Best Cheap Mattresses
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Finding a balance between comfort and support in a mattress with the right price tag can be a hassle. You don’t want to end up with a cheap mattress that leaves you with aches and pains and gives you a bad night of sleep. However, it is possible to find a bed that satisfies your comfort preferences at a low price.
In this guide, we will teach you what to look for in a mattress and what the appropriate price range is for a decent mattress. Expensive mattresses often feature additional layers, materials, or target specific sleeper types, but those bells and whistles are not always needed for a great night’s sleep. One of our top picks is sure to be the right mattress for your body type, comfort preferences, and your budget.
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The Best Affordable Mattresses For Your Budget
- Nerd’s Pick – Nectar
- Best Affordable Mattress for Couples – Helix Midnight
- Best Affordable Mattress for Side Sleepers – Nolah Original
- Best Affordable Mattress for Combination Sleepers – Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
- Best Affordable Mattress for Active Lifestyles – Bear Original
- Best Affordable Firm Mattress – Plank Firm
- Best Affordable Mattress for Back Pain: Cocoon by Sealy Chill
- Best Affordable Mattress for Seniors: Serta Perfect Sleeper
- Best Affordable Mattress for Lightweight Sleepers: Siena Memory Foam Mattress
- Best Affordable Cooling Mattress – Dreamfoam Hybrid
Who Are The Mattress Nerds?
At Mattress Nerd, our team tests upwards of a dozen new mattresses per month, with models ranging from under $500 to over $2,000. We run each mattress through the same comprehensive tests, regardless of the price tag. Through our testing, we’ve found the mattresses on this list to be high quality, comfortable, supportive, and, most importantly, affordable. To learn more, check out our review process.
Video Breakdown
Nerd’s Pick: Nectar
The Nectar is a value memory foam mattress that excels at providing pressure relief and minimizing motion transfer. The medium-firm feel is ideal for cradling pressure points. Plus, it comes with a yearlong trial period and Lifetime warranty.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Nectar is a value memory foam mattress that excels at providing pressure relief and minimizing motion transfer. The medium-firm feel is ideal for cradling pressure points. Plus, it comes with a yearlong trial period and Lifetime warranty.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Nectar is a value memory foam mattress that excels at providing pressure relief and minimizing motion transfer. The medium-firm feel is ideal for cradling pressure points. Plus, it comes with a yearlong trial period and Lifetime warranty.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Nectar Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Nectar Mattress
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Nectar Mattress
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
The Nectar is a good mattress for just about any sleeping position. It gives you a close contouring feeling, relieves pressure and promises a great night’s sleep. Most of all, it’s an affordable mattress.
The Nectar’s flagship mattress is made of high-density premium memory foam. If you are looking for an affordable mattress for you and your partner who have different sleepers positions, the original Nectar is a great fit. The edge support, motion isolation, cooling properties and year-long trial earn it our top spot on the list of best affordable mattresses. After common deals, a Queen size Nectar mattress retails for approximately $800.
This mattress comes with a generous 365-night trial and lifetime warranty, along with free shipping and returns.
How We Select Nerd’s Pick
You might be surprised to see that our top mattress on this list does not have the highest overall Nerd Score. While it’s true that the Nectar isn’t the best overall mattress compared to the others featured here, in our opinion it performs the best for people shopping for a reliable, affordable mattress. The most important factor in this decision was of course the cost, but we didn’t simply put the cheapest mattress at the top of the list. The Nectar, while affordable, performs well for a wide range of sleepers and has impressive durability for its price point.
Read our full Nectar mattress review to learn more!
Best Affordable Mattress for Couples: Helix Midnight
The Helix Midnight provides tailored support and a medium-firm feel geared toward back sleepers. The hybrid construction promotes airflow to keep you cool, while the foam layers provide cradling and support where you need it.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Helix Midnight provides tailored support and a medium-firm feel geared toward back sleepers. The hybrid construction promotes airflow to keep you cool, while the foam layers provide cradling and support where you need it.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Helix Midnight provides tailored support and a medium-firm feel geared toward back sleepers. The hybrid construction promotes airflow to keep you cool, while the foam layers provide cradling and support where you need it.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Helix Midnight Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Helix Midnight Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Helix Midnight Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Helix Sleep makes several mattresses in a variety of firmness levels, but there is a reason that the Helix Midnight is their best seller. It has a medium-firm feel that suits all types of sleepers, regulates body temperature at night and does a good job of isolating motion on either side of the bed, all factors which are very important if you and your partner would like to sleep comfortably at night.
