Saatva mattress

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Picking a new mattress can be difficult. It is important to make a good decision that suits your individual needs, and it is possible to do so on a budget.

Many companies offer mattresses with a luxurious feel. We researched the best mattresses on the market to help you find the best one.

  • Affordability. The most important consideration was finding luxury performance at an accessible price. Each mattress is $1,500 or under, and many are under $1,000. Note that these prices reflect non-sale pricing.
  • Company reputation and transparency. We only included mattresses from reputable brands that are known for making high quality products and engaging in ethical and transparent business practices.
  • Company policies. We made sure to recommend products that have great at-home sleep trials and warranties with purchase.
  • Customer reviews. We considered user reviews from each company’s website and third-party sellers to make sure the mattress was as fantastic in real life as the brand says it is.

Pricing guide

Pricing for mattresses depends on what size you are looking for. We did not include sales pricing in our price comparisons.

  • $ = under $750
  • $$ = $750–$1,000
  • $$$ = over $1,000

Healthline’s picks of the best cheap mattresses

Best overall cheap mattress

Nectar Memory Foam Mattress

The Nectar Memory Foam Mattress
  • Price: $$
  • Type: foam
  • Trial period: 365 days
  • Warranty length: lifetime
  • Height: 11 inches
  • Who it’s good for: combination sleepers, warm sleepers

The Nectar Memory Foam mattress packs in a bunch of luxury features at a great price, like a quilted cover made from super soft and sustainable Tencel fibers, as well as a gel memory foam layer to promote airflow and keep you cool.

“The gel memory foam is great for sleeping in almost every position. The foam construction is good for motion isolation, so you won’t get woken up by a partner or pet.”

A lifetime warranty and aA trial for a year. period are perks when selecting a new mattress.

Pros

  • Adaptable for many sleep styles.
  • There are cooling features.
  • A trial for a year.

Cons

  • The price is higher than the price that is affordable.
  • Some people may not suit the memory foam sinking feel.

The memory foam mattress is available for purchase.

Best cheap mattress for back pain

Saatva Classic Mattress

Saatva Classic Mattress
  • Price: $$$
  • Type: hybrid
  • Trial period: 180 nights
  • Warranty length: 15 years
  • Height: 11.5 inches or 14.5 inches
  • Who it’s good for: sleepers with back pain

A 2015 study found that medium-firm mattresses can help promote sleep comfort in people with back pain. Most mattress companies call their medium-firm mattresses “luxury firm,” or say they fall between a 5 to 7 on a 10-point firmness scale. The Saatva Classic Mattress has a luxury firm option, making it a good choice for those with back pain.

Even better, Saatva mattresses are specifically designed for a pain-free sleep, and this hybrid mattress is approved by the Congress of Chiropractic State Associations. It has a unique memory foam layer designed to relieve lumbar tension.

Reviewers with back pain and arthritis say this mattress balances softness and support.

The hybrid construction and different materials used make this mattress one of the more expensive options. It is still priced lower than many luxury hybrid cars.

Pros

  • There is a choice of heights.
  • It was designed to reduce the tension in the back.
  • Delivery to the room.

Cons

  • Side sleepers may be too firm.
  • The price is higher on the affordable side.

The Saatva Classic Mattress is available for purchase.

Best cheap mattress for side sleepers

Helix Midnight

Helix Midnight mattress
  • Price: $$$
  • Type: hybrid
  • Trial period: 100 nights
  • Warranty length: 10-15 years
  • Height: 12 inches
  • Who it’s good for: side sleepers

Side sleepers need a balance of pressure relief and support. Both the Helix Midnight and Midnight Luxe are made specifically with side sleepers in mind and have targeted support for the hips, shoulders, and neck.

The top memory foam layer is designed to relieve pressure and the middle wrapped coil layer is designed to cradle and support your body. The result is an award-winning mattress.

Pros

  • Side and combination sleepers are supported by hybrid design.
  • Medium feel is a good option for couples who are not in the same weight range.
  • There is a free mattress top.

Cons

  • Some may not like the feel of foam.
  • Some reviewers have found issues with the service.

The Helix Midnight is available for purchase online.

