If you’ve been perusing the mattress market, you may have noticed disparities between how beds are priced. Some beds are suspiciously cheap, while others are wildly out of budget — and it can be hard to tell which options might actually be worth the money. To help you find the best mattress for you at a great value, I’ve rounded up eight top beds that are high-quality, durable, and priced fairly.
On this list, you’ll find various mattresses containing different constructions and feels, so you can choose the one most compatible with your body type, sleeping position, and personal preferences. Everyone has a different budget, so I included a mix of affordable options, as well as some luxury models. Each of these brands runs frequent sales; you can find most of these beds under $1,000 for a queen size after discounts.
At Sleepopolis, our team of expert testers and certified sleep science coaches have helped 60,108 sleepers find a new mattress. We developed a rigorous testing methodology with help from a network of doctors, physical therapists, and sleep experts. We worked especially closely with our quadruple-board-certified chief medical advisor, Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD. FACP, FCCP, FAASM, and our director of sleep health, Dr. Shelby Harris, to ensure we’re providing the most accurate and up-to-date recommendations.
We’ve tested more than 300 mattresses in our Sleepopolis studio to determine how they perform in various areas, including these three that are most important to sleepers:
- Firmness: We test firmness by having multiple testers lie on the bed and score it from 1 to 10, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest. We then find the average score to create our final firmness rating. In this roundup, I included beds that range in firmness, from plush and soft to extremely firm.
- Support: A strong support system is crucial for achieving proper spinal alignment. I looked for beds with strong support layers, such as steel coils or high-density foam, that provide plenty of lift and prevent too much sinkage.
- Sleeping Position: We evaluate every mattress for compatibility with back, side, and stomach sleepers. We also test each bed with a lightweight, average-weight, and heavyweight tester to provide an accurate scope of how the mattress might perform for you individually. Regardless of your preferred sleeping position or body type, this roundup contains a bed that will likely work for you.
Our Top Pick for the Best Mattress for the Money
We chose the Nectar Classic as the best overall mattress for the money because it’s made with high-quality materials, has a supportive yet pressure-relieving construction, and comes with a lifetime warranty. Its medium-firm feel also makes it compatible with a variety of sleeper types. Even better: This bed can usually be found for less than $1,000 after discounts.
What I Looked for in the Best Mattress for the Money
In 2024 alone, Sleepopolis helped 15,622 people purchase a mattress. We’ve tested more than 300 mattresses in our mattress-testing studio and collected objective and subjective data to help provide a full look at how a mattress performs for different types of sleepers. When it comes to the best mattress for the money, there are a few factors I paid close attention to:
- Value by Category: “Best for the money” doesn’t always mean “inexpensive.” Sometimes a $2,500 luxury mattress can be a great value when compared to other models in its category. Similarly, a $250 mattress may perform poorly compared to other budget brands. To get a full look at each mattress’s comparative value, we assess the materials used, the design elements at play, the retailer’s competitors, and its performance in our mattress testing.
- Quality of Materials: Mattresses built with high-quality, durable materials will last longer than those designed with cheaper ones. Investing in a slightly more expensive mattress that contains great materials may be more cost-effective in the long run. If you’re only interested in finding the most affordable mattress, check out our best cheap mattress roundup.
- Warranty: Lengthy warranties are durability indicators, as they show how long the company expects the mattress to last. I looked for at least 10-year warranties to ensure you’re protected against manufacturing defects for a long time. Many of these mattresses come with lifetime warranties, which earns the full 5 stars in this category.
Best Mattresses for the Money
- Nectar — Best Overall Mattress for the Money
- DreamCloud Hybrid — Best Mattress for the Money for Couples
- Bear Original — Best Mattress for the Money for Athletes
- Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid — Best Queen Mattress for the Money
- Nolah Evolution — Best Mattress for the Money for Side Sleepers
- Plank Firm — Best Mattress for the Money for Stomach Sleepers
- Titan Plus — Best Mattress for the Money for Heavy People
- Silk & Snow Hybrid Mattress — Best Hybrid Mattress for the Money
Compare Best Mattresses for the Money
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| Nectar Mattress | DreamCloud Original Mattress | Bear Original Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress | Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress | Titan Plus | Silk & Snow Hybrid Mattress | |
| Rating | ||||||||
| Firmness | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Firm: 7/10 | Firm: 7.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 |
| Material | Foam | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Cooling | — | — | — | — | — | |||
| Best For |
Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Couples
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Back Sleepers,
Hot Sleepers, Seniors |
Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Hip Pain,
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Back Sleepers,
Hip Pain, Couples |
Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors,
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Stomach Sleepers,
Back Pain, Seniors |
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hip Pain, Seniors
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Hot Sleepers,
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Best Mattress for the Money Video Review
Nectar — Best Overall Mattress for the Money
The Nectar Classic is a memory foam mattress that provides solid support for most light to average weight sleepers. The cushioning memory foam allows for plenty of pain relief around the lower lumbar spine. Most back sleepers and side sleepers should enjoy the pressure relief. Plus, a lengthy trial period, lifetime warranty, and affordable price make the Nectar a reassuring choice for many. Watch our video review to learn more.
