Dr. Barry Jarvis
Finding a high-quality mattress at an affordable price point can seem difficult. This guide reviews the top 10 mattress options that provide an exceptional night’s sleep without breaking the bank.
Factors that Affect Mattress Pricing
Several variables influence the cost of a mattress and help determine the value you get for the money:
Brand Name: Major brands are more expensive due to name recognition and extensive marketing.
Materials Used: Natural latex, specialty foams and organic fabrics cost more than standard polyfoam and springs.
Manufacturing Location: Mattresses made in the USA or Europe are typically pricier than imports.
Online-Only: Buying directly from the brand often cuts down retailer and storefront overhead costs.
Layers and Height: More material layers and extra height means higher material costs overall.
Special Technologies: Patented designs and innovative features increase R&D and production expenses.
Understanding what goes into pricing helps identify where your money is going and how to spot added value.
What to Look for in an Affordable Quality Mattress
Key buying considerations when mattress shopping on a budget:
- Price: Compare to MSRP and look for regular sales, promotions or coupons to save.
- Materials: Look for value-focused brands using high density foams and other quality materials without luxury upcharges.
- Special Features: Zoned construction, robust edge support and other special features enhance value.
- Comfort: Factor in feel preferences like plush or firm to prevent exchanges after purchase.
- Sleep Trials: Try risk-free with generous return windows to ensure the optimal fit.
- Warranty: Good coverage protects against early sagging and impressions.
Using these criteria, below are the top mattresses offering the best value available in 2023.
Top 10 Mattresses for the Money
1. Nectar Memory Foam Mattress
Key Details:
- Gel memory and high-density polyfoams
- Quilted cooling cover
- Medium firm (6.5 out of 10) feel
- 365 night home trial
- Forever warranty
- Free shipping
With premium materials and an unbelievable forever warranty, the Nectar mattress delivers outstanding comfort and support at a very reasonable price.
Price Range: $
Buy the Nectar Mattress on NectarSleep.com
2. Tuft & Needle Original
Key Details:
- Proprietary T&N Adaptive® foam
- Graphite and cooling gel infusion
- Antimicrobial and hypoallergenic
- Responsive foam provides pressure relief
- Good motion isolation
- 10 year limited warranty
With its innovative foam at half the cost of competing brands, Tuft & Needle’s Original mattress delivers comfort and support without breaking the bank.
Price Range: $
Buy Tuft & Needle Mattress on T&N Website
3. The Allswell
Key Details:
- Hybrid design with foam top layer
- Reinforced edges for sitting stability
- Cooling graphite and copper gel-infused top
- High-density foam base layer
- Firmer medium feel suitable for most
- 10 year limited warranty
The Allswell hybrid combines quality construction with a value-focused budget pricing essentials-only aesthetic.
Price Range: $
Buy The Allswell Mattress on AllswellHome.com
4. Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam
Key Details:
- CertiPUR-US certified green tea memory foam
- High-density base foam for support
- Knit jacquard cover made from recycled materials
- Low VOC emissions and antimicrobial properties
- Multiple thickness and firmness options
- 10 year limited warranty
This budget-friendly Zinus memory foam mattress keeps you healthy overnight at a very wallet-friendly price point.
Price Range: $
Buy the Zinus Green Tea Mattress on Amazon
5. Vaya Comfort Foam
Key Details:
- Made in the USA
- Cooling, contouring hypoallergenic foam
- High-density base for support
- Soft, breathable cover
- Economical price point
- 100 night risk free trial
Proudly American made, Vaya’s basic all-foam mattress keeps costs low but doesn’t cut corners on quality or comfort.
Price Range: $
Buy the Vaya Comfort Foam Mattress on VayaSleep.com
6. Spindle Organic Latex Hybrid
Key Details:
- 3 layers organic latex in one mattress
- Natural wool and organic cotton cover
- Luxury feel at direct-to-consumer pricing
- Zoned shoulders, lumbar, and legs
- 365 night comfort guarantee
- Ships for free compressed in a box
Spindle’s latex mattress cuts out the retailers to offer premium organic materials and customizable comfort at a reasonable price.
Price Range: $$
Buy the Spindle Mattress on Spindle’s Website
7. Dreamfoam Elements Latex
Key Details:
- Natural Talalay latex layers
- Zoned shoulders, back and leg support
- Quilted bamboo cover for breathability
- Unique channel airflow design
- Luxurious feel and quick response
- 10 year warranty
This all-latex mattress from Dreamfoam provides five-star comfort and support at a surprisingly affordable price.
Price Range: $$
Buy the Dreamfoam Elements Latex Mattress on Amazon
8.Molecule 1 Air-Engineered Mattress
Key Details:
- Zoned latex foam layers
- Pocketed support coils
- Air-EngineeredTM technology boosts airflow
- Works for all sleep positions and body types
- Made in the USA
- 100 night trial
Utilizing the latest air-engineering technology, the Molecule 1 sleeps cool and comfortable at a price comparable to many all-foam competitors.
Price Range: $$
Buy the Molecule 1 Mattress on MoleculeSleep.com
9. Awara Hybrid Mattress
Key Details:
- Natural Dunlop latex foam comfort layer
- Wrapped coil system provides bounce
- Made with natural and ethical materials
- Breathable cotton cover
- 365 night sleep trial
- Forever warranty
Awara’s supportive hybrid mattress uses quality materials and ethical production methods to keep costs reasonable.
