Choosing a best budget mattress can be truly tricky with brands advertising identical features for vastly different prices. There are many different types, sizes, and styles available. While some mattresses only span a few hundred dollars, it does not necessarily mean you get better value for your dollar. There are three main features you need to look for in your mattress: support, comfort and material construction.
Also, when looking for a mattress to suit your sleeping preferences, budget should not be your only concern. Ultimately, your memory foam mattress needs to provide support and comfort for your body. We’ve compiled a list that will help you understand the basics of mattress shopping.
The Best Cheap Mattresses – Our Top Picks
- Best Overall – Layla
- Best for Back Sleepers – Yogabed
- Best Cheap Mattress for Back Pain – Nectar
- Most Affordable Mattress – Idle Sleep Gel Plush
- Best Budget Mattress for Side Sleepers – Tuft and Needle Original
- Best for Pressure Relief – Nolah Original
- Best All-Foam – Studio by Leesa
- Best Affordable Mattress for Athletes – Zoma Sports Mattress
- Best Firm – Dynasty CoolBreeze
- Best Budget Cooling Mattress – The Allswell
Best Overall
Layla
Layla mattress is medium soft and comes in a flippable construction. This is the perfect mattress for you if you sleep on your back or stomach; it’s 8.5 out of 10 in terms of firmness. It is softer and more contouring in the middle, with firmer edges for support. The flexibility of the Layla Mattress makes it a solid choice for sleepers of all sizes and sleeping positions. On the medium soft side, sleepers that weigh less than 130 pounds would generally tend to sleep, whereas the firm side is best suited to the needs of sleepers weighing more than 130 pounds.
| Ideal For | Highlights | Sizes |
|---|---|---|
| People with shifting firmness preferences | Copper-infused memory foam keeps the mattress cool | Twin, Twin XL, Full |
| People who tend to sleep hot | A versatile mattress at a competitive price-point | Queen, King |
| Sleepers of any size and sleeping position | Flippable construction for choice of firmness levels | California King |
What Makes Layla Standouts Among Others
Layla, the world’s first mattress designed with the concept of flippability in mind. The Layla Mattress combines copper-infused memory foam comfort layers with polyfoam in a unique flippable construction. Each side offers a vastly different feel in terms of firmness, so there is an appealing option for almost any sleeping habit.
It combines copper-infused memory foam comfort layers with a high-density core that is solid, all within a flippable construction. It’s the perfect mattress for you if you sleep on your back or stomach and value the feeling of floating.
It also offers a flippable construction that makes it the perfect choice for a wide range of sleepers. It has two distinct sides: one featuring a softer and more contouring feel, and the other featuring a firmer feel that many types of sleepers will appreciate. The Layla is a great choice for stomach and side sleepers alike.
For an all-foam mattress that is about the middle of the bag, The Layla Mattress has a premium. With the bed comes a 120-night sleep trial which is sponsored by a lifetime warranty.
Best for Back Sleepers
Yogabed
The Yogabed mattress is ideal for individuals who want medium firmness, pressure relief, motion isolation, and support. Crafted from gel -infused memory foam and responsive polyfoam over 7 inches of high-density polyfoam , this mattress offers five customizable comfort settings to provide the best night’s rest.
| Ideal For | Highlights | Sizes |
|---|---|---|
| People who weigh 230 pounds or less | Medium-firm construction keeps back sleepers on an even plane | Twin, Twin XL, Full |
| Sleepers with pressure point issues | Good balance of contouring and support for sleepers weighing 230 lbs or less | Queen, King |
| Side and back sleepers | High-end performance at a bargain price | California King |
What Makes Yogabed Standouts Among Others
The best price mattress pick is the Yogabed, which offers an affordable option for sleepers who want to enjoy the bouquet of a memory foam bed but don’t need that level of luxury. What you get with the Yogabed is a medium firm bed (6 on the 1-10 firmness scale) with a sturdy polyfoam base and two layers of gel-infused memory foam. This mattress has more bounce than some other models, as well as good edge support. It should appeal to couples who sleep very close together.