What our tester says:
“I think the Nectar Classic does a great job of relieving back pain. The pressure map test results show a lot of blue and green on our backs, meaning back sleepers should experience good pressure relief from the Nectar.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
When it comes to value, the Nectar Classic mattress takes the cake. Despite its 5-star support, 4-star pressure relief, and excellent 5-star sleep trial and warranty, you can typically find a queen-size Nectar for under $1,000 thanks to the brand’s frequent promotions. This mattress sports a medium-firm feel that’s compatible with multiple sleeping positions and body types, so most sleepers can find something to love.
Despite its all-foam construction, the Nectar is highly supportive. Once you sink through the top layers of soft memory foam, a thick layer of high-density foam prevents the sleeper from sinking too far. When our tester Sosha Lewis tried the mattress, she said, “There’s a good lift at my hips that keeps them in line with my shoulders, creating fantastic spinal alignment.” While our testers found this bed to be supportive enough for side and back sleeping, they thought it was slightly too soft for stomach sleeping. Stomach sleepers should seek a firmer bed with even more support at the hips.
When we tested for pressure relief, the Nectar continued to excel. We test pressure relief using a specialized mat that senses where the body is experiencing the most pressure when you lie on a mattress. The results are then translated into a color-coded thermal image that displays blue and green where there’s low pressure, and yellow and red to indicate high pressure. When we had testers from different weight categories test the Nectar, they all felt the least pressure in the back-sleeping position. Based on the results of our testing and pressure map below, side sleepers with sensitive shoulders may want a bed with deeper sinkage.
Although this mattress offers great support and pressure relief, it falls short in the edge support category. When our tester Kenny Timper sat directly on the Nectar’s edges, he could feel himself sliding off a bit. He felt more stable when lying on his side — but we still wouldn’t recommend the Nectar to people with mobility issues who rely on strong edges to get in and out of bed.
To learn more about the Nectar, read our full Nectar Mattress review. For a firmer bed, try the DreamCloud Memory Foam or head to our best mattress roundup for more options.
DreamCloud Hybrid — Best Mattress for Couples
With soft foam and a sturdy layer of innerspring coils, the DreamCloud strikes a balance between comfort and support — a little bit of contouring up top and on-top-of-the-bed feel that comes from the bottom. It’s a fairly firm mattress that we think is most comfortable for back sleepers. It also has some luxury touches such as a cashmere-blend cover that are reminiscent of a high-end hotel. Learn more in our DreamCloud video review.
What our tester says:
“I really like how luxurious this mattress feels and how it could work for a variety of sleepers. Along with that, I found that the breathable cashmere cover helps the DreamCloud sleep cool throughout the night. Thanks to its medium-firm to firm support, I think the DreamCloud is a durable mattress. It balances support with plenty of pressure relief for back sleepers.” – Bridget Chapman, former Sleepopolis senior product editor
The most important mattress factors for couples to pay attention to are edge support, cooling, motion isolation, and responsiveness. We think the DreamCloud Hybrid mattress is a great value mattress for couples because it’s made with high-quality materials while still being relatively affordable. The mattress also performed well across the board during testing, earning high marks in our key couples categories, including 4.5 stars for edge support, 4 stars for cooling, and 5 stars for responsiveness.
