Best Mattress for the Money in 2026

A new mattress represents a significant investment for most households, so you should strive to find the best option within your budget. Today’s shoppers can choose from plenty of high-value beds at different price-points. The best bed for the money depends on how much you want to spend. 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.

How We Tested the Best Mattresses for the Money

Testing Criteria for Mattress Value

Getting the best mattress for your money means looking beyond the sticker price. For this category, we focused on beds that deliver strong overall performance, reliable materials, and long-term durability relative to cost. We settled on the following criteria as a good reference point when testing these models out:

• High performance, best value: Rather than isolating price alone, we assessed how well each mattress performs for what it costs. Models in this category demonstrate a strong balance of comfort, support, and build quality compared to similarly priced competitors.
• Material quality & construction: Durable foams, supportive coils, and thoughtful layering contribute to a mattress’s ability to hold up over time. We prioritized designs that use dependable materials known for maintaining structure and comfort without unnecessary add-ons or inflated pricing.
• Lifespan & durability: You shouldn’t trade value for longevity, so we evaluated how well each model can resist sagging. We also heavily researched material breakdown and support levels, especially when compared to other budget-friendly options.

 

How We Evaluated

We looked to prioritize value without sacrificing comfort features and durable construction, which means our evaluation combined quantitative data from our expansive mattress database.

We began by analyzing sleeper ratings and performance scores across core categories, including:

• Pressure relief
• Motion isolation
• Temperature control
• Edge support
• Ease of movement

From there, we narrowed the field to a short list of mattresses that consistently demonstrated above-average value relative to cost. Our testing team conducted in-depth assessments, examining construction quality, consistency of firmness, responsiveness, and long-term performance.

Each mattress was tested by multiple sleepers to be sure our finalists accommodate a range of body types and sleep positions. We also compared these results to those of similarly priced models.

Based on these findings, we selected 8 mattresses that offer the strongest combination of performance, durability, and material quality for the price.

Our Testing Team

Logan Foley

Editorial Director

Full Bio

Logan Foley

Editorial Director

Logan is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with a deep understanding of what it means to struggle with sleep. Her years of experience researching and testing sleep products – including mattresses, natural sleep aids, and bedding – are critical to her role helping lead the editorial team. When she’s not testing mattresses or researching CBT-I, she enjoys spending time in the sunshine with her husband and her dogs Pepper and Winston.

Mary Fenton

Head of Product Content

Full Bio

Mary Fenton

Head of Product Content

Mary is a product-content marketer who applies a pedigree in journalism, human-centered design, and cultural trends to inform strategy. Prior to Sleep Doctor, Mary led editorial and creative at ESPN and Rad Power Bikes. She likes to build and grow things, and break and fix things, and only sometimes in that order.

Jeremy Klein

Senior Product Testing Manager

Full Bio

Jeremy Klein

Senior Product Testing Manager

Jeremy is a sleep product tester with a passion for methodology and data collection. He’s spent the last six years at Sleep Foundation testing nearly every mattress, pillow, and sheet on the market, and has gained a holistic understanding of how to get the most accurate and universal results possible. When he’s not working, Jeremy likes to make music, play tennis, and watch old movies.

Brad Nehring

Senior Product Analyst

Full Bio

Brad Nehring

Senior Product Analyst

Brad is a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest who holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Western Washington University. As someone who has lived with sleep problems throughout his adult life, Brad is passionate about helping others get the rest they need. He’s professionally tested and reviewed sleep products for nearly a decade.

Colin Simpson

Product Research Manager

Full Bio

Colin Simpson

Product Research Manager

Colin leads our product research team and doubles down as our head of video production. He has a distinct passion for translating complicated topics into fun and digestible content.

Best Mattress Overall: Helix Midnight Luxe

Best Mattress Overall

9.7/10Test Lab Score

Helix Midnight Luxe

A premium quality, hybrid mattress created with side sleepers in mind.