Best cheap mattress in a box

Casper Element Mattress

Casper Element Mattress
  • Price: $
  • Type: foam
  • Trial period: 100 nights
  • Warranty length: 10 years
  • Height: 10 inches
  • Who it’s good for: sleepers on a budget

Casper is a leader in the affordable bed-in-a-box marketplace, and this entry-level mattress is a simple, yet versatile, option. The top layer of foam in the Casper Element is perforated, promoting airflow to reduce heat. The second layer is a dense base to provide support.

Reviewers rave about the great motion isolation and the unbeatable price of the Casper Element.

But this mattress may be too soft for stomach sleepers, who might feel extra pressure in their hips and lower back when sinking into a softer mattress.

Pros

  • Very affordable price point.
  • Motion isolation and cooling features are included.
  • Free shipping. and returns.

Cons

  • It may be too soft for stomach sleepers.
  • Not for people over 250 pounds.

The mattress is available online.

Best cooling cheap mattress

Cocoon by Sealy Chill Mattress

Cocoon by Sealy Chill Mattress
  • Price: $$$
  • Type: foam
  • Trial period: 100 nights
  • Warranty length: 10 years
  • Height: 10 inches
  • Who it’s good for: hot sleepers, combination or side sleepers

Sealy is one of the oldest and most respected mattress brands. The cover is designed to respond to temperature changes by dissipating heat and retaining heat.

The three-layer mattress allows movement while still bouncing back and adapting to your body and sleeping style.

The medium-soft feel of the Cocoon Chill is a good choice for combination or side sleepers.

“Some reviewers complain that the mattress doesn’t have the best edge support, which is how supportive a mattress feels when you sit on or lie near the edge.”

Pros

  • There are cooling features. for more comfortable sleep
  • Free shipping.

Cons

  • It runs to the higher side of affordability.
  • Not great edge support.
  • Some reviewers claim there is a noticeable odor.

The Sealy Chill mattress is available for purchase.

Best latex cheap mattress

Dreamfoam by Brooklyn Bedding Elements Latex

Dreamfoam by Brooklyn Bedding Elements Latex
  • Price: $$$
  • Type: latex foam
  • Trial period: 120 nights
  • Warranty length: 10 years
  • Height: 10 inches or 12 inches
  • Who it’s good for: sleepers with back pain, those who like a bouncier sleep surface

Latex mattresses are known for their bounce and responsiveness, conforming to your body’s contours while also snapping back to shape when you roll over or get up.

They can also be great for reducing pain: A 2017 study showed that latex mattresses can be better than memory foam mattresses at reducing pressure on the torso and backside.

The Elements Latex has impressive features at a stellar price point for a latex mattress. It comes in two thicknesses and three firmness options, all made with OEKO-TEX class 1 certified Talalay latex over a dense foam base.

Reviewers like the alternative to an all-foam mattress for its bounce.

“Some people with more weight may not get the support they need because the mattress doesn’t have an innerspring system.”

Pros

  • There is a choice of height and firmness.
  • Motion transfer will be limited by foam.
  • The price point for latex is great.

Cons

  • It may not be supportive for people with more weight.
  • Some customers have delivery issues.

The Dreamfoam by Brooklyn Bedding Elements Latex mattress is available here.

Best cheap mattress on Amazon

Tuft & Needle Original Mattress

T&N Original Mattress
  • Price: $$
  • Type: foam
  • Trial period: 100 nights
  • Warranty length: 10 years
  • Height: 10 inches
  • Who it’s good for: back sleepers

“A high quality, affordable mattress? Say no more. The adaptive foam mattress has a rating of 4.5 stars on Amazon. It’s proprietary foam adjusts to your sleeping position throughout the night and helps distribute weight evenly, making it a solid choice for back sleepers.”

This medium-firm option provides good support for your back, shoulders, and neck.

Tuft & Needle offers the same 100-night sleep trial on Amazon that’s offered on the company website, which isn’t always the case with other mattress brands.

Pros

  • The trial is available on Amazon.
  • Couples with different sleeping styles can be accommodated with a medium-firm feel.

Cons

  • Long-term durability is an issue for some reviewers.
  • Some reviewers have problems returning the mattress to Amazon.