The Helix Midnight contours around all sizes of side sleepers and most back sleepers to promote spinal alignment and help alleviate back pain in sensitive sleepers. Similar to the Nectar mattress, its medium-firm feel is pleasing to a wide variety of sleepers, and the addition of the coils provides extra support for stomach sleepers to keep their hips lifted. A queen Helix Midnight costs right around $900, and there is a more elevated “Luxe” version of the Helix Midnight that costs approximately $500 more.
This bed is complete with free shipping, as well as its 100-night trial and 10-15 year warranty.
See our full Helix Midnight mattress review for more info! Not sure the Helix Midnight is the Mattress for you? Check out other great recommendations for our best mattresses for couples!
Best Affordable Mattress for Side Sleepers: Nolah Original
The Nolah Original 10” mattress is made of three layers of AirFoam and wrapped in a soft, breathable viscose fabric cover that helps moisture evaporate to keep you dry and cool.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Nolah Original 10” mattress is made of three layers of AirFoam and wrapped in a soft, breathable viscose fabric cover that helps moisture evaporate to keep you dry and cool.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Nolah Original 10” mattress is made of three layers of AirFoam and wrapped in a soft, breathable viscose fabric cover that helps moisture evaporate to keep you dry and cool.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Nolah Original 10" Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Nolah Original 10" Mattress
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Nolah Original 10" Mattress
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Thanks to our super scientific pressure map in the Mattress Nerd lab, we’re able to determine how well a mattress performs for side and back sleepers. And, according to our readings, the Nolah mattress does exceptionally well when it comes to supporting the sensitive pressure points of side sleepers. Not only that, but it does so at the affordable price of $1,149 for a Queen.
The three foam layers of the Nolah mattress provide comfort and support, particularly to lightweight and average-weight side sleepers—demographics which require ample comfort and support in order to avoid hip and shoulder pain.
Plus, this mattress comes with a 120-night trial and lifetime warranty. Comfort, support, and dependability at a fair price. What more can you ask for?
Read our full Nolah mattress review to learn more!
Best Affordable Mattress for Combination Sleepers: Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
The Signature Hybrid mattress comes in three firmness options and is made with a slew of proprietary materials. Brooklyn Bedding knows their mattresses.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Signature Hybrid mattress comes in three firmness options and is made with a slew of proprietary materials. Brooklyn Bedding knows their mattresses.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Signature Hybrid mattress comes in three firmness options and is made with a slew of proprietary materials. Brooklyn Bedding knows their mattresses.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Financing Options
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Financing Options
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Financing Options
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature mattress is great for anyone looking for a quality mattress on a budget. In addition to being at an affordable price point, the bed comes in three firmness options, so you’ll be able to find the right fit for your body type and sleep position.
We tested the “medium” firm option in our sleep lab, and found it to have the right amount of responsiveness for combination sleepers who may toss and turn on their mattress. The bed’s individually wrapped coils in the support core allow for good ease of movement.
This bed-in-a-box comes with free shipping and returns, along with a 10-year warranty and 120-night trial.
Check out our Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress review to learn more. Not sure the Brooklyn Signature Mattress is for you? Check out other recommendations for the best mattresses for combination sleepers.
Best Affordable Mattress for Active Lifestyles: Bear Original
Designed for people with active lifestyles, the Original Bear mattress is Bear’s flagship model. It features foams that work well for sleepers of all positions and sizes. The bed's standout cover includes Celliant, which converts body heat into infrared energy to promote muscle recovery.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. Designed for people with active lifestyles, the Original Bear mattress is Bear’s flagship model. It features foams that work well for sleepers of all positions and sizes. The bed's standout cover includes Celliant, which converts body heat into infrared energy to promote muscle recovery.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. Designed for people with active lifestyles, the Original Bear mattress is Bear’s flagship model. It features foams that work well for sleepers of all positions and sizes. The bed's standout cover includes Celliant, which converts body heat into infrared energy to promote muscle recovery.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Bear Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Financing Options
Bear Mattress
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Financing Options
Bear Mattress
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Financing Options
Whether you start each day with a jog or like to lift weights at your local gym, recovery is an essential part of an athletic lifestyle, and an essential part of recovery is a great night’s sleep. The Bear mattress, specifically designed with athletes in mind, promotes deep sleep and muscle recovery at the affordable price of $995 for a Queen.
