Why You Should Trust Us
Our testing team has years of experience within the sleep industry, and we have personally tested hundreds of different mattresses. We put each mattress through the same series of tests. In addition to physically resting on each model, we use performance metrics to analyze materials, durability, and support.
Our team reflects different weight categories and sleeper types, which allows us to better determine who might prefer a certain mattress. To find the best bed for the money, we also tested durability and quality of materials.
What Makes a Mattress a Good Value?
When shopping for the best mattress for the money, it’s important to separate value from expense. You should first consider what you need from a mattress, then look for models that fit within those parameters. Inexpensive mattresses do not necessarily equate to a good value, depending on your personal preferences.
For example, you are unlikely to benefit from purchasing an inexpensive mattress that doesn’t have the characteristics you need in a bed, despite the cost savings. Conversely, a luxury mattress may not offer the right features for you. The best mattress for the money is one that meets your needs without exceeding your budget.
What to Look for in a Mattress
When shopping for a mattress, first consider your preferred sleeping position and weight. These factors will help you narrow down which firmness level and type of mattress to choose. Next, look for a mattress that addresses your unique concerns, such as pressure point discomfort, lower back pain, or temperature regulation.
Durability, quality, and company policies are also important to keep in mind. It may be worth purchasing a more expensive mattress if it means that you can go longer before replacing it.
What Affects the Price of a Mattress?
Mattresses are unique products with a number of factors that affect overall cost. We’ll highlight and explain some of the most common considerations below.
- Mattress type: Hybrid, innerspring, latex, foam, and airbed mattresses all have different materials and constructions. More complex mattress types like hybrids and airbeds tend to have a higher price-point than those with simpler designs.
- Mattress construction: Mattress materials and the number of layers can largely impact the overall cost. A model that uses multiple types of materials within a many-layered design is likely to cost more than a model with a simple construction.
- Quality of materials: Not all materials are equal in quality, and you should expect to pay more for a mattress that uses top-of-the-line components. Typically, high-quality materials are more durable than their inexpensive counterparts. However, mattresses that incorporate luxe materials may last longer.
- Special features: Extras like cooling features or adjustable firmness levels also increase a mattress’ cost. Expect a model’s price-point to go up with every special feature included.
- Mattress size: Mattress costs typically increase with size. Larger mattress sizes require more materials, which contributes to a higher price-point.
- Brand or manufacturer: Well-known brands can command a high price tag. Be ready to pay more for name recognition. Additionally, mattresses made in the U.S. typically cost more, as labor prices are higher than in other parts of the world.
- Shipping and delivery: Many — though not all — mattress manufacturers ship beds for free. However, shoppers outside the contiguous U.S. may need to pay additional shipping charges or duties.
- Warranties: A lengthy warranty can lead to price increases, though shorter warranties might be an issue if your mattress has a defect. Check the included warranty to see if it’s long enough to meet your needs.
- Additional bedding: In addition to a mattress, you’ll also need a foundation, sheets, and pillows to make your bed comfortable. Make sure your budget allows for these additional but necessary items.
What Is the Best Mattress Type for the Money?
The best type of mattress for the money is one that meets your sleep requirements without exceeding your budget. After you consider the firmness level and features you need in a bed, you can further narrow down your selection by choosing which construction style is best for you. We’ll explore the most popular types on the market today.
Foam
Foam mattresses typically have a comfort system and support core that are both made from either polyfoam or memory foam. This style of mattress tends to have excellent pressure relief, as the foam is designed to contour alongside the body to cushion sore areas. Foam mattresses also isolate motion well, which suits couples and light sleepers.
However, foam has the tendency to trap heat, meaning you may sleep hotter on a foam mattress than on a hybrid or innerspring. Hot sleepers should look for a model with cooling features or open-cell foam. Foam mattresses tend to be the most budget-friendly style because they are relatively simple to make compared to models with more complex designs.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses use multiple materials and a layered construction to achieve a feel that balances responsiveness and pressure relief. Many hybrids have a coil support core underneath foam or latex layers. Due to their intricate designs, hybrids often cost more than foam mattresses.
People who sleep hot may enjoy a hybrid mattress. Air flows freely throughout the support core, allowing body heat to dissipate. Some hybrids also feature a blend of responsiveness and motion isolation, which many sleeper types enjoy.
Innerspring
The terms innerspring and hybrid are often used interchangeably to describe a mattress with a coil support core. Many new innerspring models have the layered construction of hybrids, with pillow-tops or comfort systems above the support core.
Like hybrids, innerspring mattresses excel at keeping sleepers cool. They also tend to have better edge support than foam beds, as the springs don’t compress as easily. People who like the feeling of sleeping on rather than in their mattress should opt for an innerspring model.
Latex
Latex is made from the sap of rubber trees. It’s an excellent choice for people who want pressure relief without the contouring that foam mattresses provide. People who find themselves sinking too deeply into their foam mattress may want to consider a latex model.
Latex also sleeps cooler than foam, as its open-cell structure promotes airflow. This style mattress tends to be more expensive than foam or innersprings. As a natural material, latex requires lots of time to process before becoming incorporated into a mattress. Shoppers should note that latex can be heavy and a bit unwieldy. Ensure you have a partner to help with setup if you purchase a latex bed.
Airbeds
Airbed mattresses have adjustable firmness levels that sleepers can change using a remote. Each sleeper can increase and decrease how much air stays within the inner chambers on their side of the bed, allowing two partners to have different firmness levels while sharing the same bed.
Airbeds often have a pillow-top or other comfort layer on top of the air chambers to ensure there is a buffer between you and the support core. Because they have complicated constructions and mechanical components, airbeds are significantly more expensive than other mattress types.
How to Get the Best Deal on a Mattress
With the sheer volume of mattresses available both in stores and online, shoppers have many opportunities to get a great deal on a mattress. If you shop at the right time, you may be able to purchase a model that would otherwise be out of your budget. We’ll take an in-depth look at some of the best ways to get a deal on a mattress.
Shopping Online vs. In-Store
There are two main methods for mattress shopping: you can purchase one online or in a brick-and-mortar store. Shopping in person at a storefront allows you to test and feel each mattress before committing to a specific model.
While buying a mattress online doesn’t allow you to try before you buy, most manufacturers include a risk-free trial period to provide you enough time to see if the model is right for you. You can often find better deals online, as direct-to-consumer manufacturers don’t have the same overhead costs as companies with storefronts. Ultimately, the best place to buy a mattress depends on your shopping preferences.
