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Our Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed more than 300 mattresses in our lab, testing each one on its materials, comfort, cooling, support, and other categories.
We’ve recently re-reviewed the budget picks on this list and added extra insight from the testers in our lab. Along with cost, we considered how much you’re getting for what you pay. You can be confident every model on here scored well enough to be considered a good value.
Buying a new mattress is a big decision. Not only are you going to be investing in something that you’ll (hopefully) have for years, but you’re also going to be dropping some pretty serious coin in the process. So you want to make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck. However, everyone’s budget is going to be different, which is why, for this list of the best mattresses for the money, we’ve included a mix of affordable options, as well as some pricier ones. After discounts are applied, most of them can be found for under $1,000 for a queen, with the luxury mattresses coming in closer to $1,600. The one thing they all have in common, though, is that they offer an excellent value for what you’re paying. No matter what kind of mattress you seek, we think you’ll find one that feels like the perfect fit.
What We Look For In The Best Mattress For The Money
Value for Money
When looking for the best mattresses for the money, the value of your mattress for how much you’re spending is a priority, and we know that. We made sure to find the most value-friendly beds without compromising on cooling, quality, comfort, and support. We tested all of these mattresses for these various things to make sure you are staying within your budget while still getting a quality mattress.
Durability
When looking for mattresses in a specific price range, you might also want to ensure your mattress is durable and will last you. We know this is important to you, so we tested the durability of each of these mattresses by examining the quality of the materials they are made with, their construction and laying on then ourselves to help you find the best mattress for the money without loosing out on durability.
Firmness
How firm or soft you like your mattress is a matter of personal preference, but just because you are looking for a budget-friendly mattress doesn’t mean it is going to be lumpy or too soft or firm. We tested all of these mattresses using our firmness scale, which ranks firmness 1-10 with 10 being the most firm, so you can decide what level of firmness is best for you and your needs.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
We rated the Nectar as a 6.5 out of 10, meaning it is right at the industry standard of medium-firm.
Price
$934–$2,121 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Back Sleepers
If you sleep on your back, the Nectar will provide a nice mix of cushioning and support.
Budget Shoppers
This affordable mattress is a great pick for those looking to save.
Pros of the Nectar
The Nectar offers a memory foam feel while still being responsive, making it perfect for combination sleepers.
Back sleepers should feel supported, but pleasantly cushioned on the Nectar.
This is a great memory foam bed for sex, as it is surprisingly responsive.
Cons of the Nectar
Heavier Stomach sleepers likely won’t get enough support for spinal alignment from the Nectar.
It incorporates some cooling materials but it’s not by any means the best cooling mattress.
The Nectar isn’t supportive enough to be one of the best mattresses for heavy sleepers, which accommodate folks weighing 250 pounds or more.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
Full refund and free returns within the 365-night trial period
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.
Nectar Mattress Sleepopolis Scores
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Excellent
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Expert Opinion
We recognize that when discussing the best mattresses for the money, it’s not always about paying a low price. That being said, affordability doesn’t hurt, either.Despite being a high-quality memory foam mattress that offers sleepers outstanding pressure relief, you can usually find a Nectar queen size under $1,000 thanks to the brand’s frequent promotions. This is a fantastic deal for a durable mattress that provides some excellent pain relief and support. No wonder it’s our top pick.
To test how well this mattress cushions us, we put the Nectar through our pressure map test in our lab. For this test, we place a specialized mat across mattress to track which areas of the body have the most pressure buildup. In the side-sleeping position, our pressure map showed a lot of green and blue, meaning that it should be comfortable for these folks, but maybe a little firm for anyone who suffers from shoulder pain. For back sleeping, we found almost all blue, meaning that they shouldn’t feel pressure buildup in this position. If the Nectar was a bad mattress for pressure relief, we would have seen yellow, orange, or red.
What Customers Say
Shoppers note that the Nectar is a fantastic mattress for the value. They appreciate that for a quality construction, they didn’t have to shell out an exorbitant amount of money.
Highlights of the Nectar Mattress
Back sleepers will get plenty of support from the firm memory foam in the Nectar Classic, which should translate to great pressure relief and a good night’s sleep.
