Why we picked it: This mattress’s sub-$500 price tag might sound too good to be true, but we can attest it’s the real deal. Put simply, our testers say the simply designedSiena Memory Foam Mattress “gets the job done.” Given that the bed is made up of four layers of marshmallowy foam, it’s surprisingly responsive and supportive at the edges. (When you account for the fact that Siena is a sister brand to Nectar—which won “best overall” for this list—that’s not as surprising.)
Our fave features: According to one tester, moving around on this bed is pretty easy; you won’t feel like you’re battling quicksand each time you get out of bed.
Just so you know: For heavier folks, we’d recommend a more supportive bed, like the Emma Hybrid Comfort.
Product specifications
Material: Memory foam | Firmness: Firm (7 out of 10) | Trial period: 180 nights | Warranty: 10 years | Shipping: Free shipping and returns
What to think about when shopping for an affordable mattress
Sifting through mattress options to find an option that’s affordable, high-quality, and suitable to your preferences can start to feel like a full-time job. To focus your efforts on the specifications that matter most, here are the top factors to consider:
Materials
What your mattress is made from can relate to its cost—but we don’t recommend sacrificing proper support to save a few bucks “A mattress should have the right firmness level to support the spine, good material like memory foam or latex to reduce pressure points, and durable construction to maintain shape over time,” says Dr. Mancuso.
Durability
As SELF has previously reported, mattresses generally need to be replaced around the eight-year mark. However, affordable mattresses may break down even faster, according to Dr. West.
The shorter lifespans are because of the cheaper materials and quicker construction methods that are characteristic of less expensive mattresses, says Dr. Mancuso. “For example, low-density foams in budget mattresses can wear out quickly, losing their ability to provide adequate support,” he says. “Additionally, the innerspring systems in these mattresses [may] use thinner coils or fewer coils overall, which compromises their long-term ability to maintain proper support.”
Value
Value isn’t the same as price—the goal here is to find a mattress that checks your personal must-have boxes for the least amount of money. For example, a no-frills bed might be the way to go for a little-used guest room or if you can famously fall asleep anywhere, at any time—but if you tend to sleep hot or suffer from back pain, it’ll be worth it to you to shell out more for features that address these needs.
When considering value Dr. West suggests taking the trial period and warranty into account as well. If it’s not love at first nap with your new bed, you don’t want to have to pay to make a swap. (All options on our list grant at least 100-day trials.)
Edge Support
Some affordable mattresses don’t have strong edge support, like the Bear Original and Nectar Mattress from our list. This might be a dealbreaker if you roll around during sleep. “Edge support provides stability and prevents sagging, ensuring the mattress maintains its shape,” says Dr. Mancuso. “This is especially important for those who sleep near the edges to avoid the feeling of potentially rolling off.” It’s also an important consideration for older folks or people with mobility issues, who might have trouble rising up off a bed that isn’t sturdy or stable.
How we test mattresses
Our testers evaluate every mattress with a series of diagnostics; they cut into them, jump on them, and lie on them to get an overall picture of their quality. You can read more about our testing process here. As a preview, here are some of the specific methods we use:
Firmness
To measure firmness, our testers lie on each mattress in a variety of positions and give a rating, which we average for an overall firmness score.
Materials
Illustrations are great, but our team prefers to take a peek under the hood. They assess the layers of coils, foam, and latex that make up the mattress, which affect everything from support and airflow to pressure relief and edge support.
Cooling
Our team uses three tests to score mattresses cooling effects. Testers assess how hot the mattress feels after lying on it for a prolonged period; they use a thermal imaging camera to get a visual of where it traps heat; and they look for the presence of cooling materials like gel, copper, and phase-change materials (which absorb heat and help with thermoregulation).
FAQs
We summarized some of the most important info you’ll need in order to pick the best affordable mattress.
How can you save money on a mattress?
A great way to save money on a mattress is to prioritize getting an affordable bed that only includes the features you need, with no extra bells and whistles, like cooling technology or luxury materials. It’s also smart to plan on buying your mattress around key holidays, like Labor Day weekend or Black Friday and Cyber Monday, when sleep products are often on deep sale.
Are cheap mattresses comfortable?
Budget-friendly mattresses may have to cut corners on certain nice-to-have features, but satisfaction doesn’t have to be one of them. Take the DreamCloud Original Foam mattress, which we named as the most comfortable affordable mattress, largely thanks to its cushy five layers of foam.
Should I consider a more expensive mattress?
If you want a mattress that’s especially durable or has added features like adjustability or cooling materials, you may want to consider mattresses at a higher price point.
What mattress types are less expensive than others?
Mattresses from bed-in-a-box brands tend to be less expensive than mattresses that require traditional delivery; the boxed options allow for easy portability while still offering a high-quality product. Examples include the Nectar Original Memory Foam (our top pick) and the Cocoon Chill Memory Foam (a cooling mattress).
Are low-cost mattresses worth it?
Low-cost mattresses may not save you money in the long run. “Often cheaper models may break down more quickly, causing them to sag and need replacement more frequently,” says Dr. West. But, if you’re buying a bed for a guest room, dorm room, or anyplace where you don’t think it’ll get regular long-term use, buying a low-cost mattress can be a smart way to save.
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