The Yogabed has been added to the Real Simple best mattress roundup. Yogabed is made up of three layers of coils, cotton, and memory foam. The bed is available in 2 sizes, and 4 different firmness levels. The firmest level is a 6 out of 10, the medium firmness is a 6.5 rating, the softest level is a 7.5 out of 10, and the extra-soft level is listed with an undetectable 0 out of 10 on the comfort scale.
For an all-foam mattress in a queen size, the Yogabed costs less than normal, and the brand promises free delivery everywhere in the contiguous U.S. A 101-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty help the mattress.
Best Cheap Mattress for Back Pain
Nectar
The Nectar is an all-foam mattress with three layers of memory foam over a high-density polyfoam base. Denser than a traditional spring mattress, the Nectar’s unique construction creates a desirable feeling of “sleeping on pillows.” However, this mattress may not be suitable for everyone due to the potential for overheating and poor edge support.
| Ideal For | Highlights | Sizes |
|---|---|---|
| Sleepers who prefer close body-contouring | Above-average edge support and motion isolation | Twin, Twin XL, Full |
| People with pressure points in the shoulders, back, and/or hips | 365-night sleep trial and lifetime warranty | Queen, King |
| Any type of sleeper (back, side, stomach, combination) | Deeply conforming feel provides excellent pressure relief | California King |
What Makes Nectar Standouts Among Others
The Nectar is a medium firm mattress crafted with layers of memory foam that contour to the sleeper’s body while providing comfortable support and pressure relief. This certified Made in America product includes CertiPUR-US® foams and is 100-Night risk-free. Its latex-cooling, no-sag support grid provides great edge support and ensures proper spinal alignment.
It is a cloud-like hybrid mattress. The mattress has a total of three layers, with two memory foams and a high-density polyfoam core. These three layers deliver body conforming comfort and pressure relief, without sacrificing support.
Compared to other memory foam versions, the price of the Nectar makes it the highest performance mattress. The business also provides a sleep trial for 365 nights and a lifetime warranty, all of which are longer than normal.
Read nectar mattress review here.
Most Affordable Mattress
Idle Gel Plush
The Gel Plush mattress from Idle Sleep is a foam-based bed featuring 3 inches of “Buoyancy” polyfoam that conforms to the body without sinking too much, followed by 3 inches of contouring memory foam. The mattress offers a medium (5) feel with ample cushioning on the surface, making it best suited to side sleepers who weigh 230 pounds or less. Back and stomach sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds may also find the mattress comfortable, but heavier individuals will probably sink a bit too much.
| Ideal For | Highlights | Sizes |
|---|---|---|
| Side sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds | Cooling cover improves temperature regulation | Twin, Twin XL, Full |
| Sleepers who prefer a softer mattress with thick foam layers | Thick foam layers provide even contouring | Queen, King |
| Couples | 18-month sleep trial | California King |
What Makes Idle Sleep Gel Plus Standouts Among Others
The Idle Sleep Gel Plush mattress is best suited for smaller and lighter sleepers who enjoy the body-cradling comfort of an all foam mattress. It uses high quality materials to create a comfortable surface without using too much padding.
It brings you comfort and support in addition to the benefits of gel memory foam. It is an all-foam mattress that has 3 layers of high-density polyfoam in the surface, and a 7.5-inch base layer of HD polyfoam for great support and durability.
If you’re on the market for a premium all-foam pad, there is even a fair price range for the Idle Gel Plush. The business delivers an 18-month sleep trial, which is one of the industry’s longest trial times, along with a lifetime commitment for additional owner security. Land delivery on all orders is easy, as well.
Best Budget Mattress for Side Sleepers
Tuft and Needle Original
The Original Mattress from Tuft & Needle is a mattress built to help you get the rest you deserve. It has an open-cell polyfoam comfort layer over high-density polyfoam supportive core, for the best of both worlds. It’s made to give you the support and pressure relief of memory foam along with the added plush feel of traditional mattresses.
| Ideal For | Highlights | Sizes |
|---|---|---|
| Those who sleep hot on other foam beds | Moderate conforming cradles the body, without sacrificing support | Twin, Twin XL, Full |
| Any type of sleeper (back, side, stomach, combination) | Open-cell poly foam offers better airflow than many foam materials | Queen, King |
| Couples | Excellent motion isolation | California King |
What Makes Tuft & Needle Original Standouts Among Others
The Tuft & Needle Original mattress is a medium-firm, 11-inch innerspring hybrid available in both queen and king sizes. The open-coil design is wrapped in supportive foam for an exceptionally comfortable sleep surface feel.
