When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Products or services may be offered by an affiliated entity. Learn more.
Best Mattress Under $1,000 in 2026
Sleep Foundation
Why Trust Us
Our mission to create a healthier, more well-rested world demands that our product reviews be best-in-class. You won’t find more expertise on mattresses and sleep products anywhere else.
The Sleep Foundation product testing team uses an industry-leading evaluation process paired with real world consumer feedback to come up with objective recommendations so that you can feel confident in your product decisions.
Although a mattress is often a big investment, many manufacturers sell high-quality models at reasonable prices. Even on a budget, mattress shoppers have no shortage of options, so you will need to narrow your search to find the best model for you. The main details to consider are your weight range, sleep position, and personal preferences, as these attributes affect support and comfort. Note that while some queen mattresses we’ll discuss list for over $1,000, smaller sizes and/or promotional discount pricing fall below this price-point.
Our #1 Pick: Nectar Classic
With over 35,000 5-star customer reviews and strong performance across the board, the Nectar Classic is our top pick. Our team praised its close yet even contouring to support the body’s heaviest areas, alleviating pressure without sinking or sagging too much.
Read on to see our full list of best mattresses funder $1,000 of 2026 based on performance ratings from our in-house testing team, in-depth product inspections, and verified reviews from real mattress owners.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall Mattress
:Nectar Classic
Shop Now
Best Mattress Under $500
:Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam
Shop Now
Best Mattress for Back Pain
:Nolah Original 10
Shop Now
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
:Bear Original Hybrid
Shop Now
Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers
:DLX Classic
Shop Now
Best Mattress for Pressure Relief
:Silk & Snow Hybrid
Shop Now
Best Mattress for Couples
:Layla Memory Foam Mattress
Shop Now
Best Cooling Mattress
:Zinus Green Tea Cooling Hybrid
Shop Now
Best Mattress for Kids
:Helix Kids
Shop Now
Best Mattress Deals Happening Now
- Save $450 — Nectar Classic
$649(List Price $1,099) - Save $150 — Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam
$449(List Price $599) - Save $507 — Nolah Original 10
$942(List Price $1,449) - Save $0 — Bear Original Hybrid
$0(List Price $0) - Save $500 — DLX Classic
$1,000(List Price $1,500)
How We Tested the Best Mattresses Under $1,000
Testing Criteria
There are many strong mattress options in the $1,000 or less price bracket, but let’s nail down what makes a top-performing bed on a budget — especially since you shouldn’t have to sacrifice quality for cost. The following factors informed the criteria we tested against when evaluating mattresses for this list.
Price & Overall Value: Affordability is the foundation of this category, but price alone doesn’t define quality. We focused on mattresses priced less than $1,000 that deliver solid performance for the cost, offering a balance of comfort, support, and durability without markups.
Customer Ratings & Reviews: Real-world feedback provides valuable insight into how a mattress performs over time. We prioritized models with consistently positive customer ratings and reviews, paying close attention to long-term comfort, durability, and overall satisfaction reported by verified buyers.
Lifespan & Durability: Budget mattresses tend to wear out faster than higher-priced models, so durability was a key consideration in our testing. This is because more expensive mattresses tend to use higher-quality materials. We looked for mattresses that maintain their shape, support, and comfort longer than typical budget options, helping sleepers avoid premature sagging or breakdown.
Quality Materials & Construction: Even at lower price points, thoughtful design matters. We prioritized mattresses made from dependable materials, including foams and coils. We also evaluated how construction delivers reliable support and structural integrity while meeting our high performance standards.
How We Evaluated
With such a wide range of mattresses priced at $1,000 or less, we filtered our choices using a set of quantitative benchmarks, including:
- A retail price under $1,000
- Strong overall performance ratings
- High-quality construction
- A variety of firmness levels
Our expert Seattle Test Lab team assessed each mattress for key performance categories like support, pressure relief, motion isolation, and overall comfort, while also considering construction quality and expected lifespan relative to other budget options. After that, they assigned accolades to each individual bed they tested, ultimately selecting the top options that performed the best at a budget.
Our Testing Team
Logan Foley
Editorial Director
Full Bio
Mary Fenton
Head of Product Content
Full Bio
Jeremy Klein
Senior Product Testing Manager
Full Bio
Brad Nehring
Senior Product Analyst
Full Bio
Colin Simpson
Product Research Manager
Full Bio
Best Overall Mattress: Nectar Classic
Best Overall Mattress
8.7/10Test Lab Score
Nectar Classic
A pressure relieving memory foam bed at an amazing value.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Side sleepers who weigh less than 230 pounds, as well as back sleepers under 230 pounds.
