinforcement along the perimeter also reduces sinkage when you get in and out of bed. The entire mattress is encased in a soft and stretchy polyester-spandex cover.

How It Performed

The Silk & Snow Hybrid excelled in a few performance areas. A dense comfort layer combined with a mid-range firmness allows the mattress to contour closely and alleviate pressure along the spine. Steady airflow through the coils also helped the mattress perform well during our temperature control tests. Among our team members, the mattress was most popular with side and back sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds.

The Silk & Snow Hybrid’s sticker price is below-average compared to other hybrids, and Silk & Snow provides free shipping for customers in the contiguous U.S. and provincial Canada. Each mattress is backed by a 100-night trial period with a 30-night break-in requirement and a 15-year warranty against structural defects.

“The Siena checks all of the important boxes when it comes to memory foam mattresses — deep cushioning for your body, less pressure along the spine, good motion isolation, and no noise whatsoever. It’s hard to find an all-foam model of this quality at such an affordable price.” – Logan Foley, Managing Editor

  • Pros

    1. Adaptive all-foam design contours evenly and reduces pressure

    2. Excellent motion isolation and no noise

    3. All orders backed by a generous six-month sleep trial

  • Cons

    1. Strong off-gassing odor for the first few nights

    2. Only available in one firmness level

Mattress Type

Foam

Firmness Options

Medium Firm (6)

Price Range

$199 – $499

Trial Period

180 Nights

If you’re furnishing a spare bedroom used on an occasional basis, there’s no need to invest in an expensive mattress, but you should also choose a bed that’s comfortable for your houseguests. The Siena Memory Foam Mattress gives you the best of both worlds. Three foam layers deliver a plush, cradling surface, and couples who stay the night won’t need to worry about bothersome motion transfer or creaky coils when one of them gets up during the night.

What It’s Made of

The Siena’s top layer is composed of memory foam infused with cooling gel, which is intended to dissipate heat and keep the surface relatively cool. Two underlying polyfoam layers add cushioning, but also maintain a stable support system and prevent you from sinking too much. These three layers collectively create a medium firm (6) feel. A breathable knit cover encases the mattress.

How It Performed

During our hands-on tests, the Siena earned its most favorable ratings from our side sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds, and our back and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds. That said, most of us found the mattress comfortable thanks to the balance of surface-level contouring and sturdy overall support.

Motion isolation was a standout performance category for the Siena. Our testers felt minimal movement when lying side by side on the mattress, and our kettlebell tests revealed little to no motion transfer. We also awarded the Siena high marks for pressure relief, and heat retention wasn’t a major issue for most of our team.

Standard ground shipping is free of charge for customers in the contiguous U.S. There’s high potential for off-gassing odor during the first few days after the Siena is unboxed, so we recommend airing it out in a well-ventilated room before sleeping on it. Your order includes a 180-night sleep trial, ensuring ample opportunity to test out the mattress and decide if it’s right for you. The manufacturer’s warranty covers structural and material defects for up to 10 years.

Watch Video: We Tested the Best Mattresses for the Money – Here Are Our Favorites

Watch the video below to learn more about our lab’s best mattress for the money picks.

Data-Driven Results You Can Trust

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.

How Our Testing Process Works

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. Our top picks represent the mattresses that offered the best quality and performance features compared to other beds with similar price ranges.

Keep reading to learn more about our product research methodology:

motion isolation

Beds with strong motion isolation reduce the amount of movement you feel when your bedmate moves at night. We evaluate this criteria with a series of performance tests.

temperature control

We gauge the temperature control of a mattress by using thermal imaging tools, as well as looking at the materials used. Latex and hybrid beds typically run cooler, as do beds with cooling features such as phase change material.

pressure relief

To evaluate pressure relief, our testers roll around the mattress surface and also use pressure map testing. Foam beds typically perform very well in this category.

