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Written by
Daniel Noyed
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By far the world’s biggest online retailer, Amazon also produces no shortage of products itself. Among the myriad mattresses in Amazon’s current lineup is the AmazonBasics mattress, an all-foam mattress that was first released in 2018.
The AmazonBasics memory foam mattress is available in four different height profiles: 6-inch, 8-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch. We’ll focus on the 8-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch models, which feature a 3-layer construction with memory foam and aerated polyfoam over a convoluted polyfoam base. All three mattresses have a medium soft feel, or a 4 out of 10 on the firmness scale.
If you’re shopping on a budget, the AmazonBasics is one of the most affordable models out there. We’ll take a look at the bed’s construction and materials, and discuss how this affects its feel and performance, to help you decide if it’s the right mattress for you.
The AmazonBasics mattress is an all-foam mattress made with three layers of foam and a polyester cover. It’s offered in 8-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch profiles. Amazon also recently released a 6-inch version, which may be attractive for use in an RV.
As a general rule, thicker mattresses tend to provide more support and a deeper cradle for heavier sleepers. In the following sections, we’ll delve more into detail about the distinct advantages of each profile for different sleeper types.
All three models feature a top layer made of memory foam. This is 2 inches thick in the 8-inch mattress, 2.5 inches thick in the 10-inch mattress, and 3 inches thick in the 12-inch mattress. The memory foam has a plush feel and contours closely to relieve pressure points.
Beneath the memory foam lies a 2-inch layer of aerated polyfoam. This layer boosts airflow and acts as a transition to the support core. Together with the memory foam, it also helps absorb motion to prevent nighttime disturbances when sleeping with a partner.
The support core consists of firmer polyfoam that acts as a base to help promote proper spinal alignment. Amazon uses convoluted polyfoam, or “egg-crate polyfoam,” to increase air circulation and thereby reduce heat retention.
The support core measures 4 inches thick in the 8-inch mattress and 5.5 inches thick in the 10-inch mattress. The 12-inch mattress has two layers of convoluted polyfoam in the support core, measuring 3.5 inches each.
For comparison, most foam mattresses have at least 6 inches of solid polyfoam as a base. Additionally, a side effect of using convoluted polyfoam in the support core is that it compresses more easily. The thin base layer and convoluted design may compromise the mattress’s ability to provide support for heavier individuals.
The foams used in the AmazonBasics foam mattress hold CertiPUR-US certification, which guarantees them to be low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The cover is certified free of harmful substances by OEKO-TEX.
All three mattresses have a medium soft feel. On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the firmest, this would equal about a 4. The AmazonBasics mattress contours to the body, offering the typical “hug” of memory foam. As a medium soft mattress, it is best-suited to side sleepers and individuals who weigh less than 130 pounds.
The 3-layer AmazonBasics features comfort layers of memory foam and aerated polyfoam over a convoluted polyfoam support core. Layer thickness varies depending on the model. The 12-inch model has a support core made with a double layer of convoluted polyfoam.
100% polyester
8-inch mattress
2″ Memory Foam
10-inch mattress
2.5″ Memory Foam
12-inch mattress
3″ Memory Foam
2″ Memory Foam (all models)
8-inch mattress
4″ polyfoam
10-inch mattress
5.5″ polyfoam
12-inch mattress
3.5″ polyfoam
3.5″ polyfoam
The AmazonBasics mattress is priced well below average, with a cheaper price-point than most budget bed-in-a-box mattresses.
The mattress has a shorter than usual sleep trial and a warranty of just 1 year. The mattress is imported and given the quality of its construction and materials, it may not offer the durability of more expensive brands. Still, it may be a great investment for children, teens, budget-conscious shoppers, or those who are outfitting a guest room or dorm room.
Prices change frequently, so we recommend checking Amazon directly for the latest information. Currently, the AmazonBasics mattress is not available in Twin XL size, and California King size is only available for the 12-inch mattress.
| Size | Dimensions | Height | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twin | 39″ x 75″ | 8″ 10″ 12″ |
24.1 lbs 32.7 lbs 38.3 lbs |
See Price |
| Full | 54″ x 75″ | 8″ 10″ 12″ |
35.6 lbs 44.9 lbs 51.3 lbs |
See Price |
| Queen | 60″ x 80″ | 8″ 10″ 12″ |
42.2 lbs 52.4 lbs 53.6 lbs |
See Price |
| King | 76″ x 80″ | 8″ 10″ 12″ |
50.2 lbs 66.1 lbs 74.8 lbs |
See Price |
| California King | 72″ x 84″ | 8″ 10″ 12″ |
73.6 lbs | See Price |
The AmazonBasics mattress does a very good job of preventing motion transfer. This is a typical attribute of memory foam mattresses, which contour closely to the sleeper’s body without allowing movements to affect the surrounding areas.