- Feel: Inviting, with noticeable but gentle contouring around pressure points. Enough pushback to prevent feeling like you’re sinking.
- What It’s Made Of: Top layer of gel-infused memory foam, a second foam layer of responsive polyfoam, and the base is thick, high-density polyfoam.
- What We Don’t Like: Too soft for sleepers over 230 pounds, especially back or stomach sleepers.
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.
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.
Performance
Best Mattress Under $500: Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam
Best Mattress Under $500
8.6/10Test Lab Score
Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam
Hugs and soothes pressure points for restful sleep.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Side sleepers who weigh at least 130 pounds and back sleepers up to 230 pounds, as well as couples and hot sleepers.
- Feel: Medium firm (6). Plush and adaptive with extra pushback around your torso and hips.
- What It’s Made Of: Thin layer of adaptive polyfoam sewn to the cover, followed by two memory foam layers infused with copper fibers. Support system is three-zone transitional foam and two layers of high-density polyfoam. The cover is cooling GlacioTex fabric.
- What We Don’t Like: Initial odor for up to 72 hours after unboxing. Too soft for most stomach sleepers over 130 pounds.
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.
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.
Performance
Best Mattress for Back Pain: Nolah Original 10
Best Mattress for Back Pain
8.0/10Test Lab Score
Nolah Original 10
A budget-friendly all-foam bed suitable for adults and kids.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Side sleepers under 230 pounds, particularly those under 130 pounds. Also good for couples.
- Feel: Medium (5). Cradling around lower back, hips, and shoulders but won’t cause you to feel like you’re being enveloped.
- What It’s Made Of: Top two layers are proprietary copper-infused AirFoam. The base is a thick layer of sturdy polyfoam.
- What We Don’t Like: Too plush for most sleepers over 230 pounds. Return fee of $99.
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.
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.
Performance
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers: Bear Original Hybrid
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
8.6/10Test Lab Score
Bear Original Hybrid
A budget-friendly foam hybrid with light cushioning and strong support.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Side and back sleepers who weigh at least 130 pounds pounds, stomach sleepers under 130 pounds, and people with back pain.
- Feel: Medium firm (6) with gentle cradling. Couples feel minimal motion transfer.
- What It’s Made Of: Top layer is gel-infused memory foam. The second layer is a responsive polyfoam, and the support core is composed of pocketed coils over dense base foam. There’s an optional cooling Celliant cover.
- What We Don’t Like: Initial off-gassing odor after unboxing can last for several nights.
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.
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.
Performance
Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers: DLX Classic
Best Mattress for Pressure Relief
8.1/10Test Lab Score
DLX Classic
A dual-sided hybrid with an affordable sticker price.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: People with persistent back or hip pain, hot sleepers, and value seekers
- Feel: Available in medium soft (4), medium firm (6), and firm (8) designs. For each mattress, both surfaces share the same feel.
- What It’s Made Of: Comfort layers of adaptive polyfoam on both sides, and a shared support core of pocketed coils sandwiched between the comfort systems.
- What We Don’t Like: Since the mattress feels the same on both sides, it lacks the dual-firmness versatility of many competing flippable models.
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.
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.
Performance
Best Mattress for Pressure Relief: Silk & Snow Hybrid
Best Mattress for Pressure Relief
7.8/10Test Lab Score
Silk & Snow Hybrid
An affordable hybrid mattress with close-conforming foam layers.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Side and back sleepers under 130 pounds (medium soft). Side and back sleepers over 130 pounds (medium firm).
- Feel: Medium soft (4) version conforms very closely, resulting in a deep body hug. Medium firm (6) design is more balanced with gentle contouring, light bounce, and solid edge support.
- What It’s Made Of: Top is polyfoam and breathable fiber quilted into the mattress cover. A 2-inch layer of gel-infused memory foam and a support core of pocketed steel coils that are reinforced around the edge and under the midsection.
- What We Don’t Like: Too soft and not supportive enough for most stomach sleepers over 130 pounds.
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.
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.