Off-Gassing

It’s common to encounter an unusual smell upon unboxing your mattress, especially if it’s made of synthetic materials. Our testing team finds that the smell dissipates quickly, usually within a day or two.

ease of movement

For this criteria, we determine how easily a sleeper can roll around and switch positions on a mattress surface. Beds with a firmer feel and thinner comfort system are easier to move across than softer beds with deep contouring.

edge support

To evaluate edge support, we observe and measure the amount of sagging that occurs when a sleeper sits on the edge of a bed. Beds with stable edges are typically firmer, or designed with a reinforced perimeter.

sex

Though this criteria is rather subjective, we find that sleepers tend to prefer springier, responsive mattresses when it comes to sex. Latex and hybrid beds often have suitable surfaces.

body weight

We keep body weight in mind when testing all mattresses, since this affects the amount of contouring and support you need from a mattress. In general, the greater the body weight, the more firmness and support needed.

Dive Deeper – In-Depth Mattress Guides

For more help in finding the best value bed that meets all of your needs, take a look at our recommendations sorted by price points.

How to Shop for a High-Value Mattress

Shopping online is one of the best ways to get the most for your mattress dollar. While you can find deals when shopping in a brick-and-mortar store, it’s a trickier task that usually requires good timing and savvy negotiating. Online, though, significant competition makes values far easier to find.

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 upfront (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.

Important Mattress Value Considerations

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:

  • Sleeping Position: Your body needs support in different areas depending on your sleeping position. For example, side sleepers need more cushioning at the shoulders and hips, and back and stomach sleepers need lumbar support. For this reason, it’s vital to consider mattresses that align with your nighttime posture.
  • Mattress Type: Five mattress types are readily available: foam, latex, innerspring, hybrid, and airbeds. Each type has pros and cons, and it is helpful to think about which most appeals to you. There are values to be had in every category, but we often find the best values are foam and hybrid mattresses.
  • Durability: Once it starts to wear out, a mattress won’t offer sufficient comfort or spinal support. As a result, to be a great value, a mattress has to be durable. To find a mattress that’s more likely to last, look for high-end materials, thoughtful design, and no “weak links” in the layering.
  • Quality Materials: As with so many consumer products, you can tell the difference when something is made with high-quality materials. Sturdy components should be used in all levels of the mattress, and in general, customers should be wary of extremely thin or seemingly flimsy layers.
  • Firmness Level: Even if the price looks like a screaming deal, a mattress isn’t a value if it’s not comfortable. The central factor that affects comfort is firmness, so look for a mattress that matches what feels right to you.
  • Motion Isolation: On some mattresses, especially old-school innersprings, you notice anytime someone moves on the other side of the bed. Many newer mattresses, especially memory foam options, dramatically reduce this motion transfer, making it easier for people who share a bed to sleep through the night.
  • Pressure Relief: Certain areas of the body receive greater amounts of pressure than others, and thin cushioning can result in painful pressure buildup. Insufficient pressure relief can also cause the spine’s alignment to be thrown off, leading to back aches. As a result, contouring and pressure relief are important features, especially if you have sharp impact points.
  • Ease of Movement/Sex: For many sleepers, it’s important to be able to move with ease across the surface of the mattress. This could be during sex or when changing sleeping positions at night. It’s easier to move on a mattress with bounce, and some beds with deep contouring (like memory foam) can inhibit movement more than hybrid and latex options.
  • Edge Support: To get the most of your mattress, you want to be able to use its entire surface, but some beds give out around the edges. Soft mattresses, as well as all-foam beds, tend to have the least edge support. Latex and hybrid mattresses usually offer more integrity around the perimeter.
  • Temperature Neutrality: Heat can build up around your body at night, making it hard to stay asleep. Heat problems come from a lack of airflow around the body (often associated with deep hug) and heat retention by some materials (especially memory foam).

Why Buy a New Mattress?

Whether your budget is big or small, mattresses can be a sizable investment. For this reason, sleepers usually buy new mattresses out of necessity — usually to replace a mattress that no longer suits their needs. We polled thousands of Sleep Foundation subscribers to find out the top reasons people buy new beds. Below are our results.

Mattress-Survey-Graphic_Desktop

What Can Affect the Price of a Mattress?