Price Range: $$
Buy the Awara Hybrid Mattress on AwaraSleep.com
10. Brentwood Oceano Luxury Hybrid
Key Details:
- Individually wrapped coil system
- Gel memory and polyfoam comfort layers
- Zoned targeted pressure relief
- Made in California
- 25 year warranty
- Ships free and compressed
By selling direct-to-consumer, Brentwood Home offers hybrid luxury a more affordable price without cutting corners on quality or comfort.
Price Range: $$
Buy the Brentwood Oceano Hybrid on BrentwoodHome.com
Finding Mattress Value Based on Your Budget
$ Under $800 Budget
All-foam mattresses from brands like Zinus, Vaya and Tuft & Needle offer impressive comfort and support without the luxury price tag.
$$ $800 – $1,500 Budget
Mid-range models from Dreamfoam, Spindle and Nectar provide excellent quality without paying designer prices. Consider special offers.
$$$ $1,500 – $2,500
Higher-end models made in the USA from brands like WinkBeds and Brooklyn Bedding represents a big step up in luxury feel but costs stay reasonable for the quality.
$$$$ $2,500+ Luxury Level
At this price point, leading names like Tempur-Pedic enter the mix but sales and specials on luxury models from others can offer comparable quality for less.
Mattress Shopping Tips to Get the Most Value
- Compare pricing with MSRP and retail stores
- Take advantage of regular sales, promotions and coupon codes
- Consider last year’s models being discontinued at a discount
- Opt for more basic models from leading brands without all the bells and whistles
- Choose smaller sizes like twin and full to save on materials
- Look for value-focused online brands that cut out retailer markup
- Don’t overpay for unwanted extras like white glove delivery
Finding a quality mattress that meets your sleep needs doesn’t have to devastate your budget. But do your homework to ensure you get the right combination of comfort, support and durability for the dollars.
Warning Signs of a Cheap Poor Quality Mattress
- Made with low-density memory foam under 4 lbs
- Thin comfort layers under 2” with minimal cushioning
- Weak edge support causes instability and roll-off
- Excessive off-gassing chemical odor
- Substantial body impressions and sagging in less than a year
- Feels uncomfortably warm and heat trapping
While everyone wants to save money on a new mattress, the cheapest ultra budget options often lack durability and use inferior materials that undermine comfort and support. Prioritize quality proven materials over the lowest sticker price alone.
Improving Your Existing Mattress on a Budget
Mattress Topper
Adds comfort and support to prolong mattress lifespan at minimal cost. Choose at least 2-3” thickness.
Mattress Pad
An affordable option to add plushness and protect against wear for less than a topper. Around 1” thick.
Bed Wedge
Raises head of bed with firm dense foam wedge to help conditions like reflux and snoring.
Adjustable Base
Converts a traditional mattress into an adjustable with many features. Check clearance models.
Mattress Frame
A basic platform frame costs much less than specialized adjustable bases but still works with many mattresses.
Eco-Friendly Encasements
Affordable organic cotton and natural wool mattress covers add comfort and moisture protection.
Mattress Choice Based on Room Use
Master Bedroom: Focus on maximum comfort and support. This is where you spend the most time sleeping. Justify the splurge on materials, special technologies and sizes.
Kids’ Room: Don’t overspend on mattresses they’ll quickly outgrow. Focus on safe, non-toxic materials over luxury extras. Prioritize value.
Guest Room: Guests sleepover infrequently so look for affordability balanced with comfort. Easy-to-clean and sanitize materials make sense here.
Think about the mattress’s intended use and users when balancing your budget. Different rooms allow focusing more or less on premium features.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mattresses and Value
What is the most affordable mattress type?
Basic all-foam mattresses are generally the lowest in price over innerspring, latex or hybrid options. But quality varies greatly within this budget category.
What are warning signs of a cheap poor quality mattress?
Questionable quality signs include low density memory foam under 4 lbs, weak edges, minimal cushioning depth under 2 inches, and excess sagging and sinking.
Is it better to buy online vs. in a store?
Online brands often offer better prices by keeping overhead costs low and passing the savings to consumers. But some local stores may price match.
How can you save money on a quality mattress?
Opt for smaller sizes, look for discounts and sales, choose a more basic model from a leading brand, and take advantage of sleep trials to avoid returns after purchase.
When does it make sense to splurge on a luxury mattress?
Paying more for premium materials and special features makes sense for the main bedroom you sleep in nightly. But scale back expenses where the mattress won’t be used as heavily.
Closing Summary
Finding an affordable quality mattress comes down to setting realistic expectations for features and performance based on your budget. By carefully comparing materials, warranties, and reviews, you can discover mattresses delivering excellent comfort and support without overspending.
Originally posted on September 18, 2023 @ 8:45 pm
Author
Dr. Barry Jarvis
Dr. Barry Jarvis is a renowned sleep specialist, dedicating their illustrious career to the intricate world of sleep medicine. Holding a medical degree from a prestigious institution, Dr. Jarvis has cultivated a deep understanding of the complex mechanisms that govern sleep and its pivotal role in overall health and well-being. With a compassionate approach and a meticulous eye for detail, Dr. Jarvis has helped countless individuals reclaim restful nights and vibrant days. Beyond their clinical expertise, they have contributed to groundbreaking research in sleep medicine, unraveling the mysteries of sleep disorders and pioneering innovative treatments that stand at the forefront of the field.