The Nectar Classic sleeps surprisingly cool for an all-foam bed, and its lightweight and breathable cover should help disperse more heat. Hot sleepers who prefer a memory foam mattress should have no trouble at all falling asleep on this bed.
Since the Nectar doesn’t offer much sinkage, combination sleepers should have no issues rolling around and switching between different sleeping positions at night.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.4
DreamCloud
DreamCloud Original Mattress
Firm, Supportive Feel
Cashmere-Blend Cover
Responsive Springs
Hybrid
365 nights
Free shipping
Cyber Weekend Extended
Up to 50% off mattresses + spend $1,000 and save $100 See Details
This is a hybrid mattress, meaning it combines soft foams and sturdy coils for a balance of comfort and support.
Firmness
We rated the DreamCloud a 7 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest. A 7 means that the DreamCloud is fairly firm.
Price
$839–$2,178 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Back Sleepers
You should get enough cushioning for your lumbar region and enough support for a neutral spinal alignment.
Hot Sleepers
The coils in the support layer leave plenty of room for airflow.
Combination Sleepers
The DreamCloud is responsive enough for you to easily change positions.
Pros of the DreamCloud
Soft memory foam for cushioning at the lumbar region and sturdy coils for spinal support.
Springs that provide a lot of bounce and responsiveness, both of which help you change positions.
Strong edge support, allowing couples to use the whole surface of the bed.
Free returns after at least 30 days and within the 365-night trial period
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.
DreamCloud Mattress Sleepopolis Scores
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Average
Excellent
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Expert Opinion
After testing out the DreamCloud Hybrid, we determined it should be an incredible mattress for many couples out there wanting to save. First off, its breathable hybrid construction and cooling gel-infused foams should help keep body temperature down, even with two people in bed. We also found the DreamCloud scored incredibly well in support (4.5 out of 5) and did well overall in edge support, so you and your partner can spread out on this mattress without feeling like you’re about to fall off. And as for our responsiveness test, we determined this bed to have an incredibly bouncy feel that makes it one of the best mattresses for sex. On our motion transfer test, which involves dropping a 10-pound steel ball at three different heights, the DreamCloud Hybrid did show a bit of disturbance for larger movements. But overall, you and your partner shouldn’t wake each other up from tossing and turning at night.
From our pressure map results and heavy examination of the DreamCloud’s construction, we think it particularly suits those who are lightweight sleepers, as well as average-weight and heavyweight back sleepers. While its coils create an immense amount of support, there’s enough contouring and comfort in the foams to give two bodies some cozy pressure relief. This firmer yet overall balanced feel was the reason we rated it just a touch over medium-firm, or 7 out of 10 on our firmness scale. And considering that a queen size can often be found for under $1,000 after discounts, it’s definitely one of the best mattresses for the money.
What Customers Say
Customers share their positive feedback on the DreamCloud’s cooling capabilities, a must for any mattress designed with couples in mind.
Highlights of the DreamCloud Hybrid Mattress
The same responsive nature that makes this mattress good for sex also makes it ideal for combination sleeping. While tossing and turning on this mattress, we found it easy to change sleeping positions and didn’t feel stuck in the material.
With a 365-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty, you can sleep soundly knowing that your mattress purchase is protected.
We determined the DreamCloud scores 4.5 in both materials and support, so it should last quite a while for such a value option.
What to Keep in Mind About the DreamCloud Hybrid Mattress
Average-weight and heavyweight stomach sleepers will likely feel the DreamCloud isn’t firm enough for their needs. We’d love to recommend our best mattresses for heavy people roundup, which holds a number of firmer options.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.1
Bear
Bear Original Mattress
Supportive Foam
Firm Comfort
Cooling Gel
Foam
120 nights
Free shipping
Black Friday Sale
Use code BLACK35 for 35% off sitewide + 2 free pillows with mattress purchase See Details
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
Bear Mattress Sleepopolis Scores
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Excellent
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Expert Opinion
If you’re an athlete on the hunt for the best mattress for the money, let us introduce you to the Bear Original, an all-foam mattress with a cover made of Celliant. We’re big fans of this material, as it helps the bed sleep nice and cool. It’s also designed to absorb your energy, then redirect it back to you, which may assist with blood flow and recovery. Even though we can’t verify these claims, we can definitely speak to the cover’s coolness, as well as the mattress’ firm foams that help support athletes’ musculature after a long workout. You can often find a queen size for less than $1,000 after promos and discounts. However, in the spirit of honesty, we do want to point out that this Celliant cover does cost $130, in addition to the total price of the Bear Original mattress itself.