Two bodies heat up faster than just one, so it’s important that couples find a bed that promotes cooling. The DreamCloud Hybrid contains foam infused with gel, which helps with temperature regulation by drawing heat away from the body. A tall layer of coils adds space inside the bed for air to flow freely. To put numbers to the mattress’s cooling powers, we tested it by using a thermal gun to measure how much its surface increases in temperatures after a tester rests on it for 5 minutes. The DreamCloud’s temperature only increased by 7 degrees, which qualifies as good cooling, so we feel confident recommending it to couples who sleep hot.
Edge support is also important for couples because it allows each partner to spread out and use the entire surface of the mattress without worrying about falling off. When our testers sat and lay on the DreamCloud Hybrid’s edges, they felt sturdy and secure. This 4.5-star edge support comes from a layer of pocketed coils that gives the bed added structure and prevents sagging. The innerspring coils also make this bed pretty bouncy and responsive, which can make sex easier and more fun for couples because it’s so easy to move around.
The DreamCloud Hybrid is pretty firm and comes in at a 7 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale. In testing, we found that the bed provides the best balance between support and pressure relief in the back-sleeping position. Our tester Bridget Chapman said, “As I sank into this bed, I could feel its top layers of foam filling in the space at my lumbar region for some pleasant pressure relief.” While the mattress could work for side sleepers who prefer a firm feel, pressure is likely to build at the hips. Likewise, it’s likely too soft to prop stomach sleepers’ hips in line with their shoulders.
Motion isolation is the only category this bed fell short in. Although it didn’t have the worst motion isolation we’ve ever seen, its “just-average” score of 3.5 stars means you may feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
For more on the DreamCloud Hybrid, read our full DreamCloud Hybrid mattress review. For a softer option, try the Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid mattress or head to our best mattress for couples roundup.
Bear Original — Best Mattress for Athletes
Even though it’s made entirely of foam, the Bear has a firm, supportive feel that should be sturdy enough for back sleepers and stomach sleepers alike. Additionally, combination sleepers should be able to easily move around on its surface. You can also pay extra for a Celliant cover that may help with cooling and muscle recovery. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“I found the double poly foam construction produced a firm, supportive feel. Though you’re likely to sink into its top layer of memory foam, this sinkage is somewhat curbed by the taut poly foam transition layer. This means most folks are going to be positioned more “on top” of the structure than “in” it.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and mattress tester
If you’re an everyday athlete, weekend warrior, or just someone who likes to stay active, the Bear Original — with its focus on support and recovery — might be right up your alley. The bed can often be found in a queen size for under $1,000 after discounts, but we recommend spending a small amount of additional cash to get the optional Celliant cover at checkout. Bear has published several clinical trials on the material, and the results suggest that the fiber is able to absorb your energy, and then redirect it back to you, which can assist with blood flow and muscle recovery. While we can’t independently verify these results, we can say that Celliant helps with temperature regulation, earning the mattress 4.5 out of 5 stars for cooling.
We were surprised by the Bear’s cooling abilities, given its all-foam construction, which has a reputation for trapping heat. When I first lay down on it, I thought the mattress had a really nice, cool-to-the-touch feel, thanks to the Celliant cover. As I was lying on it, I could feel the bed adjusting to my body heat, but I never felt uncomfortably warm. When I used a thermal gun to measure the mattress’s temperature before and after lying on it for five minutes, I found a temperature increase of only 5.3 degrees, solidifying that it’s a great choice for hot sleepers.
When I tested motion isolation with my colleague, I also found impressive results and gave it 4.6 stars in this category. I curled up on the mattress with a blindfold on while my colleague got in and out of bed and rolled around next to me. The motion didn’t significantly impact my side of the bed, but I could feel that someone else was in bed with me. When my fellow tester climbed in and out of bed, I detected no movement at all, which is awesome and suggests the bed is a good one for couples that include a light sleeper.
While this bed is supportive enough for back and stomach sleeping, I don’t recommend it to side sleepers, especially those in the lightweight category. The mattress is on the firmer side, falling at 7 out of 10 on the firmness scale, so pressure may build at the joints in this position.
For more on the Bear Original, read our full Bear Original mattress review. For a softer choice, try the Nectar Luxe Memory Foam mattress or head to our best mattress for athletes round up.
