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.

Bottom Line: What’s the Best Affordable Mattress?

Because of its relative cheapness, across-the-board quality, and wide appeal, the Helix Midnight earns our pick for best affordable mattress.

The Best Affordable Mattresses For Your Budget

Best Affordable Mattresses: Video Review

Watch this video to hear directly from the Nerds about the best cheap mattresses and why.

How We Test Our Top Picks?

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.

nerd mattress testing lab
Testing mattresses in the Nerd lab

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.

Best Affordable Mattress for Couples: Helix Midnight

Best Affordable Mattress for Couples

Helix Midnight Mattress

Helix Midnight Mattress

Finding an affordable mattress that accommodates both members of a couple can be difficult, but the Helix Midnight makes it easy with quality construction and a middle-of-the-road feel.

Nerd Score 4.3/5
Read Full Review

Material

Hybrid

Trial Period

100 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:

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

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.5/5
Watch Our Video Review
Best Affordable Mattress for Couples

Helix Midnight Mattress

Helix Midnight Mattress

Finding an affordable mattress that accommodates both members of a couple can be difficult, but the Helix Midnight makes it easy with quality construction and a middle-of-the-road feel.

Nerd Score 4.3/5
Read Full Review

Material

Hybrid

Warranty

10-year warranty

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6/10

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Trial Period

100 nights

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

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

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.5/5
Watch Our Video Review
Helix Midnight Mattress
Best Affordable Mattress for Couples

Helix Midnight Mattress

Finding an affordable mattress that accommodates both members of a couple can be difficult, but the Helix Midnight makes it easy with quality construction and a middle-of-the-road feel.

Nerd Score 4.3/5
Read Full Review

Material

Hybrid

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6/10

Trial Period

100 nights

Warranty

10-year warranty

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

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

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.5/5
Watch Our Video Review

Pros of the Helix Midnight Mattress
Great for side sleepers
Sturdy perimeter
Good at relieving pressure
Pros of the Helix Midnight Mattress
Foam is hard to move around on
Not great for heavyweight (over 230 lbs) back and stomach sleepers

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. 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.

What the testers say:Motion isolation is the mattress’s ability to limit the spread of movement from one side of the bed to the other. This is important if you sleep with a partner or pet. We tested the Helix Midnight in our lab and found very little motion transfer across the surface of the mattress, probably due to the dense memory foam comfort layer.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Helix Midnight Mattress

  • Side sleepers of all body types—lightweight (< 130 lbs), average-weight (130–230 lbs), and heavyweight (> 230 lbs)
  • Couples
  • Memory foam lovers concerned about overheating
  • Value shoppers

Who Might Not Like the Helix Midnight Mattress

  • Heavyweight back sleepers and stomach sleepers
  • Combination sleepers
  • Fans of extra soft or extra firm mattresses

Other User Reviews

The Helix Midnight rates 4.5 stars out of 5 on the Helix website. The main negative is that reviewers tend to find it too soft for their liking and feel as though they’re sinking. But overall, users say they’re getting a great nights’ sleep and some pain relief.

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 Helix Midnight 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 Helix Midnight, while affordable, performs well for a wide range of sleepers and has impressive durability for its price point.

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

Best Cheap Mattress for Side Sleepers

Nolah Original 10" Mattress

Nolah mattress

The Nolah Original is a budget-friendly mattress that works especially well for side sleepers.

Nerd Score 4.7/5
Read Full Review

Material

Foam

Trial Period

120 nights

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6/10

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.8/5
Watch Our Video Review
Best Cheap Mattress for Side Sleepers

Nolah Original 10" Mattress

Nolah mattress

The Nolah Original is a budget-friendly mattress that works especially well for side sleepers.

Nerd Score 4.7/5
Read Full Review

Material

Foam

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6/10

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Trial Period

120 nights

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.8/5
Watch Our Video Review
Nolah mattress
Best Cheap Mattress for Side Sleepers

Nolah Original 10" Mattress

The Nolah Original is a budget-friendly mattress that works especially well for side sleepers.

Nerd Score 4.7/5
Read Full Review

Material

Foam

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6/10

Trial Period

120 nights

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.8/5
Watch Our Video Review
Pros of the Nolah Original Mattress
Good option for people with back pain
Easy to move around on
Good motion isolation
Cons of the Nolah Original Mattress
Bad edge support
Below-average performance for most stomach sleepers

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?