Performance
Best Mattress for Couples: Layla Memory Foam Mattress
Best Mattress for Couples
8.4/10Test Lab Score
Layla Memory Foam Mattress
The gold standard of dual-sided mattresses with a pleasant memory foam feel.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Couples, as well as side sleepers and most back and stomach sleepers under 230 pounds.
- Feel: One side is medium soft (4) firmness, and the other is firm (7). Both sides cradle pressure points, but there’s a deeper degree of hug on the softer side.
- What It’s Made Of: Copper-infused memory foam. The soft side has a layer of resilient and adaptable polyfoam. Both sides share a core made of sturdy, high-density polyfoam.
- What We Don’t Like: Softer side may lack firmness for sleepers over 130 pounds. “New mattress smell” 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.
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.
Performance
Best Cooling Mattress: Zinus Green Tea Cooling Hybrid
Best Cooling Mattress
8.0/10Test Lab Score
Zinus Green Tea Cooling Hybrid
A budget-friendly hybrid with soothing foam layers.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Side and back sleepers under 130 pounds, hot sleepers, and budget shoppers.
- Feel: Medium (5) design with comfort layers that conform closely to the body and a high-density foam base with gentle pushback in response to movement.
- What It’s Made Of: A comfort layer of memory foam infused with cooling gel and green tea extract, followed by transitional and base layers of dense polyfoam.
- What We Don’t Like: Most back and stomach sleepers who weigh 130 pounds or more won’t receive enough support from this mattress.
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.
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.
Performance
Best Mattress for Kids: Helix Kids
Best Mattress for Kids
8.3/10Test Lab Score
Helix Kids
A flippable hybrid designed for kids 3-12.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Children between 3 and 13. Kids under 7 usually prefer the medium firm (6) side, while those over 8 tend to get better support from the medium soft (4) side.
- Feel: Light cushioning and considerable bounce. Kids feel comfortable and supported while allowing them to move around easily on the mattress.
- What It’s Made Of: The core is springy pocketed coils that have a reinforced edge. The softer side has a layer of gel-infused memory foam, and the firmer side features a responsive and resilient polyfoam. The cover is Tencel material.
- What We Don’t Like: May lack support for kids who are over 13. If only one side of is used, it may affect durability.
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.
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.
Performance
Watch Video: We Tested the Best Mattresses Under $1,000 – Here Are Our Favorites
Our sleep experts offer an in-depth look at some of our top mattress picks under $1,000. Watch the video below to see how each mattress performed when put to the test in our lab.
How to Choose the Best Mattress Under $1,000
Just because you’re working with a limited budget doesn’t mean you have to settle for a low-quality mattress. While a higher spending limit can open up more options, plenty of great mattresses are available for under $1,000.
When shopping for an affordable mattress, there are several details to consider. If you want to find the best possible deal, weighing these factors can help you find the most cost-effective option for your needs and preferences.
What to Look for in a Mattress
When shopping for a mattress, you’ll probably come across an abundance of mattress terminology and marketing promotions. While it’s easy to be drawn in, you’re most likely to be happy with your purchase if you focus on the nuts-and-bolts of the mattress.
These factors are the most essential to look for, and thinking about which matter the most to you lets you shrink your options and clarify which brand and model is the best match for you.
Price
You don’t need to spend a lot of money to find something that will suit your needs. Many budget models perform well in key areas regardless of their cost. More importantly than price, however, shoppers should consider value. An inexpensive mattress may ultimately cost the consumer more if it needs to be replaced sooner due to quality issues. At the same time, a more expensive mattress could be a better value if it has a long lifespan and an enhanced performance.
Sleeping Position
Sleeping position is essential to consider when you shop for a mattress. It may be especially critical for budget shoppers, since they may not have the extra funds to modify their surface with a topper or other accessories if the mattress isn’t ideal. If you’re a side sleeper, you should generally look for a model that is highly rated for pressure relief. Back and stomach sleepers typically need a firmer model with enough support to promote proper spinal alignment.
Quality Materials
Although shopping within a budget might make it difficult to get a mattress with certain features, you should still be able to find a model with high-quality components. Selecting the best quality possible can improve the bed’s life expectancy.
Firmness Level
The firmness level can often impact how well a mattress performs for certain body types and sleep positions. Generally, most sleepers prefer a medium or medium firm mattress. However, individuals who weigh less than 130 pounds may favor a softer model, especially if they sleep on their sides. Those who weigh more than 230 pounds may need a firmer option for extra support, particularly if they sleep on their backs or stomachs.