It is ideal for people who want their mattress to last for years and evolve with them as they change. Made from high-quality, all-natural materials, the T&N Original mattress is completely customizable to your comfort level. Curious about the future of your bed? We’re here to help.
With a medium firm feel and innerspring support, you get the best of both worlds with our Tuft & Needle Original mattress. As opposed to other all-foam beds, the T&N Initial Mattress is available for a very inexpensive price. A 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year guarantee for the mattress are both provided by Tuft & Needle.
Best for Pressure Relief
Nolah Original 10
The Nolah Original 10 mattress is an all-foam model with an adaptive polyfoam comfort layer. At the same time, it uses a transitional polyfoam transitional layer and support core of high-density polyfoam. Overall, this model can be described as a combination between memory foam and polyurethane foam mattresses. Most customers describe this model as comfortable and conforming to their bodies.
| Ideal For | Highlights | Sizes |
|---|---|---|
| Side sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds | Design is optimized to reduce pressure on hips, shoulders, and back | Twin, Twin XL, Full |
| People who feel comfortable on all-foam beds with medium firmness levels | Temperature-neutral AirFoam | Queen, King |
| Couples | Medium feel is balanced by springy, adaptive polyfoam | California King |
What Makes Nolah Original Standouts Among Others
With its ability to contour to your body, the Nolah Original 10 is a great option for people who are looking for an affordable mattress with a medium feel that isolates movement well. It’s made of several layers of foam and has an adaptive layer that adjusts to your unique shape.
The Nolah Original 10 is another 10-inch air mattress with a high value price. Â With its combination of foam and coils, it provides the softness and comfort of an airbed, with a heavier and more supportive feel than many other all-foam models. It’s also quieter and more durable than most other air beds, and ideal for couples considering how well air beds typically isolate motion and reduce sound.
The price point of the Nolah Initial 10 is on par with that of the standard All-Polyfoam mattress. Both orders count for ground delivery free of charge. Nolah also has a 120-night sleep trial and a 15-year mattress warranty, all longer than normal. You may prefer to miss the sleep trial, which would cost the mattress considerably less in that situation.
Best All Foam
Studio by Leesa
The Studio by Leesa is a 3-layer bed with a traditional memory foam feel. This bed provides all the great benefits of memory foam, including pressure relief and motion isolation. The Medium Firm Studio combines the pressure-relieving sleep surface of memory foam, with the support and breathability gained from high-density polyfoam.
| Ideal For | Highlights | Sizes |
|---|---|---|
| Shoppers on a budget | Above-average pressure relief | Twin, Twin XL, Full |
| Sleepers who like a medium firm feel. | High density support core prevents excessive sinkage | Queen, King |
| Couples | A versatile and budget-friendly memory foam mattress | California King |
What Makes Studio By Leesa Standouts Among Others
It is the perfect solution for couples wanting a combined bed surface, or those who don’t want to feel their partner move across the mattress. A medium firm feel, this bed provides all of the great benefits of memory foam, including pressure relief and motion isolation.
Studio by Leesa is a premium foam mattress made of three layers of foam: two that contour and cushion you, and one firm foundation. Enjoy state-of-the-art design with a soft cover and certified CertiPUR foam. All mattresses ship compressed in a box, with a layer of air between each layer, for your convenience. Studio is available in California King and King sizes, as well as full and queen sizes.
All of their mattresses are delivered for free by Leesa to all 50 US states. They also sell a sleep trial for 100 nights and a 10-year studio warranty.
Best Affordable Mattress for Athletes
Zoma Sports
The Zoma Mattress is an all-foam model with a “zoned” construction, providing different levels of firmness in different parts of the mattress. This design ensures more support and less sinkage for your hips and midsection, while leaving the head and legs to be cushioned by the softer zones. The mattress also includes high-density polyfoam base support for added peace of mind.
| Ideal For | Highlights | Sizes |
|---|---|---|
| People who weigh up to 230 pounds | Responsive comfort layer offers a light bounce | Twin, Twin XL, Full |
| Sleepers who want a mattress that conforms closely while supporting heavier areas of the body | Triangular cutouts improve airflow, while gel memory foam reduces heat retention | Queen, King |
| Couples | High-end performance at a bargain price | California King |
What Makes Zoma Sports Mattress Standouts Among Others
Versatile sleepers who weigh up to 230 pounds will find the Zoma mattress contours closely while providing a responsive surface for moving around.
