Best Mattress for the Money (2021): Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Mattresses are an investment—many high-end models cost thousands of dollars and last up to ten years. However, you don’t have to empty your wallet for a high-quality, long-lasting bed. There are plenty of mattress options that contain the same types of materials found in high-end beds, like gel memory foam or zoned support layers, to fit your budget without going overboard.

Our Top Mattress Recommendation

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Zoma Highlights

• 100-night sleep trial
• 10-Year Warranty
• Designed for faster recovery
• Triangulex™ technology promotes healthy posture
• Comes in King, Queen, Twin, Full, and Splits

Best Mattresses for the Money

1. Zoma

The Zoma mattress has a medium feel, perfect for side and combination sleepers who need pressure relief in the shoulders and hips. The Zoma was designed with athletes or those with an active lifestyle—the top layers pull heat away, potentially allowing muscles to recover faster after a workout.

The Zoma mattress contains a comfort layer of gel memory foam, which absorbs and disperses body heat. This layer features Triangulex™ technology—hundreds of triangular-shaped segments form three zones of support with a softer feel under the head, shoulders, and legs, and a firmer feel under the back and hips.

Zoma’s transition layer, Reactiv™, is a latex-like foam that provides more support with a slight bounce, encouraging spinal alignment.

Support+ is Zoma’s support base. This durable core is built to evenly support the body and prevent sagging. The Zoma mattress is also backed by a 10-year warranty, covering sagging greater than 0.75 inches.

2. Vaya

The Vaya mattress contains hypoallergenic materials that won’t aggravate allergies and is CertiPUR® certified, meaning it’s made without harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and PBDEs. The Vaya mattress is proudly constructed in the U.S.A., and made from high-quality materials..

The soft woven cover allows more airflow for a cool and comfortable surface.

Pressure-relieving Vaya Comfort foam has a medium feel—perfect for most sleepers and provides a plush surface. The breathable foam won’t trap heat and gives comfort and support where you need it most.

The Vaya mattress is built to last with a durable base foam and comes with a 100-night, risk-free sleep trial, and a 10-year warranty.

3. Amerisleep AS3

The Amerisleep AS3 is the perfect medium mattress, an excellent choice for side and combination sleepers. Eco-friendly memory foam conforms to the body’s natural curves, relieving pressure points and preventing the body from sinking too deeply.

The top layer features Bio-Pur®, a plant-based memory foam where manufacturers partially replace petroleum with plant oils for a breathable, more responsive memory foam. Bio-Pur® relieves pressure buildup in the shoulders and hips.

The second layer, Affinity foam, incorporates HIVE® technology. In this layer, hexagonal-shaped segments form five zones of support, with a firmer feel under the head, back, and legs, and a softer feel under the shoulders and hips for even pressure relief.

Bio-Core® is the AS3’s base layer—durable foam is built to last, evenly distributing weight across the surface without the risk of sagging. The Amerisleep AS3 mattress is further backed by a 20-year warranty—one of the best in the mattress industry, covering sagging greater than 0.75 inches.

4. Tuft & Needle Mint

The Tuft & Needle Mint is considered a luxury upgrade from the T&N Original mattress with improved cooling, consistent support, and extra cushioning.

The Tuft & Needle Mint mattress contains two layers of T&N Adaptive® foam instead of one. This poly-foam hugs the body’s natural curves, relieving pressure points and isolating motion. The foam also contains gel beads and graphite—ceramic gel beads absorb and disperse body heat while giving a firmer feel to the foam, and graphite pulls heat away from the body.

For better edge support, the Mint mattress has a 4-inch foam perimeter to prevent sleepers from rolling off the bed.

The Tuft & Needle Mint comes encased in an ultra-soft mattress cover for better airflow.

5. Bear Pro

The Bear Pro is another mattress option built for those with an active lifestyle. The medium-firm feel is best for most sleepers, enhancing support for the spine and cushioning in the shoulder and hip areas.