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid — Best Queen Mattress for the Money
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress combines a foam comfort layer and sturdy coils. This combination of materials makes it bouncy and easy to move around on. It comes in three firmness levels, and we recommend the Medium model for most back sleepers. It’s a great choice for shoppers who are looking for a new mattress on a budget. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“Given that the Signature Hybrid has some excellent bounce, I’d highly recommend this mattress for combination sleepers who often change positions multiple times throughout the night. I also think the Signature Hybrid could be a great fit for couples. You shouldn’t be overly disturbed by a restless partner on this bed, and it has nice, firm edge support.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
The queen mattress is the most popular size on the market – and for good reason. These beds are bigger than a full, but not quite as large as a king. At 60 inches wide and 80 inches long, this size fits in most bedrooms and is big enough for two sleepers. We chose the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid as the best queen mattress for the money because its medium-firm feel, 4.5-star cooling, and 4-star responsiveness makes it a great choice for the widest variety of sleeper types.
This mattress contains a layer of tall coils, which adds space for air to flow freely without getting trapped. When our tester Kenny Timper used the thermal gun to test the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid for cooling, he found solid results. While he was lying on the mattress for five minutes, he said, “I don’t feel it heating up too much.” The temperature difference before and after he lay on it was only 6 degrees, so we think it’s a solid choice for hot sleepers.
We also think the Signature Hybrid could be a great choice for average-weight side and back sleepers, and especially for people who switch between the two positions. It has a bouncy feel due to its innerspring coils, which makes it easy to transition. The mattress’s medium-firm construction allows for a bit of cushion and contouring around the hips and shoulders, yet it’s firm and supportive enough to maintain proper spinal alignment. Our average-weight tester Sosha Lewis said, “I really like this mattress. It’s soft enough that I can feel the contouring on my hips, and it’s soft on my side. My spine feels mostly aligned with no major dips and my hips are slightly elevated.”
Although this bed is great for light and average-weight sleepers, we don’t think it’s supportive enough for heavy sleepers who weigh over 230 pounds. Our heavy tester felt decent support in the side-sleeping position with some pressure forming at the shoulder. He felt less supported on his back and thought his hips were sinking in too much.
For more on the Signature Hybrid, read our full Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress review. For a better choice for heavy sleepers, try the Brooklyn Bedding Titan Plus or head to our best queen size mattress roundup.
Nolah Evolution — Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
The Nolah Evolution’s hybrid construction offers the cushioning of memory foam with the responsiveness of coils. The Luxury Firm model is a good option for side and back sleepers due to its medium-firm feel, though there are Plush and Firm versions as well. Those who share a bed may also appreciate its low motion transfer, so you won’t be disturbed by a partner’s movements and its solid edge support to allow you to maximize surface area. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“I laid down to rest on this mattress on my back — my primary sleep position. I felt comfortable, but also appreciated the cozy, plush top of the bed. After some time lying on my back, I switched over to my side. I didn’t find this position quite as comfortable, as I did feel some slight pressure buildup in my shoulder.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
According to our chief medical advisor Dr. Raj Dasgupta, the best mattress for side sleepers offers a soft to medium-firn feel with plenty of sinkage and contouring at the hips and shoulders to prevent pressure buildup. We think the Nolah Evolution fits the bill. We found excellent pressure relief when side sleeping on this mattress, earning it 4.3 stars in this category. We were also very pleased with its temperature regulation and breathability, so we gave it a 4.5 for cooling. Since it’s a luxury bed, this is one of the more expensive options in this roundup, but we think its quality justifies the price — and it’s backed by a 5-star lifetime warranty.
Our lightweight, average-weight, and heavyweight testers all felt comfortable when side sleeping on the Nolah Evolution. Their average pressure scores in this position were 13.35, 15.53, and 16.93. Although these are higher than the typical side-sleeping score, which is 12.6, our testers didn’t notice any concerning pressure buildup. Even our lightweight tester, Asha Birjah, who typically finds less sinkage in a mattress, thought this bed had “really good balance between firmness and contouring” and experienced no pain. Heavyweight tester Caine Wilkes thinks heavy side sleepers will find enough support in this position without experiencing pressure at the shoulders.
Our tester Sosha Lewis finds excellent cooling when she sleeps on the Nolah Evolution. Sosha bought the previous version of the Nolah Evolution specifically for her hot-sleeping husband, and she thought this updated version provided the same crisp night of sleep. Before conducting a thermal test on the mattress, she exercised. After climbing onto the bed and resting on it for five minutes, she says she could feel the heat leaving her body and the mattress helping to regulate her temperature. When she measured the mattress’s temperature before and after lying on it, she found an increase of just 4.9 degrees, which we consider stellar cooling.