Constructed with graphite-gel memory foam, transition foam, and high-density support foam, the Bear mattress provides exceptional pressure relief—a quality which helps prevent aches and pains around sensitive areas like your shoulders and hips. Not only can this help you sleep more comfortably after a long workout, but also help you perform more capably and confidently the following day. In short, if you’re after a bed that will support your active lifestyle but not break your bank then the Bear mattress may be right for you.
You can test out the Bear with its 120-night trial and lifetime warranty, along with free shipping and returns.
See our Bear mattress review for more information. Not sure the Dreamfoam Mattress is for you? Check out our other expert recommended mattresses for athletes to find your perfect night’s sleep.
Best Affordable Firm Mattress: Plank Firm
The Plank mattress by Brooklyn Bedding is one of the firmest mattresses on the market. It's a flippable mattress with a Firm side (7.5/10) and Extra Firm side (9/10). It has firm foam layers on both sides and dense foam core in between.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Plank mattress by Brooklyn Bedding is one of the firmest mattresses on the market. It's a flippable mattress with a Firm side (7.5/10) and Extra Firm side (9/10). It has firm foam layers on both sides and dense foam core in between.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Plank mattress by Brooklyn Bedding is one of the firmest mattresses on the market. It's a flippable mattress with a Firm side (7.5/10) and Extra Firm side (9/10). It has firm foam layers on both sides and dense foam core in between.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
Material
Foam
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
If you’re looking for a firm feel, the Plank Firm mattress is a fantastic value product for its cheap price. It’s difficult to find such a supportive, durable mattress for a low price, but you can find this model for under $1,500 before discounts.
The Plank Firm is flippable, boasting two different firmnesses. The firm side ranked a 7.5/10 on our firmness scale, and the extra firm side ranked a 9/10 on our firmness scale. Heavier back and stomach sleepers of heavier weights should do well on the extra firm side, while lightweight sleepers will want more softness on the firm side.
With the Plank Firm, you can enjoy free delivery, a 120-night trial, and a 10-year warranty.
See our full Plank Firm mattress review for more information. Not sure the Plank Firm is your perfect fit? Check out our other best firm mattresses recommended by our experts.
Best Affordable Mattress for Back Pain: Cocoon by Sealy Chill
The Cocoon Chill by Sealy is a great choice for anyone looking for a cooling mattress at a reasonable price point. Created by Sealy, one of the most trusted brands in the industry, the Cocoon gives customers a cooling all-foam option delivered right to their door.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Cocoon Chill by Sealy is a great choice for anyone looking for a cooling mattress at a reasonable price point. Created by Sealy, one of the most trusted brands in the industry, the Cocoon gives customers a cooling all-foam option delivered right to their door.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Cocoon Chill by Sealy is a great choice for anyone looking for a cooling mattress at a reasonable price point. Created by Sealy, one of the most trusted brands in the industry, the Cocoon gives customers a cooling all-foam option delivered right to their door.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Cocoon Chill Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-soft: 5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Cocoon Chill Mattress
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-soft: 5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Cocoon Chill Mattress
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-soft: 5/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Sleepers who experience back pain may worry that they have to shell out thousands of dollars to find a mattress with good presure relief. Thanks to Cocoon by Sealy’s Chill memory foam mattress, though, excellent pressure point relief doesn’t have to be expensive.
When our testers slept on this medium-soft mattress, we found that lightweight and average-weight sleepers experienced almost no pressure, while heavyweight sleepers should opt for the Chill Hybrid for better support in their hip and low back area.
Customers receive a 100-night sleep trial and 10-year warranty, plus free shipping.