The Bear Pro mattress contains three layers of comfort foam designed to draw heat away and provide a cooler sleep.

Copper-infused memory foam pulls heat away from the body and is also antimicrobial, keeping bacteria out of the mattress for a cleaner sleep.

Gel memory foam absorbs and disperses heat, preventing heat traps.

Responsive transition foam encourages spinal alignment and prevents the body from sinking too deeply in the mattress.

6. Tulo

The Tulo mattress has three firmness options to choose from: soft, medium, or firm. Each firmness has the same number of layers and is available for the same price, depending on mattress size.

The high-density memory foam comfort layer lasts longer than other low-density foams and contains thousands of titanium particles to pull heat away. The comfort layer also has ventilation holes for more airflow.

The second comfort layer is a convoluted foam with air channels to prevent overheating.

Layers of foam have the same feel for each firmness, except for the base. The base foam firmness correlates with the mattress (i.e., a firm mattress will have a firm base).

Finding a Low-Cost, High-Quality Mattress

Before purchasing a new mattress, consider budget, firmness level, material quality, mattress type, and sleep accessories. These factors will help you find a great, long-lasting mattress at a low price.

Budget

Potential shoppers don’t have to break the bank when it comes to buying a new mattress. Most brands offer high-quality, queen size beds for an average of $1,200. The price tag depends on mattress size, the number of layers, and sleep technologies.

Before shopping, consider if the mattress is for regular use or as a guest bed. It might be a good idea to spend a little more for a regular use bed—they’ll last 7 to 9 years and are built to handle continuous wear and tear. For guest beds, it’s okay to spend less since the bed is only used occasionally and will take longer to break down.

Avoid paying less than $300 for a new bed: it might seem like a great deal, but in reality, the mattress won’t last more than a year.

Body Weight

The firmness of a mattress refers to how the top layer feels—soft, medium, or firm. Body weight is one significant fact that determines the right firmness level. A too soft or too firm mattress can increase pressure points and may cause back pain.

Lightweight

Lightweight sleepers need a soft mattress for more cushioning. Because lightweight sleepers weigh less than 130 pounds, a softer surface enables body-contouring, pressure point relief. Soft mattresses tend to cost more because they contain extra cushioning layers. Plus, many soft mattresses may contain high-end materials, like Talalay latex, to achieve a softer feel.

Average Weight

Average weight sleepers weigh between 130 and 230 pounds. A medium to medium-firm is the best mattress for average weight sleepers, maintaining a balance of comfort and support. Medium feel beds vary in price depending on the special features they may contain, like zoned support, phase change materials, or plant-based memory foam.

Heavy People

Heavy people, weighing more than 230 pounds, find the best comfort and support from a firm mattress, as plus-size sleepers need a firmer surface to provide support without the risk of sagging. Firm mattresses are the least expensive because they contain less padding to achieve a firm feel. They also contain fewer layers, usually two to three at most.

Sleeping Positions

Sleeping position is another major factor to consider when choosing the right mattress firmness. Each sleep position requires a specific level of cushion, to fill in the gap between the body and the surface, and support for spinal alignment.

Side Sleeping

Side sleeping is the healthiest sleep position because it reduces acid reflux, enables better breathing, and improves heart health. Side sleepers can place a pillow between their knees to better align the spine and reduce pressure in the hips.

The best mattress for side sleepers will have a soft to medium feel for optimal pressure relief in the shoulders and hips.

Back Sleeping

Back sleeping encourages spinal alignment because the body rests in a neutral position. However, back sleepers have a higher risk of developing sleep apnea, because gravity may cause the collapse of soft tissue or the tongue to fall back, obstructing airways.

Back sleepers find the best comfort in a medium to firm mattress, keeping the spine in neutral alignment and preventing the hips from sinking too deep.

Stomach Sleeping

Stomach sleeping is the least healthy sleep position—sleeping on the stomach puts pressure on the spine, leading to neck strain and back pain.