Athletes should also appreciate the level of pressure relief on the Bear Original, especially if they sleep on their back. During testing, our pressure map showed low buildup in the back-sleeping position especially. Side-sleeping might result in pressure buildup for folks who experience pain in the hip and shoulder.
What Customers Say
If you’re after a balanced feel, you’ll love to know that many shoppers note the Bear Original has an exceptional balance of comfort and support.
Highlights of the Bear Original Mattress
It is supportive enough back sleepers, even with back pain. The mattress has an on-top-of-the-bed feel that keeps you lifted and can help the spine stay neutrally aligned.
All-foam mattresses tend to be good at isolating motion. Couples are unlikely to feel their partner shifting around on the Bear Original.
If you’re a combo sleeper, you should feel right at home and be able to easily switch positions on the Bear Original’s responsive foam.
What to Keep in Mind About the Bear Original Mattress
The Bear Original scored a 7.5 out of 10 on our firmness scale, so it’s pretty firm. If you’re a side sleeper, you may prefer a slightly softer mattress.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
The Medium mattress is too firm for side sleepers
and too soft for stomach sleepers
(though the Soft or Firm model may work, respectively)
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 Nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Returns
Full refund within the 120-night trial. Brooklyn Bedding charges a $99 pick up fee
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.
When it comes to finding an affordable mattress, we love Brooklyn Bedding for its wide range of high-quality options. Because the company owns its own factory, they’re able to cut down on the usual manufacturing costs and pass the savings onto the customer. One of their most popular beds is the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid, a medium-firm hybrid that, after discounts, can often be found under $1,000 for a queen size.
What Customers Say
Couples with different sleeping position preferences comment that the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid supports the both of them well in their respective positions.
Highlights of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
Back sleepers should find that the mattress’ proprietary foams and individually wrapped coils offer the right blend of comfort and support. We’d also recommend this bed to anyone with back pain, as the foams and coils help promote a healthy sleep posture.
The coils create just enough responsiveness for combination sleepers to be able to change positions with ease.
The Signature Hybrid also has impressive edge support — a plus for couples, especially if they sleep near the edge of the bed.
What to Keep in Mind About the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
Side sleepers will probably need a softer mattress (or even the Soft version of the Signature Hybrid) with a bit more pressure relief, especially if they experience joint pain.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.4
Nolah
Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress
Multiple Firmnesses
ArcticTex Cover
HDMax Support Coils
Hybrid Mattress
120-night Trial and Lifetime Warranty
Free shipping
Cyber Monday Sale
35% off sitewide + 2 free pillows + $150 off BedJet with mattress purchase See Details
Hybrid, meaning this bed combines foam and coils in its construction.
Firmness
Multiple Firmness Options: Plush, Luxury Firm, and Firm. We tested the Luxury Firm and rated it as 6.5 out of 10, meaning it is a medium-firm mattress.
Price
$1,499–$3,198 (before any discounts)
Sizes
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Hot Sleepers
If you overheat while you sleep, this mattress may help you stay cool.
Side Sleepers
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Back Sleepers
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Pros of the Nolah Evolution
Great for couples due to its good edge support and low motion transfer
Works for back sleepers who need good lumbar support
Side sleepers should appreciate the pressure relief
Full refund after 30 days and within the 120-night trial period
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.
When selecting the best mattress for side sleepers, we always measure a bed’s pressure-relieving abilities with something called a pressure map. Our reviewer spreads it across the mattress’ surface, and then a series of graphics shows them how much pressure their body is experiencing in different positions.
We feel confident in recommending the hybrid Nolah Evolution to side sleepers because on our pressure map test, it shows little to no pressure at the shoulders and hips. The mattress should give them deep body contouring and pressure relief. It comes in three different firmness levels: Plush, Luxury Firm, and Firm. I recommend the Plush model for side sleepers. We should say that this is one of the more expensive mattresses on this list, but you’re also getting a lot of luxury touches (more on those below), plus the bed is backed by a lifetime warranty.
