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AmazonBasics Mattress Review: Test Lab Ratings
Sleep Foundation
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A no-frills foam mattress sold at an extremely low price point. It probably won’t last more than a few years, but it’s a good very-low-budget option.
- Very inexpensive
- Multiple firmness options
- Decent pressure relief and motion isolation
- Low-quality materials
- Amazon offers a 30-day return period and a 1-year warranty, both of which are significantly shorter than the industry average
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 two different height profiles: 6-inch and 8-inch, both of which feature a 3-layer construction with memory foam and aerated polyfoam over a convoluted polyfoam base. The mattresses come in either a medium soft (4 out of 10 on the firmness scale) feel, or a medium firm (6 out of 10).
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.
SMART MATCHING
Is the AmazonBasics Right for You?
Use the filters below to see how well the AmazonBasics lines up with your unique needs. We'll also give you a couple other recommendations based on your answers.
TEST LAB RATINGS
How the AmazonBasics Scored
Motion Isolation7.5/10
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 both have at least 2 inches of foam, 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.
Pressure Relief7.0/10
Both 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 230 pounds. These sleepers benefit from a softer surface that takes pressure off the hips and shoulders. Back sleepers under 230 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.
Temperature Control4.5/10
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.
Edge Support5.5/10
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 6-inch model, as it has a thinner layer of memory foam. However, both models have a 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.
Ease of Movement4.5/10
Due to its close-conforming foams, the AmazonBasics mattress may provide some resistance when switching sleeping positions. This is especially true for sleepers over 230 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, these mattresses both have a thin layer of memory foam that will keep you more “on” than “in” the mattress compared with thicker models.
Durability5.5/10
Because of its thin support core and all-foam construction, the AmazonBasics Memory Foam Mattress will likely show signs of deterioration earlier than the average bed. In general, foam is prone to developing impressions, softness, and sagging, which can affect comfort and support. The convoluted polyfoam used for the support core is less dense and less thick than similar mattresses, which makes the mattress more prone to early softening.
Who it Fits
Fit by Sleep Position and Body Weight
Side Sleepers
Side sleepers enjoy cushioning pressure relief from the AmazonBasics mattress. Both models form a tight cradle that eases pressure on the hips and shoulders for most sleepers.
Those who weigh between 130 and 230 pounds may prefer the 8-inch model while those under 130 pounds may enjoy either model. The AmazonBasics mattress is too plush for most sleepers over 230 pounds. These individuals may bottom out on the mattress, resulting in pressure points where the hips and shoulders come into contact with the firmer base foam.
Back Sleepers
Both 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.
Construction
Inside the AmazonBasics
Cover
Polyester and cotton blend
Comfort Layer
1-2" Memory foam, 1-2″ Polyfoam
4″ Support Core
Polyfoam (convoluted)
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BUYING IT
Sleep Trial, Warranty, and Delivery
30 Day
Returns
1 Year
Limited Warranty
Free
Ground shipping (contiguous US)
Availability
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.
Shipping
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 shrink wrapped in plastic, rolled, and compressed to be shipped as a mattress 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.
Additional Services
Amazon does not offer White Glove delivery or old mattress removal at this time.
Sleep Trial
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.
Warranty
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.
Danny is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with an in-depth knowledge of sleep health. He has tested hundreds of mattresses and sleep products.