Pressure Relief
If you need relief for pressure points, such as your shoulders or hips, consider a mattress with memory foam, polyfoam, latex, or other materials that contour to the body to redistribute its weight. While certain types of innerspring coils can also provide pressure relief, mattresses with substantial foam layers usually perform best in this area.
Motion Isolation
Light sleepers sometimes wake up at the slightest hint of movement from their partners. A mattress with strong motion isolation absorbs these vibrations to reduce sleep disruptions. Memory foam and polyfoam models tend to perform noticeably well in this area, but other materials can also limit motion transfer.
Temperature Regulation
If you tend to get uncomfortably warm in bed, you may prefer a mattress with strong temperature regulation. Breathable materials allow heat to escape, but other components, like phase change materials and special infusions, are designed specifically for cooling.
Edge Support
One of the most common problems with low-cost mattresses is sagging. A sturdy edge can enhance the structural integrity of the bed and allow you to use the full surface of the mattress. Models with coil cores usually earn the highest marks in this category, but firmer all-foam models can also perform well.
Contouring
Contouring refers to how well the materials of a mattress cradle the body. When a mattress conforms to the sleeper’s shape, it spreads out their weight to relieve pressure and support the spine. Contouring can be especially important for side sleepers since their hips and shoulders typically press harder against the sleep surface.
Mattress Type
The most common types of mattresses include innerspring, hybrid, all-foam, and latex. Innerspring and all-foam models are usually most affordable, but all mattress types have potential benefits that may make them ideal for some sleepers.
Mattress Types
There are a few different styles of mattresses on the market today, and each has slight variations that make it distinct. While there are some commonalities between mattresses of the same type, each model is unique, so performance may vary.
Hybrid
A hybrid model combines elements from two or more other mattress types. Coils typically make up the support core, while the comfort system usually uses polyfoam, memory foam, and/or latex. This combination of materials typically results in a mattress that rates well in many different categories.
Hybrid models are often more expensive than other mattress types, but budget-friendly options are also available.
Innerspring
Innerspring mattresses have been popular for over a century, and they are often very cost-effective. While coils are usually the main component, many modern models also include additional thin layers of polyfoam or memory foam for cushioning.
While innerspring models usually excel in responsiveness, temperature regulation, and edge support, they may not provide the motion isolation and pressure relief some sleepers prefer. However, some budget shoppers may choose to buy an innerspring mattress and a topper to create a hybrid-like feel.
Foam
As the name implies, an all-foam mattress uses memory foam, polyfoam, or a combination of both. The comfort and transition layers may use memory foam or polyfoam, while the core generally consists of high-density polyfoam. Budget models often rely more heavily on polyfoam, which tends to be more breathable and responsive than memory foam. However, it also doesn’t hug as closely to the body and low-density varieties may be less durable. Some foam models also add layers of latex, but these are typically less common and more expensive.
An all-foam mattress can be particularly suitable for side sleepers who experience pain from pressure points, as the materials cradle the shape of the body to spread out its weight.
Latex
Latex mattresses may use natural, synthetic, or blended latex. Natural latex models are the most common, and they’re usually more expensive than other models due to the cost of this material. The advantage of latex is that it relieves pressure while also pushing back against the sleeper’s body, which means sleepers shouldn’t sink too far into the mattress. Some sleepers compare this to a floating sensation.
Natural latex also tends to be more environmentally friendly than most synthetic foam, making it a popular choice with eco-conscious shoppers.
While the higher price-point of a high-quality latex model may not appeal to some budget shoppers, the durability of the material may make it a good investment.
What Can Affect the Price of a Mattress?
Multiple factors can impact the cost of a mattress. When you’re working with a limited budget, it is important to consider these details to find the best option for your money.
Quality and Type of Materials: Price depends partially on the type of materials used in a mattress’ construction. For instance, memory foam and natural latex often cost more. Coils and polyfoam tend to be much more cost-effective, and high-quality options can be highly durable. However, low-quality polyfoam and coils may prematurely sag or show other signs of wear.
Durability: The less durable your mattress, the more likely it will be to develop issues like sagging that limit its usable lifespan. Durability is usually linked to the quality of the materials, so shoppers who want their mattress to last may prefer to select the highest quality model that accommodates their needs, preferences, and budget.