27% off sitewide with code: SF27 Shop At Helix

Price: $1,799

Mattress Type: Hybrid

Firmness Options: Medium Firm (6)

Trial Period: 120 nights (30-night requirement)

Key Details

• Who It’s Best For: Side and back sleepers who weigh under 230 pounds. Hot sleepers and couples.
• Feel: Supportive in key areas of your body and a plush pillow-top feel like you’re being cradled instead of sinking in too deeply.
• What It’s Made Of: The top layers are three different types of foam. The support core is pocketed coils on top of a layer of dense foam.
• What We Don’t Like: Particularly strong-smelling upon opening.

Scoring & Reviews

The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.

Side Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

9.5/10

130-230 lbs

10/10

Above 230 lbs

9.5/10

Back Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

8.5/10

130-230 lbs

8/10

Above 230 lbs

7/10

Stomach Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

8.5/10

130-230 lbs

7.5/10

Above 230 lbs

6.5/10

In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.

SELECT AN ICON TO VIEW DETAILS:

Motion Isolation

Pressure Relief

Temperature Control

Edge Support

Ease of Movement

Durability

Motion Isolation

8.5/10

8.5/10

As a medium firm mattress with thick foam comfort layers, it’s no surprise that the Midnight Luxe tested very well for motion isolation. Our testers could barely feel any movement across the surface of the mattress when fellow testers rolled around on it.

Pressure Relief

9.5/10

9.5/10

All of the Helix Luxe models have thick foam comfort layers and conform fairly close to the body. Consequently, they’ve all performed well in our pressure mapping tests, with notably less pressure in the hips and shoulders than many hybrids. With it’s 6 out of 10 firmness, The Midnight Luxe in particular performs average among other Helix Luxe beds.

Temperature Control

8/10

8/10

The Helix mattresses perform about average for hybrids when it comes to sleeping cool. Memory foam is well-known for its tendency to sleep hot, as it often traps and retains heat through the night, but the coil cores of these beds promote airflow to help balance out heat retention.

Edge Support

9.5/10

9.5/10

All Helix mattresses feature a reinforced perimeter, meaning the coils on the edges are thicker than the coils in the middle of the bed. When putting this to the test, we found significantly less sinkage on the edge than the middle while applying weight.

Ease of Movement

7.5/10

7.5/10

Helix Luxe mattresses tend to be somewhat responsive and bouncy, and all tested pretty well for ease of movement. The Midnight Luxe in particular had a middle-of-the-road performance in our tests, as the medium firm surface conforms a bit to the body, but doesn’t fully provide that ‘stuck’ feeling and inhibit motion.

Durability

8.5/10

8.5/10

The Helix Luxe collection of hybrid mattresses is built for durability, and the firmer options will likely extend the life even further. Each model is 14 inches thick and features three layers of foam (memory and poly), plus has 1,000 individually wrapped coils, including zone and perimeter support. It’s likely that you’ll be able to enjoy this mattress for close to a decade.

Read Our Full Helix Midnight Luxe Review

Side sleepers tend to put more pressure on their joints compared to other sleep positions. The Helix Midnight Luxe features two memory foam comfort layers that closely contour to the body and reduce pressure buildup in your most sensitive areas.

How It Performs

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.

Best Mattress for Couples: Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam

Best Mattress for Couples

8.6/10Test Lab Score

Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam

Hugs and soothes pressure points for restful sleep.

25% off sitewide Shop At Brooklyn Bedding

Price: $466

Mattress Type: Foam

Firmness Options: Medium Firm (6)

Trial Period: 120 nights (30-night requirement)

Key Details

• Who It’s Best for: Side sleepers of at least 130 pounds and back sleepers up to 230 pounds.
• Feel: Medium firm (6) design with plush contouring on the surface and extra reinforcement around the midsection.
• What It’s Made of: Adaptive polyfoam and copper-infused memory foam comfort layers, zoned transitional foam, and high-density foam base layers.
• What We Don’t Like: Edge support is limited, so the perimeter may buckle and sink.

Scoring & Reviews

The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.

Side Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

7/10

130-230 lbs

9/10

Above 230 lbs

7.5/10

Back Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

8/10

130-230 lbs

7/10

Above 230 lbs

6/10

Stomach Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

8/10

130-230 lbs

6/10

Above 230 lbs

5.5/10

In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.