The tradeoff is that since this bed is great for side sleeping, it’s not so great for stomach sleeping. Stomach sleepers should opt for the Firm model, which will offer more support and lift at the hips to prevent lower back pain. Side sleepers with sensitive joints may want the Plush model for extra cushioning and contouring.
For more information, read our full Nolah Evolution mattress review. For a firmer mattress, try the Helix Dusk or head to our best mattress for side sleepers roundup.
Plank Firm — Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
The Plank Firm more than lives up to its name with its ultra-sturdy foams and supportive feel. While this bed certainly isn’t for everyone, it should be an ideal fit for back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and combination sleepers who want to feel more on top of their mattress than in it. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“I think the Plank Firm is one of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers. Both sides of the mattress, the firm side and extra firm side, should give these sleepers the support they need to keep their hips in line with their shoulders. Back sleepers who like a firmer feel should also be happy on the firm side of the Plank.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Titan Plus — Best Mattress for Heavy People
The Titan Plus mattress is a durable mattress made with heavy sleepers in mind. It’s firm and features heavy-duty coils and Titanflex foam that makes it bouncy and easy to move around on. We think that heavy back sleepers and stomach sleepers should be especially comfortable. For more information on the Titan Plus, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“I think the Titan Plus lives up to its name as a good mattress for heavier sleepers. It will offer them the deep compression support and durability they need.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Your sleeping position isn’t the only factor that can impact the way a mattress feels. Your body type also plays a big role in how a bed will perform for you. If you weigh more than 230 pounds, you fall in our heavyweight category. These sleepers need plenty of support, which they can find from the Titan Plus, a mattress specifically designed for heavy sleepers.
We tested this bed in our studio using sleepers who fall into our heavyweight category and found it best for back sleeping due to its 4-star pressure relief. The coil layer stands out because it provides outstanding support, as well as 4.5-star edge support along the sides of the mattress. When it comes to the Titan Plus’s value, we think the 100-percent steel coils, high-density foam, and limited lifetime warranty make for a durable, quality bed that will stand the test of time.
According to Dr. Shelby Harris, heavy sleepers sink further into mattresses than lightweight and average-weight sleepers. Because of this, she recommends highly supportive mattresses with plenty of lift that fall between a 7 and 8 on the firmness scale. The Titan Plus meets the mark, falling at a 7.5 out of 10. This feel comes from its hybrid design, which combines sturdy steel coils with a few layers of softer foam. These coils help keep the edges secure, so heavyweight sleepers can sleep right up to the edge of the bed while still finding great support. Our tester Sosha Lewis, “I felt very secure on my back, side, and stomach when lying close to the edge”
When our heavyweight tester Marten Carlson tried the Titan Plus, he felt most comfortable on his back and stomach. On this back, his average PSI was 13.8. This is less pressure than the overall average PSI for back sleeping, which is a 15.1, so the Titan definitely helped relieve pressure in this position. When we take a look at his back-sleeping pressure map below, we see all blue, which indicates no pressure building anywhere along his body. Marten said, “I feel great. This is great for back sleeping, especially for a bigger guy like me. Great alignment and overall support is fantastic.”
Although this is the best mattress for heavy sleepers, we wouldn’t recommend it to heavy side sleepers. In this position, Marten’s PSI went all the way up to 20.82, which is much higher than the average side-sleeping PSI of 12.6. We would recommend side sleepers opt for the Titan Plus Luxe, which is slightly softer and offers more cushioning at the sensitive joints due to a pillow top.
For more on the Titan Plus, read our full Titan Plus mattress review. For heavyweight side sleeping, try the Titan Plus Luxe or head to our best mattress for heavy people roundup.
Silk & Snow Hybrid Mattress — Best Hybrid Mattress for the Money
As an affordable option with a medium-firm feel, we think that the Silk & Snow Hybrid should appeal to a wide variety of sleepers, including back sleepers, side sleepers, hot sleepers, and budget shoppers. Learn more in our full video review, where we compare the Silk & Snow Hybrid to the original Silk & Snow, which doesn’t have coils.