What Customers Say
A lot of side sleepers in the comment section show their appreciation for the Nolah Evolution’s excellent pressure relief.
Highlights of the Nolah Evolution Mattress
The coils in the mattress promote airflow, and there’s a layer of Nolah’s signature AirFoam — a more breathable version of memory foam.
There are lots of bells and whistles on the Nolah Evolution, from the proprietary foam to a cooling cover. But the bed is often available several hundred dollars below its market price, which is why we think it’s such a good mattress for the money.
Back sleepers should be comfortable on the Luxury Firm model of the Nolah Evolution.
What to Keep in Mind About the Nolah Evolution Mattress
Many stomach sleepers will probably need a more supportive mattress than the Nolah Evolution.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
The Plank Firm is a flippable mattress with a different firmness option on each side. We score firmest with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest, and the Plank Firm features a Firm side (7.5/10) and an Ultra Firm side (8.5/10).
Price
$749–$1,532 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split California king, short full, short queen, Olympic queen, short king, RV king
Back pain
Support for those living with back pain.
Stomach Sleepers
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.
Back Sleepers
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.
Pros of the Plank Firm
The Plank Firm often appears on many of our roundups pertaining to spinal health and back pain.
This mattress is a good choice for couples; it scored 4 out 5 or more for motion isolation, edge support, and cooling.
The quality materials, from its firm cover to its high-density foams, make it an extremely durable option.
Cons of the Plank Firm
Side sleepers won’t receive the proper cushioning or contouring on the Plank Firm. They should look at our best mattresses for side sleepers
instead.
It’s not the best mattress for alleviating joint pain because of its firmer feel — take a look at our best soft mattresses
for alternative options
Shipping
Free within the contiguous US, but $125 for AK and HI
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Returns
There is a $99 return fee.
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.
Plank Firm Mattress Sleepopolis Scores
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Expert Opinion
When searching for the best mattress for the money, stomach sleepers often have a harder time than side sleepers and back sleepers because they need a lot more firmness and support. If a mattress is too soft or saggy, their hips could bow into the layers and cause back pain. Luckily, the flippable Plank Firm is ultra-sturdy, with both a firm and and extra-firm side. Stomach sleepers can flip between the two and see which one they prefer.
We feel confident in recommending the hybrid Nolah Evolution to side sleepers because on our pressure map test, it shows little to no pressure at the shoulders and hips. The mattress should give them deep body contouring and pressure relief. It comes in three different firmness levels: Plush, Luxury Firm, and Firm. I recommend the Plush model for side sleepers. We should say that this is one of the more expensive mattresses on this list, but you’re also getting a lot of luxury touches (more on those below), plus the bed is backed by a lifetime warranty.
What Customers Say
A lot of side sleepers in the comment section show their appreciation for the Nolah Evolution’s excellent pressure relief.
Highlights of the Nolah Evolution Mattress
The coils in the mattress promote airflow, and there’s a layer of Nolah’s signature AirFoam — a more breathable version of memory foam.
There are lots of bells and whistles on the Nolah Evolution, from the proprietary foam to a cooling cover. But the bed is often available several hundred dollars below its market price, which is why we think it’s such a good mattress for the money.
Back sleepers should be comfortable on the Luxury Firm model of the Nolah Evolution.
What to Keep in Mind About the Nolah Evolution Mattress
Many stomach sleepers will probably need a more supportive mattress than the Nolah Evolution.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
Brooklyn Bedding offers returns and exchanges with a $99 return fee
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.
Titan Plus Mattress Sleepopolis Scores
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Excellent
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5
Expert Opinion
We like to get some outside help whenever we’re deciding on the best mattress for heavy people. If we’re going to recommend a bed to them, we want to make sure it’s being tested by someone with a larger body type. For the hybrid Titan Plus, we turned to a professional powerlifter named Paulie. He was able to press into the layers more than our reviewer, getting some nice pressure relief that may not be experienced by lightweight or average-weight sleepers. After all, the Titan Plus was designed specifically for sleepers over 250 pounds.
Given Paulie’s observations, we think it’s a great fit for heavy sleepers. Even though its durable materials result in a higher cost, these folks will be getting the most for their money.