What our testers say: “Nolah mattresses were built with a latex-like foam that operates like a hybrid, giving you the bounce of latex and the cushioning of coils. The Nolah Original is specifically built for side sleepers, and it’s one of the best mattresses for side sleepers on the market.” – Becca, Editor & Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Nolah Original Mattress

  • Side sleepers
  • Sleepers with back pain
  • People who sleep hot

Who Might Not Like the Nolah Original Mattress

  • Heavyweight sleepers
  • Innerspring mattress lovers
  • People who enjoy the “hugging” feel of memory foam

Other User Reviews

On the Nolah website, this mattress earned 4.7 out of 5 stars. Reviews said that this mattress is the perfect balance between support and softness.

Read our full Nolah mattress review to learn more! 

Best Affordable Mattress for Combination Sleepers: Brooklyn Bedding Essential

Best for Combination Sleepers

Brooklyn Bedding Essential

brooklyn-bedding-essential

The Brooklyn Essential has the bounciness that combo sleepers need to comfortably toss and turn throughout the night.

Nerd Score 3.8/5
Read Full Review

Material

Hybrid

Trial Period

120 nights

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6.5/10

Warranty

10-year warranty

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

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.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
3.7/5
Best for Combination Sleepers

Brooklyn Bedding Essential

brooklyn-bedding-essential

The Brooklyn Essential has the bounciness that combo sleepers need to comfortably toss and turn throughout the night.

Nerd Score 3.8/5
Read Full Review

Material

Hybrid

Warranty

10-year warranty

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6.5/10

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Trial Period

120 nights

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

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.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
3.7/5
brooklyn-bedding-essential
Best for Combination Sleepers

Brooklyn Bedding Essential

The Brooklyn Essential has the bounciness that combo sleepers need to comfortably toss and turn throughout the night.

Nerd Score 3.8/5
Read Full Review

Material

Hybrid

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6.5/10

Trial Period

120 nights

Warranty

10-year warranty

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

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.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
3.7/5
Pros of the Brooklyn Bedding Essential Mattress
Supportive for back sleepers
Sleeps cool
Isolates motion well
Cons of the Brooklyn Bedding Essential Mattress
Bad for stomach sleepers

The Brooklyn Bedding Essential mattress is great for anyone looking for a quality mattress on a budget. In addition to being at an affordable price point, it has a hybrid construction, which is rare for a mattress this cheap.

The middle-of-the-road feel has the right amount of responsiveness for combination sleepers who may toss and turn on their mattress. Plus, it does a great job of accommodating side and back sleepers, so if these are the two primary positions that you switch between at night then you should find the Brooklyn Essential comfortable and supportive.

This bed-in-a-box comes with free shipping and returns, along with a 10-year warranty and 120-night trial.

What our testers say: “You’ll be hard pressed to find a mattress with better construction at this price point. If you simply have to have that study-yet-cozy feel but you don’t want to break the bank then the Brooklyn Essential is a great option.” – Daniel, Editor & Mattress tester

Who Might Like the Nolah Original Mattress

  • Back sleepers
  • Couples
  • People who sleep hot

Who Might Not Like the Nolah Original Mattress

  • Stomach sleepers

Other User Reviews

On the Brooklyn Bedding website, this mattress scored 4.8 out of 5 stars, from over 500 reviews. Reviews say this mattress was a great way to upgrade their bedding on a budget, as it is comfortable and sleeps cool all night.

Not sure the Brooklyn Essential is for you? Check out other recommendations for the best mattresses for combination sleepers.

Best Affordable Mattress for Active Lifestyles: Bear Original

Best Affordable Mattress for Active Lifestyles

Bear Mattress

bear original mattress

Bear claims this mattress’s Celliant technology promotes muscle recovery by converting body heat into infrared energy.

Nerd Score 4.6/5
Read Full Review

Material

Foam

Trial Period

120 nights

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Firmness

Medium-firm: 7/10

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

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.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.7/5
Watch Our Video Review
Best Affordable Mattress for Active Lifestyles

Bear Mattress

bear original mattress

Bear claims this mattress’s Celliant technology promotes muscle recovery by converting body heat into infrared energy.