Read our full Cocoon by Sealy Chill mattress review for more details. If you aren’t interested in the Cocoon by Sealy Chill mattress, check out our list of the best mattresses for back pain for more great options.
Best Affordable Mattress for Seniors: Serta Perfect Sleeper Mattress
The Serta Perfect Sleeper Renewed Night is the most basic model in the Perfect Sleeper line. It's a hybrid mattress that's available in three different firmnesses: plush, medium, and extra-firm.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Serta Perfect Sleeper Renewed Night is the most basic model in the Perfect Sleeper line. It's a hybrid mattress that's available in three different firmnesses: plush, medium, and extra-firm.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Serta Perfect Sleeper Renewed Night is the most basic model in the Perfect Sleeper line. It's a hybrid mattress that's available in three different firmnesses: plush, medium, and extra-firm.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Serta Perfect Sleeper Renewed Night
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Serta Perfect Sleeper Renewed Night
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Serta Perfect Sleeper Renewed Night
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
The Serta Perfect Sleeper mattress is a hybrid bed that comes in three firmness options. Its solid edge support makes it a great option for seniors or anyone who would benefit from a supportive surface to ease into and out of bed. It’s also a responsive mattress, which can help make it easier to move on the bed.
Not looking to deal with the set-up of a typical bed-in-a-box mattress? Serta offers white glove delivery for an additional fee, which means you don’t have to do any of the heavy lifting yourself.
Read our full Serta Perfect Sleeper mattress review to learn more.
Best Affordable Mattress for Lightweight Sleepers: Siena Mattress
Siena Mattress

The Siena Original is a value bed that comes from the mattress and bedding brand, Nectar. This all-foam bed features five layers that combine support with comfort. It has an overall soft firmness level and works best for lightweight body types.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
180 Nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Siena Mattress

The Siena Original is a value bed that comes from the mattress and bedding brand, Nectar. This all-foam bed features five layers that combine support with comfort. It has an overall soft firmness level and works best for lightweight body types.
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
180 Nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.

Siena Mattress
The Siena Original is a value bed that comes from the mattress and bedding brand, Nectar. This all-foam bed features five layers that combine support with comfort. It has an overall soft firmness level and works best for lightweight body types.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Trial Period
180 Nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
The Siena mattress is a good fit for sleepers that weigh less than 130 lbs. It’s also a good fit for couples thanks to its stellar motion isolation.
If you’re in the search for an affordable memory foam mattress, be sure to check out the Siena. It also comes with a 180-night sleep trial and 10-year warranty to ensure you’re happy with your purchase.
Read our full Siena mattress review to learn more.
Best Affordable Cooling Mattress: Dreamfoam Hybrid
The Dreamfoam Hybrid mattress is not only a bargain, but it happens to sleep cool and is available in all-foam and hybrid designs. If you’re hoping to buy a cooling mattress on a budget for a dorm room, guest bedroom or apartment, this could be a good option.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Dreamfoam Hybrid mattress is not only a bargain, but it happens to sleep cool and is available in all-foam and hybrid designs. If you’re hoping to buy a cooling mattress on a budget for a dorm room, guest bedroom or apartment, this could be a good option.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Dreamfoam Hybrid mattress is not only a bargain, but it happens to sleep cool and is available in all-foam and hybrid designs. If you’re hoping to buy a cooling mattress on a budget for a dorm room, guest bedroom or apartment, this could be a good option.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Dreamfoam Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Financing Options
Dreamfoam Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Financing Options
Dreamfoam Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Financing Options
The Dreamfoam Hybrid mattress (formerly known as the Dreamfoam Arctic Dreams mattress) is a bargain for those who enjoy sleeping on a cooler mattress. We recommend it for lightweight and average-weight back sleepers as well as some combination sleepers.
The features of this gel memory foam mattress include some of our favorite types of cooling materials. The gel-infused foam and cooling panel helps to keep things chilled, while the breathable coil system keeps air moving to prevent heat buildup. The Queen size Dreamfoam Hybrid can be yours for the low price of $749, and that’s before the sales that the company often run.