Buy the Tuft & Needle Original Mattress online.

Best hybrid cheap mattress

The Allswell Luxe Hybrid

The Allswell Luxe Hybrid
  • Price: $
  • Type: hybrid
  • Trial period: 100 nights
  • Warranty length: 10 years
  • Height: 12 inches
  • Who it’s good for: all sleeping positions, shoppers on a tight budget

Hybrid mattresses are made with both foam and innerspring elements. These types of mattresses may suit many body types, because the springs offer more support than an all foam mattress.

The Allswell Luxe Hybrid is made of two top foam layers designed to relieve muscle and joint pain. The top memory foam layer is antimicrobial and infused with copper to reduce heat. The third layer is made of 8-inch individually wrapped coils that provide support, including exterior rows for extra support along the edges of the mattress.

The mattress is soft and helps with alignment, it is a great option for back or stomach sleepers.

Reviewers say the mattress works well for combination sleepers and partners with different sleeping styles.

“Allswell doesn’t say anything about how the mattresses comply with federal flammability standards”

We spoke with a customer service representative, who told us that this mattress does meet federal flammability requirements. They confirmed the brand uses a mixture of chemical fire retardants, which meet CertiPUR-US standards, and natural retardants, like fire-resistant rayon and polyester.

Pros

  • It works well for couples with different sleeping styles.
  • The price point for a hybrid mattress is excellent.
  • CertiPUR-US is certified.

Cons

  • Long-term durability is an issue for some reviewers.

The Allswell Luxe hybrid is available for purchase.

Best natural cheap mattress

Avocado Green Mattress

Avocado Green Mattress
  • Price: $$$
  • Type: hybrid
  • Trial period: 1 year
  • Warranty length: 25 years
  • Height: 11 inches or 13 inches
  • Who it’s good for: all sleeping positions, those who want an organic mattress

Every Avocado mattress is Greenguard Gold certified, meaning they meet strict third-party emissions standards for chemical exposure and pollutants. The Avocado Green Mattress also features organic latex, cotton, and wool, and comes in a vegan option without wool.

The mattress has a latex top layer and a second layer of individually pocketed coils. The latex and coil provide support for your body.

The standard 11-inch and 13-inch versions of the Avocado Green mattress add more support for side sleepers, according to many reviewers.

Pros

  • Made with organic and non-toxic materials.
  • A good option for stomach and back sleeping.
  • Impressive certifications for safety.

Cons

  • It runs to the higher side of affordability.
  • A pillow top is expensive.

The mattress is called the Avocado Green Mattress.

Best cheap mattress for pressure relief

Nolah Original

nolah-original-1
  • Price: $$$
  • Type: foam
  • Trial period: 120 nights
  • Warranty length: lifetime
  • Height: 10 inches
  • Who it’s good for: side and back sleepers, warm sleepers

The Nolah Original is designed to be as cooling as it is pressure-relieving. It is made with temperature neutral foam that is 20 percent faster in cooling than more expensive memory foams.

“The company’s patented foam distributes body weight more evenly, which means less pressure on points like the shoulders, hips, and back. The Original is an option that is worth considering if you are a side or back sleeper.”

The mattress is a good 5 to 6 on the scale, so it is comfortable for most people.

“You can try it out at home with Nolah’s trial.”

Pros

  • cooling gel helps limit overheating
  • Customers report relief of pressure.
  • Good choice for side and back sleeping.

Cons

  • It runs to the higher side of affordability.
  • May have some motion transfers.

The Nolah Original Mattress is available for purchase.

Best memory foam cheap mattress

Zinus Cooling Comfort Plus

zinus-cooling-comfort-plus-1
  • Price: $$$
  • Type: foam
  • Trial period:100 days
  • Warranty length: 10 years
  • Height: 10 inches
  • Who it’s good for: hot sleepers

Zinus is known for affordable mattresses, and this option is a standout. It’s made with cooling gel-infused foam and green tea extract, which helps neutralize odors to keep your mattress smelling fresh night after night. Plus, the foam is CertiPUR-US is certified., so you can breathe easy knowing it meets standards for safety.

The mattress comes with a trial window and a 10-year warranty.