What Customers Say
Many heavy sleepers feel fantastic about the Titan Plus’s level of durability and support. They don’t have to worry about the mattress material caving in during the middle of the night.
Highlights of the Titan Plus Mattress
Heavy stomach sleepers should appreciate the Titan Plus’ support and firmer feel.
Heavy back sleepers should feel very supported on the Titan Plus.
What to Keep in Mind About the Titan Plus Mattress
In testing, Paulie found the Titan Plus to sleep a bit hot, so if you tend to run warm at night, you may run into some issues there. However, you can add a cooling panel for an additional price.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
This mattress falls at a 6.5 out of 10 on our firmness scale, which means it’s a true medium-firm mattress.
Price
$650–$950
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Side Sleepers
There’s enough softness in the layer of gel memory to contour their shoulders and hips.
Back Sleepers
They should enjoy the mattress’s combination of comfort and support.
Hot Sleepers
Per its name, the Silk & Snow aims to keep sleepers cool with coils that promote airflow and an infusion of gel in the memory foam layer.
Pros of the Silk & Snow Hybrid
We definitely think this is a cooler-sleeping mattress. We measured its temperature increase with our thermal gun, and found it to have good cooling capabilities
A queen size can often be found for under $1,000 before discounts, so we think the Silk & Snow is a natural choice for anyone with a strict budget
Our pressure map showed that the Silk & Snow Hybrid puts hardly any pressure on the back. So it could be a sensible choice for anyone who experiences back pain
Cons of the Silk & Snow Hybrid
As a medium-firm mattress, the Silk & Snow Hybrid is probably too soft for stomach sleepers.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
15-year warranty
Returns
Free returns, as long as it’s after 30 days and within the 100-night trial period
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.
Silk & Snow Hybrid Mattress Sleepopolis Scores
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Excellent
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5
Expert Opinion
There are many different types of mattress constructions out there because so many people have different sleeping preferences. Some like the sturdiness of an innerspring, and others enjoy an eco-friendly latex mattress. But one of the most popular types of bed is the hybrid mattress. These models combine the best of both worlds: plush memory foam for body contouring and durable pocketed springs for extra support. And that’s exactly what the Silk & Snow Hybrid provides.
Although it’s a medium firm (6.5 out of 10) mattress, I found that the Silk & Snow Hybrid offers plenty of cushioning, thanks to its high-density gel memory foam. I also found it to be quite responsive thanks to its layer of pocketed coils. Best of all, you can find this mattress for right at $700 for a queen after discounts.
What Customers Say
Lots of reviews address the Silk & Snow Hybrid’s high quality for the price, and how it does a spectacular job at providing support and relieving pain at night.
Highlights of the Silk & Snow Hybrid Mattress
I think most back sleepers should appreciate the medium-firm feel and balance of comfort and support.
Average weight side sleepers should have no trouble falling asleep on the Silk & Snow Hybrid. I think it will provide enough sinkage for these sleepers’ sensitive joints.
I also think couples will appreciate this bed’s cooling capabilities and decent balance of motion isolation and responsiveness.
What to Keep in Mind About the Silk & Snow Hybrid Mattress
I think most stomach sleepers will find the Silk & Snow Hybrid too soft to keep their hips lifted and out of the mattress structure. This can lead to pain over time, so I would recommend a firmer mattress for these sleepers instead.
Now that we’ve covered all the mattresses, we want to highlight a few things we look for when deciding if a bed is a true value buy:
Warranty: Does the mattress have a solid warranty? If so, you’re likely to get more miles out of it, which extends your purchase far beyond checkout.
Quality of Materials: Mattresses built with high-quality materials are going to last longer than those designed with cheaper ones. That’s why it’s crucial to consider whether investing in a slightly more expensive bed is actually going to be more cost-effective in the long run. If you are less concerned with getting more “bang for your buck” and just want to get the cheapest mattress, check out our top picks for the best affordable mattresses.
Value by Category: It’s important to remember that “value” doesn’t always mean “inexpensive.” Sometimes a $2,500 luxury mattress has great value when compared to other models in its category. Similarly, a $250 mattress may be a total dud when sized up to other “budget” brands. It’s all about assessing the materials used, the design elements at play, and the rest of the competitors in the space.