What our tester says:
“The Silk & Snow Hybrid is a great middle ground firmness for those who don’t want an ultra-firm bed, but also want to feel well-supported.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
Other Mattresses for the Money We Researched
While I could only fit eight beds into this roundup, there are a few other mattresses out there that are affordable while still containing durable materials and high-quality constructions. Here are some of the top also-rans that provide excellent value.
Helix Midnight
The Helix Midnight is the most popular model Helix offers. With a medium-firm feel and hybrid construction, the Midnight is a good mattress for side and back sleepers, as well as sleepers who experience back pain. This bed is very durable and high-quality, and you can find it for $1,332 at full retail for a queen size. Although the bed comes with a limited lifetime warranty, its sleep trial period is only 100 nights.
Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid
The Leesa Sapira Chill hybrid is soft, cushiony, and cool-to-the-touch, making it a great choice for side sleepers, back sleepers, and hot sleepers. This bed is ideal for sleepers seeking deep sinkage and a hug-like feel. However, I didn’t think this mattress was affordable enough to be one of the best mattresses for the money. Even after discounts are applied, this bed will likely cost you more than $1,000.
How We Picked and Tested the Best Mattresses for the Money
You may be wondering, “Why should I trust your recommendations?” It’s understandable — finding the right type of mattress for you can be stressful and filled with uncertainty. Here at Sleepopolis, our team of expert testers and certified sleep science coaches has tested more than 330 beds in our mattress studio and helped a total of 60,108 people find the right one for their sleep needs. These recommendations are based on our expertly crafted and medically reviewed methodology. We always have multiple testers of different body types provide feedback on each bed, so you can get the most accurate idea of how it might perform for you specifically. We even cut into these beds to evaluate the materials and construction for quality and support.
We also work with an extensive network of medical experts, including registered nurses, board-certified sleep medicine doctors, physical therapists, and more to review our methodology and recommendations for accuracy. We work closest with our Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Raj Dasgupta and Director of Sleep Health Dr. Shelby Harris — both of whom provide input on what sleepers should look for in their next new mattress.
Below, I’ll outline some of the tests we perform in our studio.
Pressure Relief
We test pressure relief using a specialized mat that senses pressure. First, we roll the mat onto the surface of the bed. Then, we have three testers of different body weights (lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight) lie on the mat in the back- and side-sleeping positions. The mat then translates the results into a graphic using thermal imaging, where blue and green indicate low pressure and red and yellow indicate high pressure.
The map also gives us each sleeper’s average PSI for each position, which we then compare to the overall average PSI from all beds we tested. The average PSI is 12.6 for side sleeping and 15.1 for back sleeping. If our tester’s average PSI is less than the overall average PSI, then the bed excels at relieving pressure.
Cooling
We assess cooling by examining the mattress’s materials and construction. We pay attention to breathable covers, cooling foam infusions, and coils that promote airflow. We then test cooling more formally using a thermal gun
We first use the thermal gun to measure the mattress’s initial temperature. Then, a tester lies on the bed for five minutes and observes if the mattress feels cool-to-the-touch or noticeably warm. When the five minutes are up, we measure the mattress’s temperature again and note by how many degrees it increases. Anything less than a 4-degree increase indicates excellent cooling. An increase of 5 to 10 degrees indicates good cooling, 10 to 15 degrees indicates decent cooling, and more than 15 degrees indicates poor cooling.
Motion Isolation
Motion isolation refers to the bed’s ability to absorb movement on impact and prevent the sleeper on the other side from feeling it. If a bed has low motion transfer, you’re unlikely to be disturbed by a tossing and turning partner next to you.
We first test motion isolation by placing a large tub of water on one side of the bed and then rolling around on the other side. We observe the water in the tub and make note of any large sloshing or spills. If the water remains mostly still with only a few slight ripples, the mattress is doing an excellent job of isolating motion.
We then test motion isolation by having one tester lie on the bed wearing a blindfold while another tester gets in and out of bed and switches between sleeping positions. If the tester can’t detect their partner’s movement, then the bed is excelling at motion isolation.
Finally, we use a seismograph to create a visual representation of motion disturbance. We start by dropping a 10-pound steel ball onto the bed from three gradually increasing heights. A seismometer on the other side of the bed senses the disturbance and translates it into a graph. The larger the lines, the worse the motion isolation. We look for small lines that quickly flatten out.
What to Look for in the Best Mattress for the Money
In addition to the factors I mentioned above, there are a few other elements that you should consider when mattress shopping. Below, I’ll outline everything you need to know about the best mattress for the money.