SELECT AN ICON TO VIEW DETAILS:

Motion Isolation

Pressure Relief

Temperature Control

Edge Support

Ease of Movement

Durability

Motion Isolation

8.5/10

8.5/10

The CopperFlex Memory Foam provides great motion isolation, with our testers clocking almost no motion transfer across the bed during movement. This is due to the all-foam construction—with memory foam comfort layers and an all-foam base, there is little means for one side of the bed to affect the other.

Pressure Relief

9/10

9/10

This bed provides excellent pressure relief, which notably reduced pressure on the shoulders and hips compared to other beds. With a thick foam comfort layer and a foam base, the bed conforms close to the body and ‘hugs’ the sleeper quite a bit.

Temperature Control

7/10

7/10

As an all-foam bed, the CopperFlex is inevitable going to trap a decent amount of body heat. Luckily, the top layer of quilted polyfoam isn’t very dense, allowing for some airflow. We don’t find copper-infused foam to make too much of a difference in cooling.

Edge Support

7/10

7/10

Like most all-foam beds, the edge support of the CopperFlex memory foam is mediocre. The high density support core provides a bit of support, but there’s definitely some noticeable sinkage when sitting around the edges. Perhaps not the best choice for those with mobility issues.

Ease of Movement

6.5/10

6.5/10

As an all foam bed with a memory foam comfort layer, it’s no surprise that our testers found the CopperFlex Memory Foam a bit hard to move around on. The foam conforms close to the body, giving you that sinking sensation, and it definitely requires a bit more effort to roll around on the bed, especially for heavier sleepers.

Durability

7/10

7/10

The CopperFlex Memory Foam’s expected lifespan is about 5 to 6 years with proper use and regular rotations. This is average for an all-foam model. The topmost layers will eventually develop impressions and indentations that make the surface feel uneven, but the base layer is dense enough to provide several years of solid reinforcement.

Read Our Full Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam Review

Shopping for a new mattress with a partner can be challenging, especially if your personal preferences differ from theirs. Brooklyn Bedding’s CopperFlex Memory Foam is a versatile crowd-pleaser thanks to its balanced design and strong performance across key categories. An approachable sticker price further sweetens the deal for couples on a budget.

How It Performs

After evaluating the CopperFlex Memory Foam in our Test Lab, we’ve determined this mattress is best suited to side sleepers who weigh 130 pounds or more and back sleepers weighing 230 pounds or less. Stomach sleepers under 130 pounds may also find the CopperFlex comfortable, but heavier individuals who use this position and back sleepers over 230 pounds will probably experience excessive sinkage despite the zoned transitional foam and sturdy base layers.

The CopperFlex excels at motion isolation. During our tests, we observed very little movement transferring on the surface when testers changed sleep positions and got on and off of the mattress. Most of us also found that the CopperFlex sleeps at a cool temperature – there may be some slight heat retention, but this is minimal compared to other all-foam models we’ve tested.

Best Value Mattress: Nectar Classic

Best Value Mattress

8.7/10Test Lab Score

Nectar Classic

A pressure relieving memory foam bed at an amazing value.

Save up to 50% on mattresses + up to 66% on bundles Shop At Nectar

Price: $649

Mattress Type: Foam

Firmness Options: Medium Firm (6)

Trial Period: 365 nights (30-night requirement)

Key Details

• Who It’s Best for: Side sleepers who weigh at least 130 pounds, and back sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds.
• Feel: True medium firm (6) feel with deep contouring on the surface and sturdy underlying support.
• What It’s Made of: Memory foam comfort layer, followed by transitional and base layers of high-density polyfoam.
• What We Don’t Like: Foam layers can absorb and trap heat to an uncomfortable degree.

Scoring & Reviews

The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.

Side Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

8.5/10

130-230 lbs

9/10

Above 230 lbs

8.5/10

Back Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

7.5/10

130-230 lbs

7/10

Above 230 lbs

6/10

Stomach Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

7.5/10

130-230 lbs

6.5/10

Above 230 lbs

5.5/10

In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.

SELECT AN ICON TO VIEW DETAILS:

Motion Isolation

Pressure Relief

Temperature Control

Edge Support

Ease of Movement

Durability

Motion Isolation

8.5/10

8.5/10

Motion isolation is one of the Nectar Classic’s defining strengths. All of the foam layers collectively work together to absorb movement and prevent ripples of motion transfer from spreading elsewhere on the mattress. Couples and co-sleepers should appreciate this quality.