Read our full Dreamfoam Hybrid Review to learn more. Not interested in the Dreamfoam Hybrid Mattress? Check out our list of best cooling mattresses for other great recommendations.
How Much Does a Good Mattress Cost?
How much should you pay for a decent mattress? Mattress price is largely dependent on the size of the mattress and construction type. Mattresses can range from around $300 to $7,000, with many options in between each end of the spectrum. You might be wondering what’s the big deal between a lower end mattress and one that is more expensive? Sure, there are mattresses out there for $300 that provide a place to lay your head, but that’s about it.
When shopping for a mattress, there are important considerations that each individual sleeper must evaluate in order to pick the best mattress for their respective budget. For our suggestions, see our list on the best mattress for the money.

How Much Should You Spend on a Mattress?
What’s the Cheapest Type of Mattress?
Of all the different mattress types available, the most budget-friendly is memory foam. Memory foam mattresses range anywhere from $250 to $1,000 and last roughly seven years. A durable mattress features a strong support base and a top layer that prevents unnecessary sagging. The best memory foam mattresses use high-density foam to support larger sleepers, combination sleepers or stomach sleepers– in addition to lighter sleepers.
These same sleepers often need mattresses with additional layers and a stronger construction, leading to a higher price.
An innerspring mattress provides extra bounce and breathability for hot sleepers, and is often stronger for larger sleepers. Hybrid mattresses combine the foam layers of a memory foam bed and the coil construction of an innerspring mattress. A decent hybrid mattress ranges anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000 and lasts about 10 years. Hybrids are more durable than memory foam, and you will pay for that.
Latex mattresses can reach prices up to $3,000 because of their naturally sourced materials, which cost more to produce. Latex mattresses often incorporate natural wool or cotton to increase breathability and increase the organic materials within the mattress construction. However, like hybrids, latex mattresses are highly durable, lasting up to 15 years and less likely to sag than layers of foam.
What To Expect from a Cheap Mattress?
- Firmness & Feel: The most common mattress firmness is a medium-firm feel, resting somewhere in the middle of our mattress firmness scale. With 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest, most budget mattresses will be a 5 or 6 level of firmness. Because of this, the best affordable mattresses will appeal to a wide range of sleepers. The medium firmness will prevent combination and stomach sleepers from feeling stuck within the foam layers. Back and side sleepers will benefit from the softer foam top layers that provide optimal pressure relief.
- Motion Isolation: While not everyone loves the feel of a memory foam mattress, foam absorbs motion transfer between couples better than an innerspring coil mattress. The best mattress for couples is able to suit multiple sleeping positions while preventing motion spread across the bed. Young couples looking for a durable and quality mattress should find a bed that works in our list above.
- Edge Support: Mattresses with a foam encasement or a coil base will have stronger edge support than a standard all-foam mattress. For those who spend time on the edge of the bed or couples who need to maximize the sleepable surface, edge support should be considered in their mattress choice. See our article on edge support in mattresses for more info.
- Pressure Relief: As with many of the mattresses on this list, pressure relief is common in mattresses with foam layers that contour around pressure points at the hips and shoulders. While pressure relief is found in other mattresses, we believe that these affordable mattresses excel in this area.
- Spine Alignment: Spinal alignment is important in all sleeping positions, especially back and stomach sleepers. For proper spinal alignment, a mattress must have pressure relief and a strong support layer. Hybrid mattresses and dense foam mattresses should provide firm enough support to keep the spine aligned and keep the hips lifted on top of the mattress. To learn more, check out our article on spine alignment and sleep.
- Durability: Mattress durability ranges on the materials used. We estimate that most of the mattresses on your list will last about seven years, a good amount of time for budget mattresses. If you begin to notice normal wear on your mattress, there are things you can do to prevent or fix mattress sagging.
- Temperature: Some of the mattresses on our budget list incorporate gel-infused memory foam, coils, or phase-changing materials to combat overheating. Many of these construction additions can be found in more expensive mattresses but you may want to consider a cooling mattress topper for less of an investment.
Where To Buy A Cheap Mattress?
When debating mattress price, quality is key, but the price tag is important too. If you don’t want to compromise on quality but are worried about spending too much, shop online. The best online mattresses are generally cheaper than mattresses sold in a store.