Nerd Score 4.6/5
Read Full Review

Material

Foam

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

Firmness

Medium-firm: 7/10

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Trial Period

120 nights

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

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.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.7/5
Watch Our Video Review
bear original mattress
Best Affordable Mattress for Active Lifestyles

Bear Mattress

Bear claims this mattress’s Celliant technology promotes muscle recovery by converting body heat into infrared energy.

Nerd Score 4.6/5
Read Full Review

Material

Foam

Firmness

Medium-firm: 7/10

Trial Period

120 nights

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

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.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.7/5
Watch Our Video Review
Pros of the Bear Original Mattress
Great for lightweight and average-weight sleepers
Relieves pressure very well
Easy to move around on
Cons of the Bear Original Mattress
Retains heat
Poor motion isolation

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.

What our testers say: “The Bear mattress should be great if you’ve had a hard workout or long hike and need a little extra care for your bones and tissues.” – Rachael, Editor & Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Bear Original Mattress

  • Back and stomach sleepers
  • Combination sleepers
  • People with active lifestyles

Who Might Not Like the Bear Original Mattress

  • Heavyweight sleepers
  • Hot sleepers
  • Couples

Other User Reviews

On the Bear website, this mattress scored approximately 4.4 out of 5 stars, from 10,000 reviews. Customers love the firmness level of this mattress and say it helps them get restful nights of sleep. However, there were complaints of poor edge support, leading to the sagging of the mattress. 

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

Best Budget Firm Mattress

Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress

brooklyn bedding plank firm hero

With a different firmness on each side, this sturdy mattress accommodates a surprisingly wide range of sleepers.

Nerd Score 4.0/5
Read Full Review

Material

Foam

Trial Period

120 nights

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

Warranty

10-year warranty

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.8/5
Watch Our Video Review
Best Budget Firm Mattress

Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress

brooklyn bedding plank firm hero

With a different firmness on each side, this sturdy mattress accommodates a surprisingly wide range of sleepers.

Nerd Score 4.0/5
Read Full Review

Material

Foam

Warranty

10-year warranty

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Trial Period

120 nights

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.8/5
Watch Our Video Review
brooklyn bedding plank firm hero
Best Budget Firm Mattress

Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress

With a different firmness on each side, this sturdy mattress accommodates a surprisingly wide range of sleepers.

Nerd Score 4.0/5
Read Full Review

Material

Foam

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

Trial Period

120 nights

Warranty

10-year warranty

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.8/5
Watch Our Video Review
Pros of the Plank Firm Mattress
Compatible with all body types and sleeping positions
Easy to move around on
Fantastic edge support
Cons of the Plank Firm Mattress
Sleeps warm
Not the best option for couples

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.

What our testers say: “The Plank Firm is priced on par with its online competition, and significantly lower than luxury name brands—especially considering that it has a firm side and extra-firm side all in one mattress. Also, it comes with a 120-night risk-free sleep trial, so you can sleep on it before making a final decision.” – Rachael, Editor & Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Plank Firm Mattress

  • People who find most beds too soft
  • Back & stomach sleepers
  • Side sleepers who prefer a firm mattress
  • People with back pain

Who Might Not Like the Plank Firm Mattress

  • Side sleepers who want deep cushioning
  • Hot sleepers
  • Couples concerned about motion transfer

Other User Reviews

On the Brooklyn Bedding site, this mattress scored 4.8 out of 5 stars, from over 2,000 reviews. Praise is given to the firmness of this bed that helped the back pain of users. There were some complaints about the mattress not expanding after being removed from the box.

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

Best Affordable Mattress for Back Pain

Cocoon Chill Mattress

_wp_attachment_image_alt

While not the best mattress we’ve ever tested, the low price (especially when on sale) of the Cocoon earns it some serious points.

Nerd Score 2.5/5
Read Full Review

Material

Foam

Trial Period

100 nights

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Firmness

Medium-soft: 5/10

Warranty

10-year warranty

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

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

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.6/5
Best Affordable Mattress for Back Pain

Cocoon Chill Mattress

_wp_attachment_image_alt

While not the best mattress we’ve ever tested, the low price (especially when on sale) of the Cocoon earns it some serious points.

Nerd Score 2.5/5
Read Full Review

Material

Foam

Warranty

10-year warranty

Firmness

Medium-soft: 5/10

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Trial Period

100 nights

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

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

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.6/5
_wp_attachment_image_alt
Best Affordable Mattress for Back Pain

Cocoon Chill Mattress

While not the best mattress we’ve ever tested, the low price (especially when on sale) of the Cocoon earns it some serious points.