Mattress Layers: Mattresses with more layers are typically thicker and pricier due to their extra materials and more complicated constructions. While their additional layers may improve the performance of some models, shoppers can often save money by selecting an option with a simpler design.
Density: The density of foam affects its performance and durability. Lower-density polyfoam and memory foam typically cost less, trap less heat, and respond more quickly to changes in pressure. However, they also tend to be less durable and not as exceptional at pressure relief and motion isolation.
Proprietary Technology: Some mattresses use proprietary materials, and this almost always results in a higher price due to costs associated with development. Some special components can improve the performance of a mattress, however, so they may be worth the extra expense for some shoppers.
Shipping Rates, Returns, and Warranties
Shipping, return, and warranty policies can differ quite a bit from one mattress manufacturer to the next. When you add retail stores into the mix, these details could get even more confusing.
Shipping
While there are differences between how each mattress manufacturer or retailer will ship their products, most of them take a very similar approach. With that being said, a few variances can impact when and how you receive your new mattress.
How Long Will It Take to Arrive?
Many companies assemble the mattress upon receiving an order, and this process can take a few days, adding to the shipping time. Once sent, shipments originating from your region may take just a couple of days to arrive, but those coming from across the country can take a week or more.
How Is It Shipped?
Most manufacturers work with a shipping company to send your mattress to your front door. Mattress-in-a-box models are typically compressed, wrapped in plastic, and encased in a box. Some companies also offer White Glove delivery, which means they will send a team to deliver and set up the new mattress. Old mattress removal may also be included. This service usually costs extra, but a few companies include it at no charge.
Is Shipping Free?
Many mattress manufacturers and retail mattress chains offer free shipping. Most of these services include to-the-door-delivery. However, a few companies include White Glove delivery at no additional cost.
Returns
If you’re shopping on a budget, a good return policy may be especially useful to ensure you have recourse if the mattress isn’t ideal for you. Most online mattress sellers include a trial period to give you a chance to adjust to the bed before you make an official decision. These policies typically last between 90 days and a year.
How Are Returns Handled?
Three return methods are most common. Many companies ask you to donate your unwanted mattress to an eligible local charity and send them proof of the donation. Some will also help arrange for the charity to pick up the mattress. Other companies send a team to remove the mattress from your home. A few manufacturers may ask you to send the mattress back to them, though this is not standard due to the difficulty of packing a mattress for shipment.
Are Returns Free?
Although many companies offer free returns, some may require you to pay transportation and/or service fees.
Warranties
Mattress manufacturers usually offer a warranty to protect against eligible defects in manufacturing and materials. The terms of mattress warranties can vary quite a bit, so reading them carefully can give you a clearer idea of the level of coverage.
What Does a Warranty Cover?
Mattress warranties typically cover specific defects in the materials or manufacturing, like splitting foam and indentations greater than a certain depth. Changes in personal preferences and damage from mishandling, abuse, and accidents are not covered.
What Should You Look for in a Warranty?
The main detail to look for is warranty length. While some companies offer a 5- to 10-year warranty, others provide warranties that last 20 to 25 years. The terms can also be important, as they will define how returns work and how they deem a mattress to be defective.
How Much Does a Warranty Cost?
Typically, mattress manufacturers offer warranties at no additional cost. However, the mattress owner may be expected to pay associated transportation and/or handling charges should they make a warranty claim. Some policies also include a prorated fee structure for repairs and replacements based on how long you’ve owned the mattress.
Additional Mattress Costs
When purchasing a new mattress, it may be necessary to consider related costs. These expenses could easily add up and become an issue for shoppers with a limited budget. Whether you choose to limit extra expenses or set aside money for them, you should be aware of additional costs you may incur and how they can impact your experience and budget.
Bed Frames and Bedding: If you purchase a different mattress size than what you previously owned, you’ll likely need a new frame and bedding to accommodate it. Similarly, high-profile mattresses require deep pocket sheets, so you may need a new set if you select a thicker model. High-quality mattress covers, protectors, and sheets can also improve the lifespan of a bed, so they may be worth the expense to protect your investment.
Shoppers should keep in mind that many mattress warranties require that a reliable foundation support the mattress. Before purchasing a new frame or using your existing foundation, read through the terms of the warranty to ensure you don’t inadvertently void the policy.