Pressure Relief

8.5/10

8.5/10

The Nectar Classic excels at pressure relief thanks to its design, which features a plush and adaptive memory foam layer on top and dense foam layers in the support system. This creates deep cradling at the surface level to soothe sore spots and pressure zones, but also ensures ample reinforcement to prevent the midsection from sinking too much.

Temperature Control

6.5/10

6.5/10

While the Nectar Classic doesn’t absorb as much heat as many competing memory foam mattresses, sleepers may still notice some warmth on the surface. Cooling components work to offset this. The result is a memory foam model that doesn’t sleep excessively warm, but may still be uncomfortable for people who run very hot in bed.

Edge Support

7/10

7/10

Edge support for the Nectar Classic is so-so at best. While this mattress is firmer than many competing all-foam models, the perimeter is fairly adaptive and still sinks quite a bit when weight is applied. Those seeking maximum edge support should consider a mattress with steel coils in its support core, or possibly an all-foam bed that rates as 8 or higher on the 1-10 firmness scale.

Ease of Movement

5.5/10

5.5/10

The Nectar Classic is firmer than a lot of competing memory foam beds, but most of our team still struggled to move across its surface without feeling “stuck” in the top foam layer. This can make changing sleep positions more difficult if you’re a combination sleeper.

Durability

6.5/10

6.5/10

Like most all-foam mattresses, the Nectar likely won’t last much longer than the average lifespan of seven years or so. This is because memory foam is among the least durable mattress materials and tends to develop impressions and unevenness over the course of several years. That being said, the foam is fairly dense, and the Nectar durability is about average for its type.

Read Our Full Nectar Classic Review

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.

How It Performs

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.

Best Mattress for Side Sleepers: Bear Original

Best Mattress for Side Sleepers

7.8/10Test Lab Score

Bear Original

An affordable foam bed designed for those with an active lifestyle.

40% sitewide with code: SF40 Shop At Bear

Price: $649

Mattress Type: Foam

Firmness Options: Firm (7)

Trial Period: 120 nights (30-night break-in period)

Key Details

• Who It’s Best for: Side and back sleepers who weigh at least 130 pounds.
• Feel: A firm (7) feel ensures light contouring and stronger support compared to the average memory foam mattress.
• What It’s Made of: Memory foam comfort layer, supportive transitional polyfoam, and a base layer of high-density foam.
• What We Don’t Like: Side sleepers under 130 pounds will probably find this mattress too firm.

Scoring & Reviews

The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.

Side Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

6.5/10

130-230 lbs

7.5/10

Above 230 lbs

8.5/10

Back Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

6.5/10

130-230 lbs

7/10

Above 230 lbs

6.5/10

Stomach Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

7/10

130-230 lbs

7/10

Above 230 lbs

6/10

In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.

SELECT AN ICON TO VIEW DETAILS:

Motion Isolation

Pressure Relief

Temperature Control

Edge Support

Ease of Movement

Durability

Motion Isolation

7.5/10

7.5/10

Like many memory foam mattresses, the Bear Original has an above-average ability to isolate motion. Because memory foam reacts only in the area where weight is placed directly upon it, only limited vibrations spread across the mattress surface.Since the Bear Original has a firm (7) feel, its memory foam does not hug the body as much as on some beds. This means that you’ll probably be aware when your bed partner tosses and turns or gets out of bed.

Pressure Relief

6.5/10

6.5/10

The Bear Original scores well for pressure relief. Most of our testers didn’t experience too much pressure buildup. In most cases, the memory foam provided sufficient cradling for their sore spots.However, the Bear Original didn’t get standout scores for pressure relief because the memory foam layer is relatively thin. Some of our testers, especially side sleepers and people with higher body weights, felt the memory foam layer lacked the heft needed to fully cushion their joints.

Temperature Control

6/10

6/10

Memory foam tends to trap heat. This mattress doesn’t hug too closely, but it still contours to the body and can restrict airflow around the skin. The gel-infused memory foam is designed to cut down on heat retention, and the optional Celliant fabric cover is engineered to dissipate heat.For hot sleepers, a memory foam bed may not be the right fit. If you have your mind set on memory foam, the Bear Original’s temperature control is on par with other competing models.