The best mattress for stomach sleepers will be a medium-firm to firm bed. The firmer surface keeps the body resting on top and prevents deep contouring.

Combination Sleeping

Combination sleepers toss and turn, switching between two to three sleep positions each night. Combination sleepers get the benefits of each sleep position, including improved heart health and natural alignment. However, combination sleeping also has drawbacks, like sleep apnea and back pain.

Medium to medium-firm beds are the best mattresses for combination sleepers because it consistently keeps the spine aligned.

Material Quality

A great mattress contains high-quality materials at affordable prices. To find quality and avoid a cheap bed, look at a foam’s density and ILD rating, and a coil’s gauge and count—that’ll help you find a long-lasting mattress.

Foam

To distinguish quality foam layers, look at density and ILD rating—these will determine how long a memory foam or latex mattress will last.

Density refers to how well the mattress supports the body and is measured in pounds per cubic square foot (PCF). Low-density foams have a softer feel, while high-density foams are firmer. High-density foams cost more because they contain more material, but they’ll last longer. Low-density foams may feel softer, but they’re less durable compared to high-density foams.

• Low: 2.5 PCF to 3.9 PCF
• Medium: 4.0 PCF to 5.4 PCF
• High: 5.5 PCF and higher

The ILD, or “Impression Load Deflection,” rating is a foam’s firmness and is measured by how much pressure it takes to make a 4-inch indentation on the bed’s surface. The higher the ILD rating, the firmer the bed. Most quality mattresses contain foam layers with ILD ratings between 8 to 20.

• Extremely soft: 8 to 10
• Very soft: 11 to 15
• Soft: 16 to 21

Coils

To determine innerspring coil quality, focus on coil gauge and coil count. Both factors determine how long support will last and the overall feel of the mattress.

Coil gauge is a coil’s thickness measured in millimeters—the thicker the coil, the firmer the bed. Low-gauge means thicker coils. A mattress with high-gauge coils has a softer feel and may be found in the comfort layer for target pressure relief. However, beware of mattresses with only high-gauge coils in the support layer because they’re more likely to break down sooner.

• Thickest: 12mm
• Thinnest: 18mm

Coil count refers to the number of coils in a single layer. Most quality mattresses contain 500 to 1,000 coils. Avoid beds with less than 300 coils—these mattresses are less durable and prone to sagging.

Take into account both coil count and gauge—a high-end mattress may contain over 2,000 coils, but if every coil has a high gauge, it’ll break down within a year. In contrast, some mattress models may contain a single layer of coils with different gauges for a zoned support layer.

Mattress Type

There are four types of beds in the mattress industry—memory foam, innerspring, latex, and hybrid. Some mattress types may cost more, depending on the material, but knowing what to expect on a budget can help you choose the right mattress.

Memory Foam

Traditional memory foam, or viscoelastic foam, is a polyurethane foam treated with chemicals to make the foam more viscous, meaning it conforms closer to the body. Heat and pressure cause memory foam to soften and form to the body’s natural curves, relieving pressure points. Memory foam mattresses also provide excellent motion isolation for fewer sleep disruptions from movement.

Traditional memory foam runs the risk of overheating—the dense structure restricts airflow, trapping heat. Other memory foams containing plant oils, gel, and copper or graphite may cost more, but they offer better temperature regulation.

Innerspring

Innerspring mattresses were the traditional mattress choice of most households until memory foam became popular in the late 90s; however, they’re still common today. Innersprings offer a bouncy surface, edge support, and cooling.

While innersprings are the least expensive mattress type, they’re also the least durable. Innerspring coils are more likely to sag and offer little pressure relief due to the thin comfort layer (usually a pillow or Euro top). Adding a mattress topper can improve pressure relief.

Latex

Latex mattresses are similar to memory foam, offering conforming pressure relief and motion isolation. Latex foam provides a responsive bounce, making movement easier. The responsive bounce also prevents the body from sinking too deeply, preventing heat traps.