Mattress Type
The mattresses you’ll see on our roundups will likely fall into one of the following categories: innerspring, all-foam, hybrid, and latex foam. Let’s take a quick look at these types of mattresses:
- Innerspring mattresses feature layers of steel coils that help support the body. Sometimes, these coils are wrapped in a thin layer of foam for added comfort and pressure relief. These beds are typically more supportive than they are pressure relieving, so they’re great for stomach sleepers and heavy people.
- All-foam mattresses are made with layers of memory foam that adapt in real time to the curves of your body while you sleep. They’re typically more expensive than innerspring mattresses, though some folks find that the added layers of pressure-relieving foam are well worth the price. A good memory foam mattress should last you about 10 years.
- Latex mattresses are similar to memory foam mattresses in that they’re both made up of foam layers. But unlike memory foam, latex has a quick response to pressure, resulting in a bouncy feel that helps sleepers easily move around or reposition on the bed. Latex also happens to sleep a little cooler than memory foam. With this added boost of temperature regulation and lift, you can expect to pay more for a latex bed. However, they typically last for up to 12 years.
- Hybrid mattresses can make great value buys because they essentially combine all the great elements of the aforementioned mattress types (the pressure relief of memory foam, the bounce of latex, the support of innerspring) into one convenient package. A good hybrid mattress will last you about 10 years.
Edge Support
If you sleep with a partner or simply like to spread out, look for a mattress with a tall coil layer and reinforced edges. When the edges are supportive and stable, the sleeper is able to use the entire surface area and sleep right up to the very edge, which can make the bed feel larger. Edge support can also be a durability indicator, as strong edges are less prone to premature sagging.
We test edge support using an objective and subjective test. We first create three stacks of weights that represent different types of sleepers – lightweight, average weight, and heavy weight. We place a stack on the edge and use a measuring tape to measure how many inches the layers collapsed. We also test edge support by sitting directly on the edges and lying on them in the three main sleeping positions. Our testers observe how sturdy they feel and whether they’re about to slip off the bed.
Firmness
We rate firmness on a scale of 1 to 10 where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest. Our standard score for a true medium-firm mattress is 6.5, which is the most common mattress firmness you’ll find. We create these scores by having multiple testers lie on the mattress in different sleeping positions and provide their scores. We then find the average of all the scores to create our final firmness score.
Firmness is a very subjective element, and everyone has a different preference for what feels most comfortable. When it comes to firmness, consider your sleeping position and body type (which I’ll get into below), but don’t forget to choose a bed that you’ll be excited to crawl into at the end of the day. Many mattress models offer different firmness options, so you can choose the firmness level you prefer while still reaping all of the bed’s benefits.
Sleeping Position
Whether you sleep on your stomach, back, or side can determine whether a mattress is a dream or a total nightmare. We consulted Dr. Raj Dasgupta and Dr. Shelby Harris for their advice to different sleepers. Here’s what they had to say:
- Side sleepers should seek a medium or soft mattress that falls between a 5 and 6.5 on our firmness scale. Memory foam, hybrid, and latex mattresses with soft comfort layers can help prevent too much pressure from accruing at the hip and shoulder joints. Look for deep sinkage and contouring at these areas.
- Back sleepers sleep best on medium-firm to firm mattresses that offer a balance between pressure relief and support. Look for a bed with plenty of lift at the hips to prop the spine into a straight line. A bit of cushioning is also ideal to fill in the space at the lumbar region and prevent muscle strain.
- Stomach sleepers need firm support that prevents sinkage at the hips. The hips should be in line with the shoulders in this position to prevent the lower back from bending into a U shape, which can lead to pain over time.
- Combination Sleepers should pay attention to which two sleeping positions they spend the most time in and pick a mattress that is suitable for both. When it comes to switching sleeping positions, a good responsiveness score is also crucial. A bit of bounce can aid in the transition and prevent the sleeper from feeling “trapped” in the mattress’s layers.
Body Type
Mattresses feel and perform very differently depending on the sleeper’s body weight and shape. For example, a mattress may feel softer to a heavy sleeper than to an average-weight sleeper because a heavy sleeper will sink further into the bed’s top layers. Similarly, lightweight sleepers typically experience mattresses as firmer than average because they don’t sink in quite as much.