Edge Support

6.5/10

6.5/10

The Bear Original offers limited edge support. We didn’t feel like we were going to roll off the bed, but noticed deeper sinkage around the perimeter. This is a common issue with all-foam models, and can be a problem when you sit or sleep near the edge of the bed.Given its firmness level, the Bear Original has better edge support than many foam models. But for people who want robust edge support, a hybrid or latex mattress may be a better match.

Ease of Movement

7/10

7/10

The Bear Original is middle-of-the-road for ease of movement. Memory foam tends to hinder movement because it conforms to your body. However, the Bear is firmer than most other foam beds, so it doesn’t seriously impair movement.Without a springy material like latex or coils, there’s nothing to aid your movement on this mattress. As a result, you are likely to encounter at least some resistance. This can be a problem if you frequently change your sleeping position during the night.

Durability

6.5/10

6.5/10

The Bear Original is an all-foam bed, which inherently lowers its longevity when compared to beds with coil support. On the positive side, the mattress is firm (which typically means a longer life), and the layer of gel memory foam is supported by a stronger polyfoam layer and a high-density polyfoam base. Sleepers should expect to get around six or seven years from this model.

Read Our Full Bear Original Review

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.

How It Performs

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.

Best Affordable Luxury Mattress: Leesa Original Hybrid

Best Affordable Luxury Mattress

8.6/10Test Lab Score

Leesa Original Hybrid

25% off sitewide Shop At Leesa

Price: $1,199

Mattress Type: Hybrid

Firmness Options: Medium Firm (6)

Trial Period: 120 nights (30-night requirement)

Key Details

• Who It’s Best for: Side and back sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds.
• Feel: A medium firm (6) design with a comfort system that conforms to the body and a light bounce in response to movement.
• What It’s Made of: A comfort system with memory foam and transitional polyfoam over a pocketed coil support core.
• What We Don’t Like: People over 230 pounds may not receive enough support.

Scoring & Reviews

The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.

Side Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

8.5/10

130-230 lbs

9/10

Above 230 lbs

8.5/10

Back Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

7.5/10

130-230 lbs

7/10

Above 230 lbs

6/10

Stomach Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

7.5/10

130-230 lbs

6.5/10

Above 230 lbs

5.5/10

In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.

SELECT AN ICON TO VIEW DETAILS:

Motion Isolation

Pressure Relief

Temperature Control

Edge Support

Ease of Movement

Durability

Motion Isolation

7.5/10

7.5/10

Our team found that the Leesa Original Hybrid offered good motion isolation. The foam layers don’t fully eliminate vibrations, but they absorb enough of them to keep most people from waking up.That said, people who have a hard time staying asleep and share a bed with a person who moves around a lot may want a mattress with even stronger motion isolation.

Pressure Relief

7/10

7/10

The combination of foams does a solid job of cushioning pressure points. The material gently adapts to the body, conforming lightly to soften impact around areas like the hips, shoulders, and lower back.However, not all sleepers in our testing found the pressure relief to be strong enough. Many people over 230 pounds felt that the foam layers were too thin and too soft to properly promote spinal alignment.

Temperature Control

8/10

8/10

In the Test Lab, we were impressed with the ability of the Leesa Original Hybrid to resist heat buildup.Memory foam has a reputation for holding on to body heat, we didn’t find that to be a problem. In the end, airflow through the cover and the coils appears to let heat dissipate as quickly as it builds up.

Edge Support

7.5/10

7.5/10

Like almost any mattress with foam top layers, there’s some sinkage around the edges of the Leesa Original Hybrid. But this compression isn’t severe enough to make you feel like you’re going to roll out of bed.The one exception may be for people who weigh over 230 pounds. They may feel more foam compression and a bit less stability when sitting or lying near the perimeter of this mattress.

Ease of Movement

8/10

8/10

In our tests, we found that the coils and responsive polyfoam allowed the surface of the Original Hybrid to spring back quickly after weight was removed from it.This bounciness keeps sleepers from feeling trapped in place. As a result, this mattress can be a good choice for combination sleepers and anyone else who values ease of movement in bed.