Since all three models have at least 2 inches of memory foam plus a polyfoam transitional layer, they perform comparably well on motion isolation. People who share the bed can expect minimal disruption when their sleeping partner shifts positions or gets in and out of bed.
All three models of the AmazonBasics mattress provide above-average pressure relief. The memory foam cradles the body to alleviate pressure points, while the polyfoam layers add support to ease strain on the spine.
The medium soft feel of the AmazonBasics mattress is ideally adapted to the needs of side sleepers under 2300 pounds These sleepers benefit from a softer surface that takes pressure off the hips and shoulders. Back sleepers under 2300 pounds also receive a comfortable balance of support and pressure relief from this mattress.
The mattress may feel initially comfortable to heavier sleepers or stomach sleepers. However, it doesn’t provide enough support for these sleepers, and may eventually cause back pain as the hips sink out of line with the rest of the body.
Like most foam mattresses, the AmazonBasics mattress may sleep uncomfortably warm for some.
Memory foam has a tendency to trap heat. To combat this problem, Amazon has incorporated a layer of aerated polyfoam and a support core of convoluted polyfoam. These add airflow to the mattress, giving the heat a chance to dissipate instead of building up overnight. These techniques help maintain temperature neutrality, but not to the same extent as a latex or hybrid mattress.
Memory foam is designed to compress under pressure, and the AmazonBasics mattress doesn’t hold up very well around the perimeter. Edge support is slightly better in the 8-inch model, as it has a thinner layer of memory foam. However, all three models have a medium soft feel that compresses considerably when pressure is applied.
Since it lacks the innerspring support core of a hybrid mattress, edge support in the AmazonBasics comes primarily from the polyfoam support core. However, this is made of convoluted foam, which compresses more easily than solid foam.
Those who weigh less than 130 pounds may be able to sleep near the edge of the bed, but heavier sleepers may experience feelings of roll-off. This lack of stability can be a problem for couples, as it forces both partners to crowd toward the middle and makes the bed feel smaller than it is.
Due to its close-conforming foams, the AmazonBasics mattress may provide some resistance when switching sleeping positions. This is especially true for sleepers over 2300 pounds, who sink deeper into the mattress.
Latex and hybrid mattresses generally perform the best on ease of movement, since these beds feature highly responsive components that encourage movement. Although it has a quicker response to pressure than traditional memory foam mattresses, the AmazonBasics mattress lacks bounce and may not appeal to combination sleepers.
If you frequently change sleeping positions, your best bet is the 8-inch mattress. This mattress has a thinner layer of memory foam that will keep you more “on” than “in” the mattress compared with the thicker models.
The AmazonBasics mattress doesn’t have the bouncy surface that is traditionally desired for sex. The slow response to pressure, coupled with the weak edge support, may restrict movement and limit the usable space. Additionally, some couples may find that the 8-inch model bottoms out during sex.
A major advantage of the AmazonBasics mattress is that it’s completely silent when bearing weight. For couples who wish to be discreet, this may make up for its drawbacks. The memory foam also provides some traction, which some couples might appreciate.
The AmazonBasics mattress may emit some off-gassing odors when it is first unboxed. Due to its limited airflow and the quality of its foams, this odor could be stronger and take longer to dissipate than with the average foam mattress.
Off-gassing happens when volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in synthetic foams come into contact with the air. It’s a normal and harmless process that happens with virtually every mattress that contains polyfoam or memory foam.
Leaving the sheets off and airing out the mattress for 72 hours in a well-ventilated room should get rid of most odors, although people who are sensitive to smell may notice lingering odors for a while longer.
Side Sleepers:
Side sleepers enjoy cushioning pressure relief from the AmazonBasics mattress. All three models form a tight cradle that eases pressure on the hips and shoulders for most sleepers.
Those who weigh less than 2300 pounds can sleep on any of the three models. The 12-inch model stands out for its deeper contouring, which encourages excellent spinal alignment for sleepers between 130 and 2300 pounds.