Reviewers praise the mattress for its cool feel and medium firmness, but they note that it never fully inflated in the corners.

Pros

  • The price point is great.
  • There are cooling features.
  • CertiPUR-US is certified.

Cons

  • When the mattress is unzipped, fiberglass comes out easily.
  • Some customers have issues with decompression.
  • Some mattresses may be too firm.

The Zinus Cooling Comfort Plus mattress is available for purchase.

Mattress Price Type Trial period Warranty length
Nectar Memory Foam Mattress $$ foam 365 days lifetime
Saatva Classic Mattress $$$ hybrid 180 nights 15 years
Helix Midnight $$$ hybrid 100 nights 10–15 years
Casper Element Mattress $ foam 100 nights 10 years
Cocoon by Sealy Chill Mattress $$$ foam 100 nights 10 years
Dreamfoam by Brooklyn Bedding Elements Latex $$$ latex foam 120 nights 10 years
Tuft & Needle Original Mattress $$ foam 100 nights 10 years
The Allswell Luxe Hybrid $ hybrid 100 nights 10 years
Avocado Green Mattress $$$ hybrid 1 year 25 years
Nolah Original Mattress $$$ foam 120 nights lifetime
Zinus Cooling Comfort Plus $$$ foam 100 days 10 years

  • Sleeping position: Mattresses aren’t one size fits all, so be sure to pick one that fits your specific sleeping style. Side sleepers should look for a mattress that contours to their body and keeps their spine aligned, while back sleepers may want something firmer that supports their neck, back, and hips.
  • Materials: Many affordable bed-in-a-box mattresses are made of foam, like polyurethane, latex, or memory foam. The price tends to go up in hybrid mattresses with more advanced or intricate coil systems.
  • Mattress performance: Figure out which mattress performance elements matter to you and narrow your search that way. If you want good motion isolation, your best bet is an all-foam option. If bounce is important to you, a hybrid mattress may be the way to go. For hot sleepers, look for cooling covers and designs that allow ventilation.
  • Look for sales: Keep your eye out for mattress sales that fall on Friday is black. or “President’s Day is on the second Sunday in February.”, Memorial Day is a holiday., Independence Day., Labor Day is on the third Monday of September., or “New Year’s Day.”. You can save a lot of money by timing your purchase well.
  • Skip the add-ons: Don’t feel pressured to buy the add-ons companies suggest, like pillows or bases, even if they’re framed as a great deal. Almost all mattresses these days, especially foam ones, just need a flat surface to perform well, not a box spring or fancy base. Think about whether your new mattress will work with your existing bed frame and linens.
  • In-home trial and warranty: The best way to pick a new mattress is to try it out. Look for brands that offer extended at-home trials and have a simple and easy return process if it doesn’t work out. A good mattress should last around 10 years, so use that as a benchmark for warranty length.
  • Firmness level: You’ll want to purchase a mattress with a firmness level that suits your sleeping style. If you sleep on your back, for example, you may prefer a firmer surface for support. Side sleepers should opt for something with a little more give.
  • Pressure relief: If you’ve ever gone to sleep thinking a mattress is very comfortable, only to wake up the next morning with aches and pains, chances are you aggravated your pressure points as you slept. Look for a mattress that will allow you to sleep with good posture, minimizing contact with pressure points such as your shoulders, neck, and hips.
  • Noise: Before purchasing a new mattress, check to see how much noise it makes when you lie down and switch positions. You’d be surprised at the wide variety of sounds a mattress can make. A mattress could be the most comfortable one you’ve found, but the squeaks and squawks of a noisy mattress will cause you sleepless nights. Mattresses with springs and coils tend to be the noisiest, so scrutinize them.

If you can hold out for a sale, holidays are the best time to buy a mattress. If you time it right, you can find a mattress that is out of your price range for a steal. You can upgrade to a bigger mattress for less.

Some of the biggest holidays to save on a mattress include:

  • “New Year’s Day.”
  • “President’s Day is on the second Sunday in February.”
  • Memorial Day is a holiday.
  • Independence Day.
  • Labor Day is on the third Monday of September.
  • Friday is black.
  • Cyber Monday is Monday.