Durability

7/10

7/10

Like most hybrid mattresses, the Leesa Original Hybrid should last a bit longer than the average bed, likely around seven to eight years. Its coil support core should withstand wear and tear and maintain solid support. However, its foam comfort layer and transition layer may develop impressions and soft areas over time, which can lead to sinkage and discomfort.

Read Our Full Leesa Original Hybrid Review

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.

How It Performs

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.

Best Mattress for Back Pain: Silk & Snow Hybrid

Best Mattress for Back Pain

7.8/10Test Lab Score

Silk & Snow Hybrid

An affordable hybrid mattress with close-conforming foam layers.

$150 off at Silk & Snow Shop At Silk & Snow

Price: $700

Mattress Type: Hybrid

Firmness Options: Medium Soft (4), Medium Firm (6)

Trial Period: 365 nights (30-day requirement)

Key Details

• Who It’s Best for: Side and back sleepers living with frequent pain in their lumbar region and hips.
• Feel: Available in two designs, plush and adaptive medium soft (4) or a more supportive medium firm (6).
• What It’s Made of: Adaptive polyfoam and memory foam comfort layers, both infused with cooling gel, and a zoned pocketed coil support core with extra perimeter reinforcement.
• What We Don’t Like: Not supportive enough for the average stomach sleeper.

Scoring & Reviews

The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.

Side Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

8/10

130-230 lbs

8.5/10

Above 230 lbs

8/10

Back Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

7/10

130-230 lbs

6.5/10

Above 230 lbs

5.5/10

Stomach Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

7/10

130-230 lbs

6/10

Above 230 lbs

5/10

In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.

SELECT AN ICON TO VIEW DETAILS:

Motion Isolation

Pressure Relief

Temperature Control

Edge Support

Ease of Movement

Durability

Motion Isolation

7.5/10

7.5/10

The Silk and Snow Hybrid isolates motion to prevent sleep disturbances when your partner switches positions or gets in or out of bed. The mattress performs well in this category because of its contouring foams that isolate vibrations from movement.In particular, the plush model offers standout motion isolation thanks to its two layers of memory foam. However, most couples will sleep soundly on either version of the mattress without being stirred awake when their partner moves.

Pressure Relief

8.5/10

8.5/10

In our testing, both firmnesses offered impressive pressure relief, but the plush model had the edge. With two layers of contouring memory foam, it demonstrates a strong ability to cradle heavier parts of the body and avoid pressure buildup. That said, many stomach sleepers may find that these same characteristics are problematic, since they can cause the abdomen to sink in deeply and fall out of line with the rest of the spine.

Temperature Control

6.5/10

6.5/10

The Silk & Snow Hybrid offers average temperature control. That said, the medium firm (6) model uses gel-infused foams to counteract heat buildup and the coil support core promotes plenty of interior airflow. The plush model sleeps warmer. It has thicker layers of memory foam, which means more hug and less air circulation.If you’re a hot sleeper, you may overheat on the Silk & Snow Hybrid. If sleeping hot isn’t a problem for you, this mattress shouldn’t cause temperature issues.

Edge Support

6/10

6/10

The design of the Silk & Snow Hybrid is intended to improve edge support. In the support core, a thick wall of high-density polyfoam runs along the perimeter, which hedges against excess sinking in the top layers.With this design, the edges of the mattress feel pretty sturdy even though you’ll notice the foam compressing. On the plush model, though, the perimeter is noticeably weaker because of the additional layer of soft memory foam.

Ease of Movement

6/10

6/10

While the Silk & Snow Hybrid isn’t the easiest mattress to move around on, it doesn’t pose major barriers to movement, either. Most of the time, memory foam seriously inhibits ease of movement. But on the Silk & Snow Hybrid, our testers found that the coils provided enough bounce to move without resistance.Sleepers over 230 pounds are more likely to encounter difficulties when trying to move on this bed because they will sink more into the contouring foams.

Durability

7/10

7/10

While the pocketed coils of the Silk & Snow Hybrid should provide long-lasting support, the memory foam in the comfort layer may eventually become uneven. However, it uses high-density memory foam, which will likely resist degradation better than standard types. Overall, this bed should last around seven to eight years, which is about average for hybrids.