By contrast, the AmazonBasics mattress is too plush for most side sleepers over 2300 pounds. These individuals may bottom out on the 8-inch mattress, resulting in pressure points where the hips and shoulders come into contact with the firmer base foam. While the 10-inch and 12-inch models supply adequate pressure relief, this group usually requires a firmer surface and a more robust support system to keep the spine aligned.
Back Sleepers:
All three AmazonBasics mattress profiles provide sufficient support for back sleepers under 130 pounds. Back sleeping naturally aligns the spine, so back sleepers are usually most comfortable with a mattress that maintains an even balance of support and pressure relief. With its medium soft surface, the AmazonBasics mattress lightly contours to the body. This helps alleviate pressure points and promote healthy spinal alignment.
The mattress allows too much sink for those over 130 pounds, with a soft surface and thin support core that allows sagging in heavier body parts. This lack of support, particularly in the lumbar area, may eventually lead to back and neck pain.
Stomach Sleepers:
The AmazonBasics mattress is less than ideal for stomach sleepers. Stomach sleepers need a firm surface that can distribute body weight, especially in the midsection where most people carry the bulk of their weight. Due to its medium soft feel, the AmazonBasics mattress allows excessive sagging in heavier body parts. This can cause unnatural curves that put strain on the spine.
Of all body types, stomach sleepers under 130 pounds exert the least pressure on the mattress and may be able to sleep face-down for short intervals. They may have most success with the 8-inch model, which has a thinner layer of memory foam and doesn’t allow as much sink.
8 inch
| Under 130 lbs. | 130-230 lbs. | Above 230 lbs. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side Sleepers | Good | Good | Poor |
| Back Sleepers | Good | Fair | Poor |
| Stomach Sleepers | Fair | Poor | Poor |
10 inch
| Under 130 lbs. | 130-230 lbs. | Above 230 lbs. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side Sleepers | Good | Good | Fair |
| Back Sleepers | Good | Fair | Poor |
| Stomach Sleepers | Fair | Poor | Poor |
12 inch
| Under 130 lbs. | 130-230 lbs. | Above 230 lbs. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side Sleepers | Good | Excellent | Fair |
| Back Sleepers | Good | Fair | Poor |
| Stomach Sleepers | Fair | Poor | Poor |
Customer reviews can give a more comprehensive view of what the mattress feels like. To this end, we’ve rounded up some of the common opinions expressed on Amazon’s review page. The height of the mattress purchased is listed for each review. Please note that the total number of reviews listed in the table below include reviews for the 6-inch model, which is not covered in our article.
As might be expected, customers are very pleased with the affordable price-tag. Most reviews are short but sweet, saying the mattress is very comfortable and they sleep well.
The 12-inch mattress is most popular with side sleepers, in whom it reduces hip pain and other pressure points. Individuals who weigh more than 2300 pounds mostly say the 12-inch and 10-inch models are too soft. Some people complain that the thinner models bottom out. A few people also mention premature sagging after a few months.
One of the primary complaints is that the mattress sleeps hot. Customers also say the edges are soft, although a few people note that the foam recovers quickly and it’s not difficult to switch sleeping positions. Although reviews are mixed, more than one person mentions the strong off-gassing smell.
| Website | Reviews |
|---|---|
| Amazon.com | 4.4/5 (1,894 reviews) |
The AmazonBasics mattress is available for purchase in the contiguous U.S. and Canada through the Amazon website. Some models are also available in Hawaii and Alaska.
Mattresses ship for free to the contiguous U.S. and usually arrive approximately 5 to 8 business days after the item is ready to ship. Orders to Hawaii, Alaska, remote, or international locations may require extra shipping charges. Amazon Prime customers may be eligible for expedited 2-day shipping.
The mattress is shipped as a bed-in-a-box. To set it up, place it on the foundation and carefully remove the plastic. The mattress should spring up almost immediately, but Amazon recommends leaving it without sheets for 72 hours to let it air out and regain its full size.
Amazon does not offer White Glove delivery or old mattress removal at this time.
The AmazonBasics mattress falls under the umbrella of Amazon’s general return policy, which allows for returns within the first 30 nights after the delivery date. Customers should contact Amazon to organize a refund, as terms and conditions may vary.
Amazon may extend the return window during key periods like Christmas.
AmazonBasics products are backed by a one-year limited warranty. At the company’s discretion, Amazon will repair, replace, or provide a refund for mattresses deemed defective.