It enhances your sleep with a gentle feel and medium support. This all-foam model has a unique zoned design that provides pressure relief, promotes spinal alignment, and provides all-over comfort for most body types.
The Zoma Mattress also has a rather fair price-point, considering the innovative nature of its zoned comfort sheet. For all consumers in the contiguous U.S., the firm promises free delivery and returns, and the mattress is sponsored by a 10-year guarantee.
How to Find The Best Cheap Mattress?
Mattress shoppers don’t need to spend thousands of dollars to get a good night’s sleep. With the right combination of materials and construction, a mattress can be as comfortable as one that costs several thousand dollars. This is why so many people are turning to online mattress brands like Casper, Leesa, and Purple. Each of these brands offers memory foam mattresses at a fraction of the cost of traditional sellers.
Online mattresses represent the newest evolution in the mattress industry. This relatively new category allows consumers to find affordable mattresses without sacrificing quality materials, designs, and comfort.
To buy an online mattress, first do research on affordable models by comparing the specs of different brands and models. Once you’ve chosen your desired brand and model of mattress, simply select the appropriate size from its product page and follow the checkout instructions.
In the brand’s website, make sure to check for coupons and discounts. These deals will decrease the price of the bed by hundreds of dollars. For such holidays, many online brands also provide discounts, such as President’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labour Day, and Veteran’s Day. Market holiday promotions are also popular, such as Amazon Prime Day (July 15), Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving), and Cyber Monday (the Monday after Thanksgiving).
What To Consider In a Cheap Mattress
When you’re shopping for an inexpensive mattress, it’s important to think about a few things first. The brand matters less than the materials used to construct the bed and how they work together. Here are a few features to consider when buying a mattress: – Get the right firmness level with different layers of foam – Maximize durability with high-quality, long-lasting springs – Enjoy cool nights without sacrificing comfort.
Mattress Characteristics & Functionality
The price point can be pushed up by a large margin by some mattress characteristics and functionality. The following include these:
Considerations For Shipping, Returns, and Warranties
We recommend having a mattress that comes with a two-year warranty. This is long enough to cover accidental damages and wear, but not so long that you are stuck with an old mattress if you decide you want a new one later. Warranties usually don’t apply to box springs or foundation, so if these parts break, you may be out of luck. The best brands include at least a 50-night sleep trial where consumers can fall in love with their mattress first before deciding if they want to keep it. This helps avoid buyer’s remorse. Shipping costs are typically free during the trial period.
Additional Mattress Costs
Shoppers could face other expenses when buying a new bed, in addition to future delivery, return, and warranty prices, as well as the mattress itself. In choosing a mattress, please include the following add-ons.
Mattress On a Budget
Most models marketed today fall into one of five categories: hybrid, innerspring, rubber, foam and airbed. In terms of general construction and products, these definitions are fairly consistent. Each individual model, however, provides a specific design, and within each mattress form, consumers will find major differences. We’ll take a closer look at each mattress style in this next segment.
How To Find The Best Deal on a Mattress?
The cost of a mattress also depends on where clients shop for a new bed and where they look for it. Internet brands tend to be much cheaper than vendors of brick-and-mortar. Additionally, with holiday deals, comparison buying, and bundling, shoppers can save money.
When To Buy a Mattress?
With the increased popularity of online mattress sales, customers may wonder when mattress companies’ holiday sales will take place. There are a few times throughout the year that are the most popular for mattress brand promotional events. Various holiday sales:
- President’s Day – 3rd Monday in February
- Memorial Day – Last Monday in May
- Independence Day – July 4th
- Amazon Prime Day – July 15th
- Labor Day – First Monday in September
- Veteran’s Day – November 11th
- Black Friday – The day after Thanksgiving
- Cyber Monday – Monday after Thanksgiving