Read Our Full Silk & Snow Hybrid Review

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.

How It Performs

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.

Best Temperature-Regulating Mattress: Layla Memory Foam Mattress

Best Temperature-Regulating Mattress

8.4/10Test Lab Score

Layla Memory Foam Mattress

The gold standard of dual-sided mattresses with a pleasant memory foam feel.

$160 off the Layla Memory Foam Mattress with code: sleepy Shop At Layla

Price: $949

Mattress Type: Foam

Firmness Options: Medium Soft (4), Firm (7)

Trial Period: 120 nights (4 week minimum)

Key Details

• Who It’s Best for: Anyone seeking a mattress that either feels plush and adaptive or firm and supportive.
• Feel: One side is medium soft (4) with a close body contour, while the other is firm (7) and very supportive.
• What It’s Made of: Both surfaces feature memory foam comfort layers, and the softer side also contains zoned transitional polyfoam. A shared support core of high-density foam is sandwiched between the comfort systems.
• What We Don’t Like: People seeking a medium or medium firm mattress may not be satisfied with either side.

Scoring & Reviews

The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.

Side Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

8.5/10

130-230 lbs

9/10

Above 230 lbs

8.5/10

Back Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

7.5/10

130-230 lbs

7/10

Above 230 lbs

6/10

Stomach Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

7.5/10

130-230 lbs

6.5/10

Above 230 lbs

5.5/10

In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.

SELECT AN ICON TO VIEW DETAILS:

Motion Isolation

Pressure Relief

Temperature Control

Edge Support

Ease of Movement

Durability

Motion Isolation

7/10

7/10

Thanks to the memory foam on both sides, the Layla Memory Foam Mattress effectively reduces the amount of vibration that spreads from one side of the bed to the other.That said, in our testing, it was clear that the softer side provided considerably more motion isolation. For couples who want a plush feel that limits motion transfer, the Layla Mattress is a solid fit.

Pressure Relief

8.5/10

8.5/10

Memory foam contours to your hot spots and pain points, giving the Layla Mattress a solid level of pressure relief. However, many sleepers will find that they only get enough support from one of the two sides.For example, the medium soft (4) side is too plush for many sleepers, especially back and stomach sleepers and people over 230 pounds. The firm (7) side is too hard for many side sleepers but can deliver great support to many back sleepers.

Temperature Control

7/10

7/10

Heat retention is noticeable but not excessive on the Layla Memory Foam Mattress. With a thinner layer of memory foam, the firm (7) side tends to resist heat buildup far better than the medium soft (4) side.Layla incorporates cooling features like copper-infused and aerated foams to try to enhance temperature regulation, but this mattress may still be too warm for hot sleepers.

Edge Support

7/10

7/10

Edge support is one of the weak points of the Layla Mattress. While it doesn’t feel totally unstable, the foam layers are considerably weaker around the edge of the mattress. As you would suspect, there’s more sinkage around the perimeter on the medium soft (4) side.

Ease of Movement

5.5/10

5.5/10

The conforming feel of memory foam can impede movement – something all of our testers noticed. With the additional plushness on the medium soft (4) side, it was a struggle to switch sleeping positions. Movement was quite a bit easier on the firm (7) side.For most people, reduced ease of movement isn’t reason enough to pick a different mattress. But it may be a serious issue for combination sleepers or anyone who frequently turns over or adjusts their body’s positioning in bed.

Durability

6.5/10

6.5/10

For an all-foam bed, the Layla Memory Foam mattress has decent durability, but without any coils to add support, it likely won’t last beyond the typcial six- or seven-year mattress lifespan. The construction includes a 3.5 PCF memory foam (which is considered medium density), plus two inches of stronger polyfoam. Sleepers have the option to sleep on the soft or firm side, which can make it more versatile.

Read Our Full Layla Memory Foam Mattress Review

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.

How It Performs

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.

Best Mattress for Guest Rooms: Siena Memory Foam Mattress

Best Mattress for Guest Rooms

7.5/10Test Lab Score

Siena Memory Foam Mattress

An affordable memory foam mattress ideal for kids and guest rooms.