There are two types of latex: natural and synthetic. Natural latex is made from rubber tree sap and is created through either the Dunlop or Talalay process—Dunlop latex is denser and more durable, while Talalay latex is softer from added polyurethane fillers. Natural latex provides more cooling from its breathable structure, but it’s also more expensive than synthetic latex.

Synthetic latex is created through a chemical process and is a less expensive option. It may seem more cost-effective to choose a synthetic latex mattress, but this type of latex has more off-gassing potential and is not as durable as natural latex.

Hybrid

Hybrid mattresses contain both memory foam or latex and innerspring coils. Many mattress brands claim their mattress models are hybrids, but only a true hybrid will have a comfort layer at least 2 inches thick and a coiled support layer.

Hybrids have the benefits of both mattress types—pressure relief and motion isolation from memory foam or latex, and bounce and cooling from innersprings. They also have drawbacks, including overheating, less pressure relief, and motion transfer. Hybrids are also the most expensive type of mattress due to the number of layers they contain.

Sleep Accessories

Sleep accessories, like mattress protectors and mattress toppers, may not seem necessary, but they may extend the life of your mattress and may be worth the cost.

Mattress Protector

Mattress protectors shield your bed against spills and stains. They’re easy to care for—simply pull off the mattress protector and place it in the washing machine. Most mattress protectors have a price range between $10 to $40, depending on the bed size. A mattress protector is also a great bedding accessory to add since liquid spills or stains can void a mattress warranty.

Mattress Topper

Mattress toppers provide an extra cushioning layer to the mattress, altering the feel of the surface. Plus, mattress toppers go through more wear and tear instead of the mattress. Mattress toppers are an excellent choice for anyone looking to alter the feel of their current bed, especially those who can’t buy a new mattress right now.

Other Things to Consider

What is the best affordable mattress?

There are plenty of affordable mattresses to consider, and some sleepers may prefer one mattress model over another, but we recommend the Vaya mattress as the best budget-friendly option. The Vaya mattress is CertiPUR-US® certified, contains contouring yet responsive foams, and is built to accommodate most sleep styles and body types.

How do I choose a good mattress?

When shopping, you want to find a bed that’s comfortable, but you also want to make sure you’re getting a good deal and not spending more than necessary. When browsing beds, consider your sleep style, body type, and preference for firmness when determining what’d feel most comfortable. Then, once you’ve narrowed down some options, look at the price of each bed while evaluating the materials and technologies within them. If the price makes sense with the added features, you’ve likely found yourself a good mattress. However, if it seems like the price is too high for the features included, you’re better off considering other options.

How much should you spend on a mattress?

A high price tag doesn’t always indicate a high-quality mattress. Customers can expect to pay around $1,200 for a queen size mattress that will last between 7 to 9 years. Spending less than $300 for a new bed may seem like a money-saving option, but in reality, these types of mattresses contain cheap materials that break down less than a year of regular use.

When is the best time to buy a mattress?

Two of the best times to buy a mattress are between February and May and during any major holiday weekend. Between February and May, mattress companies offer deep discounts to get rid of older models to make way for new mattresses in June. During holiday weekends (i.e., Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Black Friday, etc.), mattress companies offer discounts and bed packages at value prices. Also, online stores usually have ongoing sales and markdowns on mattresses and bedding accessories, like sheets and pillows throughout the year.

Is it better to buy online or in-store?

An online mattress may be the better way to go when looking for a new mattress. Since bed-in-a-box brands don’t have to cover commissions and storage fees, they can produce beds with higher-quality materials at a lower cost. Customers can also enjoy extended trial periods, instead of the normal 30-day return policy from mattress retailers.

Conclusion

Mattresses can be expensive, but if you do your research and stick to a budget, you can score a high-quality mattress without breaking the bank. If you’re not sure about a particular bed, take a look at the mattress reviews. Verified customers share firsthand experiences of specific brands and models, giving you a better idea of what to expect from a potential bed and how long it’ll last.