Mattress Removal: Old mattresses must be disposed of appropriately, which may be an extra expense. These services are sometimes provided by mattress companies and retail stores for an additional fee, though a few include it at no additional cost. If old mattress removal is not available, you’ll need to look into local regulations to ensure you discard it correctly. Recycling is usually the best way to dispose of a mattress that’s no longer usable.
Expert Assembly: Boxed mattresses typically come with unpacking instructions. While most new owners find it relatively simple to set up their new bed, expert help can come in handy if you’re unsure, have physical limitations that make moving large objects difficult, and/or can’t enlist a friend or family member to assist you. White Glove delivery includes unpacking, assembly, and setup. This service often carries an additional fee, though a few companies include it in the purchase price.
How to Get the Best Deal on a Mattress
A new mattress can be expensive, but useful strategies can help you save money. These methods could easily cut your costs by hundreds of dollars, which might allow you to consider a bigger mattress, new bedding, or other related accessories to complete your bedroom setup.
Shop During Mattress Sales
Both retailers and mattress manufacturers often have sales during holidays or special sale events, such as Black Friday. These sales are typically offered at least once every few months, so you might want to check prices around the next holiday to see what deals are available.
Buy Online
Customers can often save money by buying a mattress directly from the manufacturer’s website. This can eliminate some of the usual overhead costs that get passed on to consumers, like the operating expenses associated with brick-and-mortar retail locations. Additionally, while some mattress and furniture stores charge for delivery, most direct-to-consumer mattress companies ship for free.
As an added bonus, buying online allows you to comparison shop and carefully weigh your options without pressure from salespeople, which may make it easier to find the best value for your money.
Coupon Codes, Referrals, and Discounts
Mattress companies frequently offer savings through coupon codes, referrals, and other discounts. While these deals are often displayed on the product page, you might also receive offers if you sign up for emails from the company.
Comparison Shop
Comparing prices between different mattress types, brands, and models can give you a better idea of what is available within your budget. Once you think you’ve found the right bed for you, you might continue comparison shopping to determine whether you can get a better price through the company’s website or a third-party vendor. Note that shipping and delivery policies may vary between sellers, so it’s important to pay attention to the fine print.
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.
Construction analysis: Mattress construction plays a major role in our ratings system. We begin our testing with a top-to-bottom analysis of each mattress, making note of its materials, firmness, thickness, and other physical attributes. Price-point is another major factor as we assess quality of materials and overall value.
Quantitative product testing: For hands-on testing, our team members take turns lying and moving on each mattress. This immersive process helps us evaluate beds for performance categories like motion isolation, pressure relief, ease of movement, and temperature control.
Field testing: Once we’re finished testing a mattress in our lab, one of our team members takes it home and sleeps on it in their own bedroom for two to three weeks. Field testing helps us understand how each mattress performs in the long term.
User feedback: In addition to our team’s testing data, we draw from customer surveys and product reviews to calculate our final ratings. This helps us ensure our findings are consistent with real-world experiences.
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
Performance Categories
Motion Isolation
This criteria alludes to the amount of motion a mattress absorbs when a sleeper moves on the surface. We use two testers lying side by side to evaluate motion isolation, who each feel for transfer while the other person moves on the mattress.
Temperature Control
To determine how well a mattress regulates temperature, we perform temperature tests and look closely at its materials and construction. Many mattresses are designed with cooling components meant to reduce heat retention.
Pressure Relief
A bed with strong pressure relief excels at preventing pressure from building up in areas like the shoulders and hips. Beds with even contouring and weight distribution are top performers when it comes to pressure relief.
Off-Gassing
A mattress in a box may release unpleasant chemical odors for a short period after you’ve unboxed it. The initial smell may be strong but typically fades within 2 or 3 days.
Ease of Movement
This criteria reflects how easily a sleeper can move across a bed’s surface. Responsive surfaces made of latex typically perform better than foam surfaces, which can inhibit movement.
Edge Support
We perform sit tests along a bed’s perimeter to measure how well the edges push back against weight. Mattresses with strong edge support have minimal sagging when sleepers sit on or lie close to the perimeter.
Dive Deeper – Mattress Guides by Price
If you want to expand your search for a new bed beyond mattresses under $1,000, take a look at our recommendations categorized by mattress price.
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.
Danny is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with an in-depth knowledge of sleep health. He has tested hundreds of mattresses and sleep products.