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:

  • Type of mattress: On a broad level, certain types of mattresses, like airbeds, tend to be more expensive, and others, like innersprings, are usually more economical.
  • Size of mattress: Size plays a major role in the cost of your mattress. The smaller the mattress, the lower the price. This means twin, twin XL, and full beds will cost less than queen, king, and California king beds.
  • Thickness of layers: Some materials have a higher cost, and when they are included in thick layers, it can push up the price of a mattress. For example, a mattress with 1 inch of memory foam in its comfort system will usually cost less than a mattress that is otherwise comparable but has a 3-inch memory foam layer.
  • Quality of materials: This is one of the key determining factors because higher-end materials cost more to produce and make a mattress more expensive. Elements of materials quality that can affect the price include its sourcing, its density (in the case of foam and latex), whether or not it’s made by hand, and the complexity of its construction (as with innerspring coils).
  • Eco-friendly production: It typically costs more to make organic or environmentally friendly materials, and getting a product certified can bring on additional costs.
  • Cooling features: Many mattresses have extra features to try to maintain a stable temperature. These can include foams infused with gel or copper, open-cell or aerated foams, phase change material (PCM), and infrared-producing textiles, all of which contribute to a higher price tag.
  • Design elements: Adding extra design features, such as zoned coils and foams, reinforced edges, sewn-on handles, or pillow-tops may affect the total price.
  • Where it’s manufactured: If a mattress is made in the U.S., it will likely cost more, especially if most or all of the component parts are made in the U.S. as well.

Shipping, Returns, and Warranties

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.

Shipping

Basic ground shipping to your home is almost always free for a mattress bought online. With standard shipping, the mattress is compressed, shrink-wrapped, and mailed as a mattress in a box 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.

White Glove Delivery

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.

Returns

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.

Warranties

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.

Additional Mattress 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.

  • Foundations and Bed Frames: If you either need or want a new base for your bed, you’ll need to factor that into your budget. Make sure that any bed base properly supports the mattress so that you don’t inadvertently void the warranty. If you want to use an adjustable frame, confirm that the mattress you want is compatible.
  • Bedding: Most mattresses are clothed with a sheet set, pillows, and a comforter or duvet. If you get a new mattress that’s a different size than your old one, you may have to replace your some of these to accommodate the new size. We also recommend purchasing a mattress protector to protect your bed from things like spills and skin cell buildup.
  • Old Mattress Removal: To make room for a new mattress, you’ll need to clear out the old one. Haul-away may be included with White Glove delivery or may be provided by local organizations. Charges for haul-away vary by location.
  • In-Home Assembly: White Glove delivery from the mattress maker can come at a cost, but if it’s not offered, you can likely find a local service provider to get your bed set up. This can be especially useful if you are also purchasing a new bed base. Prices will vary based on location and how many pieces you need assembled.

Types of Mattresses

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.

Hybrid

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, microcoils, 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.

Innerspring

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 non-existent, 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.

Latex

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.

Airbed

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 different firmness needs.

Foam

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 TypeAverage LifespanAverage Price
Innerspring5 to 7 years$900-$1,100
Foam6 to 7 years$900-$1,200
Hybrid6 to 7 years$1,600-$2,000
Latex8 years or longer$1,600-$2,000
Airbed8 years or longer$2,000-$2,400

How to Get The Best Deal on a Mattress

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.

Do Your Homework

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 Deals and Sales

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.

HolidayWhen it Happens
President’s Day3rd Monday in February
Memorial DayLast Monday in May
Independence DayJuly 4th
Amazon Prime DayJuly 15th
Labor DayFirst Monday in September
Veterans DayNovember 11th
Black FridayThe day after Thanksgiving
Cyber MondayMonday 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.

Still have questions?

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.

Learn more about our Editorial Team

Trouble sleeping?

Answer these 5 easy questions to discover your perfect mattress

Trouble sleeping?

Answer these 5 easy questions to discover your perfect mattress

What position do you sleep in?

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Side

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Back icon

Back

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Stomach icon

Stomach

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Do you experience any pain while sleeping?

Back and/or side pain icon

Back and/or side pain

Back and/or side pain icon
Neck and/or shoulder pain icon

Neck and/or shoulder pain

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Little to no pain icon

Little to no pain

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Do you have any material preferences?

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Innerspring

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Foam icon

Foam

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No preference/ Other icon

No preference/ Other

Do you sleep hot?

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Yes

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No

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Do you sleep with a partner?

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Yes

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No

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