Why we chose this: This mattress’s sub-$500 price tag may seem too good to be true, but we can attest that it’s the real deal. Simply put, our testers say the simply designed Siena memory foam mattress “gets the job done.” Considering the bed is made of four layers of marshmallow foam, it feels surprisingly responsive and supportive around the edges. (When you consider the fact that Siena is a sister brand to Nectar—which earned the “best overall” award on this list—that’s not all that surprising.)
Our favorite features: According to one tester, moving around in this bed is pretty easy; you won’t feel like you’re fighting quicksand every time you get out of bed.
Just so you know: For heavier people, we 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 | Guarantee: 10 years | Shipping: Free shipping and returns
What to Consider When Buying an Affordable Mattress
Sifting through mattress options to find one that’s affordable, high-quality, and fits your preferences can start to feel like a full-time job. To focus your efforts on the specs that matter most, here are the top factors to consider:
Materials
The material your mattress is made of can have a bearing on its cost, but we don’t recommend sacrificing proper support to save a few bucks. “A mattress should have the right level of firmness to support your spine, a good material like memory foam or latex to reduce pressure points, and a durable construction to maintain its shape over time,” says Dr. Mancuso.
Durability
As SELF has previously reported, mattresses typically need to be replaced around the eight-year mark. However, affordable mattresses can break down even faster, according to Dr. West.
The shorter lifespans are due to the cheaper materials and faster 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. “In addition, the innerspring systems in these mattresses [may] use thinner coils or fewer coils overall, which compromises your long-term ability to maintain proper support.”
Value
Value isn’t the same as price — the goal here is to find a mattress that meets your personal needs at the lowest possible price. For example, a no-frills bed might be the best option for a spare bedroom that you don’t often use or if you can sleep anywhere, anytime — but if you’re a hot sleeper or suffer from back pain, it might be worth shelling out more for features that meet those needs.
When considering value, Dr. West suggests also considering the trial period and warranty. If you don’t fall in love with your new bed at first snooze, you don’t want to end up paying for an exchange. (All of the options on our list offer at least a 100-day trial.)
Edge Support
Some affordable mattresses don’t have strong edge support, like the Bear Original and Nectar Mattress on our list. This can be a problem if you find yourself rolling around in your 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 close to the edges to avoid the sensation of potentially rolling off.” It’s also an important consideration for older people or those with mobility issues, who may have trouble getting out of a bed that isn’t sturdy or stable.
How we test mattresses
Our testers evaluate each 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 used:
Firmness
To measure firmness, our testers lie on each mattress in a variety of positions and give a rating, which we average to get an overall firmness score.
Materials
Illustrations are great, but our team prefers to take a look under the hood. They evaluate the layers of springs, foam, and latex that make up the mattress, which affects 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 warm the mattress feels after lying on it for an extended period of time; they use a thermal imaging camera to get a view 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 aid in thermoregulation).
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve summarized some of the most important information you need to choose the best affordable mattress.
How can you save money on a mattress?
A great way to save money on a mattress is to prioritize buying an affordable bed that includes only the features you need, without extra bells and whistles like cooling technology or fancy materials. It’s also smart to plan your mattress purchase around major holidays, such as Labor Day Weekend or Black Friday and Cyber Monday, when sleep products are often on great deals.
Are cheap mattresses comfortable?
Budget mattresses may have to cut corners on some nice features, but satisfaction doesn’t have to be one of them. Get the DreamCloud Original Foam mattress, which we named the most comfortable and affordable mattress, thanks in large part to its five soft foam layers.
Should I consider a more expensive mattress?
If you want a mattress that is especially durable or has additional features like adjustability or cooling materials, you may want to consider mattresses with a higher price tag.
Which types of mattresses are cheaper than others?
Mattresses bed in a box brands tend to be less expensive than mattresses that require traditional delivery; 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?
Cheap mattresses may not save you money in the long run. “Lower-priced models can often break down faster, causing them to sag and need to be replaced more often,” says Dr. West. But if you’re buying a bed for a guest room, dorm room, or anywhere you don’t think it will get regular use in the long run, buying a low-cost mattress can be a smart way to save money.
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