Up to 50% off mattresses Shop At Siena

Price: $399

Mattress Type: Foam

Firmness Options: Medium Firm (6)

Trial Period: 180 Nights

Key Details

• Who It’s Best for: Side and back sleepers, especially those between 130 and 230 pounds.
• Feel: A true medium firm (6) feel with gentle cushioning and decent overall support.
• What It’s Made of: Gel-infused memory foam and transitional polyfoam over a high-density foam base.
• What We Don’t Like: Initial off-gassing odor can be strong and linger for several nights after unboxing.

Scoring & Reviews

The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.

Side Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

7.5/10

130-230 lbs

8/10

Above 230 lbs

7.5/10

Back Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

6.5/10

130-230 lbs

6/10

Above 230 lbs

5/10

Stomach Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

6.5/10

130-230 lbs

5.5/10

Above 230 lbs

4.5/10

In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.

SELECT AN ICON TO VIEW DETAILS:

Motion Isolation

Pressure Relief

Temperature Control

Edge Support

Ease of Movement

Durability

Motion Isolation

7.5/10

7.5/10

Our testing found that the Siena Memory Foam Mattress lets you sleep soundly, even if there’s movement on the other side of the mattress.Although the motion isolation isn’t perfect, the top layer of memory foam contains most vibrations. This makes the Siena effective for people who share the bed.

Pressure Relief

7.5/10

7.5/10

The 2-inch layer of memory foam in the Siena Mattress contours to the body, cushioning the heaviest areas. This helps relieve pressure, including around the hips and shoulders.That said, sleepers over 230 pounds may find that the foam is too soft or too thin to properly cushion their body. Pressure relief from this mattress is also limited for back and stomach sleepers.

Temperature Control

5/10

5/10

Our testers found that heat retention was a serious issue on the Siena Memory Foam Mattress. Even though it’s infused with gel beads, the memory foam collects heat. Its close contouring reduces airflow over the skin, making it harder for your body to cool itself down.While this may not be an issue for people who run cold, it makes the Siena Mattress a poor fit for those who sleep hot.

Edge Support

6/10

6/10

The Siena Memory Foam Mattress offers average or just below-average edge support. You can feel the foam sink deeply around the perimeter, but it doesn’t completely give out beneath you.Based on our testing team’s experience, the level of edge support is comparable to other low-cost memory foam mattresses. It may be a concern if you frequently sit on the edge of the bed, but it’s not a dealbreaker for most people.

Ease of Movement

5/10

5/10

Changing sleeping positions can be tricky on the Siena Memory Foam Mattress. There’s almost no bounce, and the conforming foam can create a barrier to movement.For some sleepers, this is a worthwhile tradeoff in order to get the pressure relief of memory foam. But restricted movement may be an issue for combination sleepers and anyone with strength or mobility issues.

Durability

5.5/10

5.5/10

While the Siena Memory Foam mattress excels for affordability and pressure relief, it’s not likely to last much beyond six years because of its construction. It’s all foam, meaning there are no coils to offer sturdy base support. The polyfoam in both the comfort layer and support core help add a bit more stability to the gel-infused memory foam.

Read Our Full Siena Memory Foam Mattress Review

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.

How It Performs

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

How We Test: Your Comfort Is Our Science

Our industry-leading product testing team cares deeply about improving your sleep. Having a holistic understanding of a mattress’s role as part of a sleep system is paramount to our testing process. Since a bed’s comfort and feel depend largely on body weight and sleeping position, our testing team represents a wide range of body types, sleep positions, and comfort preferences.

In our Seattle-based Test Lab, we use an objective, hands-on process to evaluate mattresses across performance categories. The following are the key guidelines that inform our performance ratings. Our ultimate goal is to ensure you have all the information you need to make the best purchase decision for you.

How We Determine Our Overall Scores

To determine a mattress’s overall score, we assign weighted percentages to performance categories based on how important they are to the individual sleep experience. For instance, areas like pressure relief and temperature control tend to matter more to people than something like off-gassing, and because more people sleep on their side and back than on their stomach, we weigh those positions more heavily.

Dive Deeper – Mattress Guides by Price

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.

Still have questions?

Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market.

Send an email to AskAnExpert@sleepfoundation.org with your questions and we’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for.