Innerspring is one of the most affordable types of mattress. This type of mattress is easy to buy, but it might not last as long as a better quality mattress. The Innerspring mattresses have a tendency to be a bit squishy.

“Memory foam mattresses can be quite affordable and can give you more comfort than the traditional steel coil and foam innerspring mattresses. A cheap mattress doesn’t have to be uncomfortable to sleep on.”

“The cheaper mattresses don’t hold up as well as the more expensive ones. You can get up to 8 years out of a cheaper mattress, compared to 10 or more years with a premium mattress.”

“If you don’t have the budget for a high end mattress, or if you’re just not comfortable sleeping on it, they can be a great option.”

The sticker price of a mattress is influenced by a number of factors.

  • Size. For starters, a twin mattress will be less expensive than a queen mattress of the same construction because of the additional materials necessary to make it.
  • Materials. Less expensive mattresses use more basic materials, such as foam. They may also have springs and not use much padding. Higher end mattresses may use latex and other high quality materials, like organic cotton or wool.
  • Location. Where you purchase your mattress can also greatly affect price. Brick-and-mortar stores will typically have higher prices than online-only retailers.
  • Policies. Any mattress company that offers flexible return policies and generous warranties will most likely cost more than those without trial periods and lengthy warranties.

When budgeting for a new mattress, consider other costs.

  • Bed frames and headboards. Will you also be purchasing a new bed frame, or perhaps a new headboard? Factor these into the total cost.
  • Bedding. If you’re upgrading to a bigger bed, you’ll also need to purchase new sheets, a comforter, and possibly a new mattress topper or pillows.
  • Box spring. Find out if the mattress requires a box spring. Not all mattresses do, but they can add to the cost.

If you are purchasing a mattress for the first time, here are a few questions to ask.

What’s the best type of affordable mattress?

The best mattress for you depends on your sleeping style and comfort preferences. If you want to get pressure relief and motion isolation, you should look for a foam mattress. Memory foam is more expensive than latex. A hybrid mattress is better for more support.

You will likely find the best prices at an online retailer.

What’s the best time of year to buy a mattress?

If you are flexible, you can buy your new mattress in the late winter or early spring when companies are running promotions. May is considered the best time to buy a mattress.

“If you can’t wait, look for any current promotions or coupon codes before you buy.”

What size mattress should you buy?

You should consider several factors when choosing a mattress. The bigger the mattress, the more expensive it is. The size of your bedroom should be considered after that. Can you fit all of your furniture in the king bed?

Other considerations include whether you share your bed with another person, your sleeping style, and your body type.

What’s a good price for a mattress?

You can expect to pay between $500 and $1,500 for an affordable queen mattress. Some picks may be even cheaper, but they might not last as long.

Which type of mattress is usually the least expensive?

The cheapest type of mattress is usually made from memory foam.

Should you test out a mattress before you buy?

Absolutely. It is advisable to lie down on a mattress in a store. You want to make sure the firmness is comfortable for you.

Testing the edge support is a good idea. If you feel like you are going to roll off, lie on the mattress.

Being able to test out a mattress at home over the course of a year is just as important as being able to buy it.

“You don’t have to try out a mattress before you buy online. You should note the company’s trial period. This tells you how long you can try the mattress.”

“If a mattress doesn’t work out, many companies offer free delivery and take-away. If you need to return it, you should know this in advance.”

How do you know if it’s time to buy a new mattress?

“One of the most obvious signs is waking up with pain in your back, shoulders, or hips. If you can’t sleep or your mattress feels squishy, it’s time to upgrade.”

There are some signs that could be a squeaking noise when you move around in bed, worsening allergies, or a smell coming from the mattress.

“With the affordable mattress market only getting more competitive, you have plenty of options to get the feel of higher end mattresses at prices that don’t break the bank.”

When shopping, make sure to choose features that suit your sleeping style. You can take advantage of at- home trials to find the right mattress.

Sara Wilson is a freelance journalist interested in health policy, wellness, and politics. Her work has appeared in Morning Consult, MarketWatch, Sojourners, and others. She is a graduate of the University of Alabama and Northwestern University. She loves historical fiction, long trips to a museum, and chatting with her 8-year-old cat Ethel. Follow her on Twitter.