Nerd Score 2.5/5
Read Full Review

Material

Foam

Firmness

Medium-soft: 5/10

Trial Period

100 nights

Warranty

10-year warranty

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

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

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.6/5
Pros of the Cocoon Mattress
Good for most side sleepers
Provides solid pressure relief
Cons of the Cocoon Mattress
Not durable
Saggy edges
Difficult to move around on

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.

What our testers say: “We see how well a mattress deals with aches and pains using our pressure mapping technology. Blue and greens indicate no pressure, yellows indicate slight pressure, and oranges and reds indicate areas of high pressure. When our light and average-weight testers lay on the pressure map, the Chill showed blues and greens all around. It proved to be one of the best mattresses for back pain.” – Becca, Editor & Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Cocoon Mattress

  • People who sleep hot as the phase change material is designed to absorb heat from the body and move it away
  • Couples and those who co-sleep as it minimizing motion transfer
  • Back sleepers due to its pressure relief

Who Might Not Like the Cocoon Mattress

  • Heavyweight stomach sleepers as it doesn’t have the level of support needed by stomach sleepers who weigh over 230 pounds
  • People who toss and turn as it is not the most responsive
  • Lightweight side sleepers as it may be too firm for adequate pressure relief

Other User Reviews

On the Cocoon by Sealy website, this mattress scored 4.7 out of 5 stars, from over 8,000 reviews. Users love the cooling technology and materials in this bed, providing customers with a cool night of sleep. There were some complaints that the materials broke down too early and the construction was not sufficient.

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

Best Affordable Mattress for Seniors

Serta Perfect Sleeper Renewed Night

The extra-firm model of the Serta Perfect Sleeper boasts outstanding edge support—a very important feature for seniors.

Nerd Score 3.8/5
Read Full Review

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

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

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

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.8/5
Best Affordable Mattress for Seniors

Serta Perfect Sleeper Renewed Night

The extra-firm model of the Serta Perfect Sleeper boasts outstanding edge support—a very important feature for seniors.

Nerd Score 3.8/5
Read Full Review

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

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

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

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.8/5
Best Affordable Mattress for Seniors

Serta Perfect Sleeper Renewed Night

The extra-firm model of the Serta Perfect Sleeper boasts outstanding edge support—a very important feature for seniors.

Nerd Score 3.8/5
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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

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

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

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.8/5
Pros of the Serta Mattress
Solid durability
Good for back and stomach sleepers
Easy to move around on
Cons of the Serta Mattress
Sleeps warm
Doesn’t isolate motion well

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.

What our testers say: “Another important consideration for some senior shoppers is mobility. If you have trouble moving easily, you want a mattress that will help you, not make moving even more difficult. The Serta Perfect Sleeper Renewed Night is a responsive mattress, which will help you move around on top of the bed and not get stuck.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Serta Perfect Sleeper Mattress

  • Fans of rock solid edge support
  • Combination sleepers
  • Shoppers who want options

Who Might Not Like the Serta Perfect Sleeper Mattress

  • Heavyweight side sleepers
  • Easily awoken couples
  • Super hot sleepers

Other User Reviews

On the Serta website, this mattress scored 4.9 out of 5 stars, from over 200 reviews. Praise is given to the low price of the mattress and high quality of materials.

Read our full Serta Perfect Sleeper mattress review to learn more. 

Best Affordable Mattress for Lightweight Sleepers: Siena Mattress

Best Affordable Mattress for Seniors

Siena Mattress

siena mattress

Lightweight sleepers (under 130 lbs), regardless of preferred sleeping position, should find comfort and support on the Siena.

Nerd Score 4.0/5
Read Full Review

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.

Average Customer Rating
4.5/5
Best Affordable Mattress for Seniors

Siena Mattress

siena mattress

Lightweight sleepers (under 130 lbs), regardless of preferred sleeping position, should find comfort and support on the Siena.

Nerd Score 4.0/5
Read Full Review

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.

Average Customer Rating
4.5/5
siena mattress
Best Affordable Mattress for Seniors

Siena Mattress

Lightweight sleepers (under 130 lbs), regardless of preferred sleeping position, should find comfort and support on the Siena.

Nerd Score 4.0/5
Read Full Review

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.