What Kind of Mattress Type is the Best Value?
Coil/spring mattresses feature layers of steel coils that help support the body. Sometimes, these coils are wrapped in foam for added comfort and pressure relief. While innerspring mattresses are typically the least expensive, they can also cause the most restless nights if the coil count is too low or the quality of steel used is poor. Additionally, you’ll want to replace your innerspring mattress around every eight years.
Memory foam mattresses are comprised of layers of memory foam that adapt in real time to the curves of your body while you sleep. They’re typically more expensive than innersprings, 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 foam 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 material designed to keep the sleeper positioned on top of 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.
Pillow-top mattresses are characterized by the plush pillow-top cushion sewn into the top of the mattress. This feature can be applied to innerspring, memory foam, latex, or hybrid beds. As supportive and as comfortable as pillow-tops are, keep in mind that they can mean a slightly lower than average lifespan. The pillow-top portion (especially traditional pillow-tops) tend to be the first to go in terms of long-range performance.
What Affects the Price of a 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, they’re 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.
When trying to save money on a new mattress purchase, this question inevitably comes up. After all, the value of a bed greatly increases if you don’t have to immediately purchase a heavy box spring to go with it. In general, box springs are mostly used to provide some extra height and stability to your bed. To know for sure if you need one, make sure to check the warranty. If it’s not required, you may be able to save a few bucks by ditching the platform all together.
While you may not need a box spring, you will want some type of foundation. Box springs,wood foundations, minimal metal wire frames, platform beds, steel slat frames, wood slat frames, oradjustable bases can all get the job done equally well. If you do opt for a slat frame, make sure you find one with rigid slats that are no more than 3 to 4 inches apart, and that they’re evenly spaced. These will provide good support.
How Can I Make My Mattress Last?
One quick way to add instant value to your mattress is to take care of it. From day one, use ahigh-quality mattress protector. Not only does this safeguard against spills and stains, it can also ward off bed bugs, dust mites, sweat, dirt, and other allergens that might try and make their way into your mattress. Make a point to wash your protector as often as you wash your sheets (at least every one to two weeks, ideally).
Additionally, you’ll want to make sure tospot-clean your mattress regularly. Sprinkle it with baking soda and vacuum it for quick odor elimination. Consider bleach or enzymatic cleaners for the harder-to-clean areas. Proper maintenance of your mattress will ensure that you’re getting the most for your money and it will last you for years to come.
FAQs
What is the best mattress for the money?
It’s all about what you value. Some customers may not mind paying more for a mattress if it means they’re getting higher-quality materials or a longer-term investment. But if we’re talking strictly about a lower price, we think the Nectar is one of the best mattresses for the money. It’s a pressure-relieving yet supportive foam bed that can often be found at close to or under $1,000 for a queen size before any discounts are applied.
What is the best king size mattress for the money?
We once again have to recommend the Nectar, and also, the Bear. Foam mattresses tend to be a bit cheaper than innerspring or hybrid mattresses, and the king size model of each of these beds can often be found for under $1,000 after discounts.
How much does a mattress cost?
Mattress prices vary widely depending on materials, construction, size, and brand. While there’s no magic amount that a mattress should cost, most quality beds will run you between $1,000 and $2,000 for a queen size. That’s the approximate price range we landed on for the products featured in this article.
What is the best value mattress for heavyweight sleepers?
We believe the Titan Plus — a bed designed especially for larger body types over 250 pounds — is an excellent value for heavy sleepers. Despite being a highly durable mattress, you can often find a queen size for under $1,500 before discounts and under $1,000 after discounts. That’s because it’s made by Brooklyn Bedding, a mattress company that owns its own factory and is able to pass what it saves on manufacturing costs back to its customers.
Bridget is a Certified Sleep Science Coach and senior editor here at Sleepopolis. From testing mattresses to writing about various sleep health topics, her goal is to help you get a good night’s sleep. You can also find her in videos on our YouTube channel. Bridget graduated magna cum laude from San Diego State University with a degree in journalism and a minor in English. Before joining the Sleepopolis team, she was a TV news reporter and worked in cities across the country. She loves spending time outdoors, checking out new restaurants, snuggling with her pets, and of course — getting some quality Zzz’s.