We make sure that we test each mattress with a lightweight, average-weight, and heavyweight tester to provide a more complete look at how the bed may feel and perform. We’ve also created roundups for the best mattresses for lightweight sleepers and heavyweight sleepers, so you can see a curated list of beds for your body type.
| Lightweight Sleepers | Average-Weight Sleepers | Heavyweight Sleepers |
| Less than 130 pounds | 130-230 pounds | More than 230 pounds |
What Affects the Price of a Mattress
When it comes to the price tag, there are several factors that determine how expensive it will be. Remember, price does not always determine value, but some materials are more expensive for a reason. Here are some elements to weigh against the cost of your new mattress.
Materials: Although it’s going to vary from bed to bed, latex mattresses tend to be at the higher end of the price spectrum. Hybrid and luxury beds may also be more expensive because they involve more craftsmanship and labor.
Manufacturing: If a company manufactures its beds in the United States, it’s sometimes able to cut out the middleman and give that cost back to the customer in the form of discounts.
Distribution: It’s almost always going to be cheaper to purchase a mattress online rather than in a brick-and-mortar store. That being said, shipping may get pricey depending on where you live. If you are shopping internationally, shipping may be even more complicated and expensive. We compiled a list of the best mattresses in Canada to help you navigate international mattress shopping.
Warranty: This is going to depend on the brand, but sometimes mattresses with lengthier warranties are priced a little bit higher. The upside is that you’re getting a longer-lasting bed. We recommend looking for warranties that last at least 10 years to ensure you get a full lifespan from your mattress.
If the price itself is more important to you than the bed’s value, we’ve created roundups for cheap mattresses and mattresses under $1,000.
Company Policies
Before purchasing a mattress, take a moment to read the fine print and familiarize yourself with the company policies. If you’re not sure what to look for, I’ve outlined my recommendations below.
Shipping: When you buy online, you’re able to have your new mattress shipped directly to your door. Luckily, most major mattress manufacturers offer free shipping, so you won’t have to factor shipping fees into the overall price. Many of these beds come compressed in a box. All you need to do is cut the packaging open and let your new mattress inflate. Some companies, such as Saatva, even offer free white glove delivery, meaning the company will bring the bed to the room of your choice, set it up, and remove your old mattress.
Sleep trials: Some people are hesitant to buy a mattress online because they think they won’t be able to “try before you buy.” However, most online retailers offer lengthy sleep trials, so you can try the bed at home and return it for a full refund if it doesn’t live up to your expectations. These trial periods can range anywhere from 30 to 365 nights. We think the longer the better. It takes time to adjust to a new mattress, so lengthy trials allow you to take your time deciding if you want to keep it.
Warranty: Warranties protect both the customer and the manufacturer. If your bed has a solid warranty, you’ll be able to exchange it for a new one if it is defective or has manufacturing errors. While we recommend warranties that are at least 10 years long, our favorite policy is lifetime warranties. This speaks to the durability of the mattress, as the company expects it to last for many years without sagging.
FAQs
What is the best mattress for the money?
We chose the Nectar Classic Memory Foam mattress as the best mattress for the money because its medium-firm, all-foam feel is ideal for a variety of sleeping positions and body types. Not only does it have an affordable price and high-quality materials, it comes with free shipping and returns, a 365-night sleep trial period, and a lifetime warranty.
How much should I spend on a mattress?
Mattress prices vary widely depending on materials, construction, size, and brand. While there’s no set amount that you should spend, most beds run between $1,000 and $2,000 for a queen size. However, most of the beds on this roundup will cost less than $1,000 due to the frequent sales and discounts these brands offer. For more details, read our guide to how much you should spend on a mattress.
Are expensive mattresses worth it?
This is the main question that we try to answer in this roundup. A higher price doesn’t always equate to higher quality. That being said, very cheap mattresses likely won’t last you very long. We recommend looking for a reasonably priced mattress that contains quality materials, a solid warranty, and a balance between support and pressure relief.
What makes a mattress material high-quality?
We consider materials to be high-quality if they’re durable and supportive. We look for beds made without fiberglass or harmful chemicals. We also pay attention to any certifications the bed has received, such as CertiPUR-US certified foams and GOTs or GOLs certified, GREENGUARD Gold certified, and OEKO-Tex certified materials. For more on information, read our guide to mattress and bedding certifications.