That’s because online mattress retailers cut out all the middle man costs, floor markups and mattress salesman tricks. Online mattresses are sold direct-to-consumer, so you don’t have to worry about a salesman trying to make a commission off you.
Plus, online retailers often have incredible sales on the best mattresses and many mattresses are available for purchase at third-party retailers like Amazon. Check out our recommendations on the best mattresses on Amazon for mattresses available for purchase. For more info, check out our article on buying a mattress online vs. in-store.
Pros and Cons of Cheap Mattresses
Pros
- Cheap mattresses are easier on your wallet (obviously).
- An affordable mattress is less of a commitment—perfect for starter or transitional mattresses.
- A cheaper mattress may allow you to worry less when it comes to spills, pets, or children staining or damaging the mattress.
Cons
- The quality of construction may not be on par with more expensive mattresses.
- The materials in a cheap mattress may degrade faster, meaning you will need to purchase a new one sooner than you’d expect.
- They may not offer the comfort and support that you seek in a mattress.
Should You Consider A More Expensive Mattress?
Beware that if you go the cheaper route and purchase a lower quality mattress, you put yourself at risk for a number of negative physical symptoms. These include low back pain, joint pain, waking up achy, and sleep loss that can lead to memory issues, increased blood pressure, weight gain, and depression. Our best advice is to take your sleep trial period seriously and pay attention to how your body adjusts to the new mattress. Is it supportive enough? Does it wear out easily? Does it limit motion transfer enough? Is there enough edge support? Is your sleep suffering from being on the mattress? Most brands give you an average of 100 nights to try the bed out, so take it seriously and pay attention to how your sleep changes sleeping on the new mattress. If you decide you might want something a bit more expensive, check out our list of the best luxury mattresses.

FAQ
Where can I buy a cheap mattress?
Most mattress retailers will offer what they consider an affordable option. However, we find that online mattress stores cater to budget shoppers much more than brick and mortar shops do. Many of the top brands sell at least one model that can be purchased for under $1,000, plus they often run generous sales that can save you hundreds of dollars.
How can I make a cheap mattress more comfortable?
Consider a mattress topper for some added comfort. They are much more affordable than replacing your mattress outright and they can make a world of difference if you purchase the right one. Check out our list of the best mattress toppers for more information.
What is the best cheap mattress?
It depends on your sleep preferences, budget, and body type. We stand by all of the products on this list as great options that are more affordable than the average high-quality mattress
Which mattress lasts the longest?
We won''t lie, there is at least a slight correlation between a mattress''s cost and its longevity. More expensive mattresses tend to last longer because of their high-quality construction. That said, it doesn''t mean a more affordable mattress can''t last you for upwards of ten years.nnAs you''re shopping, always keep an eye out for hybrid mattresses. This type is more likely to maintain its structural integrity, even at a lower price point. Also, rotate your mattress frequently, as it can prevent sagging from occurring in one particular area.
How cheap is too cheap for a mattress?
There isn''t a simple answer to this question. You might stumble upon a $400 mattress that suits your needs perfectly. The important thing is that you do your research and read reviews of the product. If the product has no reviews then that''s probably a bad sign.
Recap of the Top Rated Affordable Mattresses
Mattress | Award | Nerd Score |
Nectar | Nerd’s Pick | 4.9/5 |
Helix Midnight | Best Affordable Mattress for Couples | 4.8/5 |
Nolah | Best Affordable Mattress for Side Sleepers | 3.4/5 |
Brooklyn Bedding Signature | Best Affordable Mattress For Combination Sleepers | 4.7/5 |
Bear Original | Best Affordable Mattress for Active Lifestyles | 4.0/5 |
Plank Firm | Best Affordable Firm Mattress | 4.0/5 |
Cocoon by Sealy Chill | Best Affordable Mattress for Back Pain | 2.5/5 |
Serta Perfect Sleeper | Best Affordable Mattress for Seniors | 3.8/5 |
Siena | Best Affordable Mattress for Lightweight Sleepers | 4.0/5 |
DreamFoam Cool | Best Affordable Cooling Mattress | 4.6/5 |