Average Customer Rating
4.5/5
Pros of the Siena Mattress
Great for couples
Solid pressure relief
Great option for combination sleepers
Cons of the Siena Mattress
Not great for heavyweight (over 230 lbs) sleepers
Sleeps hot

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. 

What our testers say: “The Siena mattress is a budget, all-foam bed that’s a great choice for lighter sleepers. However, this bed lacks the proper support for heavier sleepers and isn’t very cooling.” – Ashton, Editor & Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Siena Mattress

  • Couples
  • Lightweight sleepers
  • Budget-conscious shoppers

Who Might Not Like the Siena Mattress

  • Heavyweight sleepers
  • Hot sleepers
  • Luxury sleepers

Other User Reviews

On the Siena website, this mattress scored approximately 4.3 out of 5 stars, from 1,000 reviews. Customers give credit to this mattress for being a great medium between soft and firm, with a great price tag. However, there were complaints of it sleeping warm and causing back pain.

Read our full Siena mattress review to learn more. 

Best Affordable Cooling Mattress: Dreamfoam Hybrid

Best Affordable Cooling Mattress

Dreamfoam Hybrid Mattress

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Aside from its very low price, temperature regulation is by far the biggest appeal of this memory foam mattress.

Nerd Score 4.0/5
Read Full Review

Material

Hybrid

Trial Period

120 nights

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6.5/10

Warranty

10-year warranty

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.7/5
Watch Our Video Review
Best Affordable Cooling Mattress

Dreamfoam Hybrid Mattress

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Aside from its very low price, temperature regulation is by far the biggest appeal of this memory foam mattress.

Nerd Score 4.0/5
Read Full Review

Material

Hybrid

Warranty

10-year warranty

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6.5/10

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Trial Period

120 nights

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.7/5
Watch Our Video Review
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Best Affordable Cooling Mattress

Dreamfoam Hybrid Mattress

Aside from its very low price, temperature regulation is by far the biggest appeal of this memory foam mattress.

Nerd Score 4.0/5
Read Full Review

Material

Hybrid

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6.5/10

Trial Period

120 nights

Warranty

10-year warranty

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.7/5
Watch Our Video Review
Pros of the Dreamfoam Hybrid Mattress
Good for children and teens
Pretty good for lightweight (under 140 lbs) back sleepers
Cons of the Dreamfoam Hybrid Mattress
Doesn’t relieve pressure well
Horrible for heavyweight (over 230 lbs) sleepers

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.

What our testers say: “The Dreamfoam Hybrid mattress (formerly known as Dreamfoam Arctic Dreams) 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.” – Becca, Editor & Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Dreamfoam Hybrid Mattress

  • Lightweight and average-weight back sleepers
  • Some stomach sleepers

Who Might Not Like the Dreamfoam Hybrid Mattress

  • Heavyweight sleepers

Other User Reviews

On the Dreamfoam by Brooklyn Bedding website, this mattress scored 4.7 out of 5 stars, from about 2,000 reviews. Users rave about the support of this mattress and its firmness. However, there were complaints over customer experience and the lack of cooling.

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?

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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?

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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.

Best Affordable Mattress 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 As 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

MattressAward Nerd Score
Helix Midnight Best Affordable Mattress for Couples4.8/5
NolahBest Affordable Mattress for Side Sleepers3.4/5
Brooklyn Bedding EssentialBest Affordable Mattress For Combination Sleepers3.8/5
Bear OriginalBest Affordable Mattress for Active Lifestyles4.0/5
Plank FirmBest Affordable Firm Mattress4.0/5
Cocoon by Sealy ChillBest Affordable Mattress for Back Pain2.5/5
Serta Perfect SleeperBest Affordable Mattress for Seniors3.8/5
SienaBest Affordable Mattress for Lightweight Sleepers4.0/5
DreamFoam CoolBest Affordable Cooling Mattress4.6/5
Loren Bullock

Loren Bullock

Lead Mattress Tester

About Author

Loren is the Lead Mattress Reviewer at Mattress Nerd. She has prioritized sleeping for as long as she can remember, rarely deviating from seven to nine hours each night. As an editor on Mattress Nerd, Loren aims to help people achieve optimal sleep health and pick the best sleep accessories for their needs. You can find her testing mattresses, exploring the best sleep hacks, and telling you about her findings on Mattress Nerd’s YouTube channel and on TikTok.

Combination Sleeper

Education & Credentials

  • Certified Sleep Science Coach