Shoppers today have more options than ever before when it comes to picking the best mattress for the money. However, there are many factors to consider when choosing between models.
We’ll introduce you to our top picks and take a look at the materials, construction, performance, and overall value of each mattress. We’ll highlight the pros and cons of each model as well as results from our performance testing. We’ll also cover details like sleep trials, warranties, and shipping policies so you determine the total cost of a mattress before purchasing.
In addition to our top choices, we’ll also explain how to gauge a model’s worth beyond its sticker price. Quality, company policies, special features, and construction all play a role in a mattress’ overall value. You’ll also learn which times of the year to shop for mattresses and how to find the best deals.
Find Your Perfect Mattress
We know mattresses work differently for different types of sleepers. Use the filters below to help narrow down your options for your best bed.
Read on to see why the following five options made our top picks list of 2024’s best mattresses for the money.
Sleep Doctor’s Picks
Best Overall Mattress
Saatva Classic
Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Saatva Classic has a sophisticated design that includes plush foam layers over a coil-on-coil system. The result is a bed that excelled in multiple performance areas during our tests. The different firmness and height options make this a strong choice for many types of sleepers.
Buy From Saatva
Combination Sleepers
Soft, Medium Firm, Firm Options
Fair Value
Plush, Supportive Surface
Pros
- Three firmness levels to choose between
- Highly durable materials and construction
- Relieves pressure points without retaining heat
Cons
- You may need deep-pocket sheets for thicker model
- Coils produce noticeable motion transfer
Why We Like It
The Saatva Classic scored better-than-average marks in every one of our performance testing categories. This innerspring model uses foam and lumbar reinforcement to provide a combination of pressure relief and spinal support that many other models lack.
With its top-quality materials and highly durable construction, the Saatva Classic provides a comfortable surface for a wide range of sleepers as well as a long lifespan.
How Does It Feel?
The Saatva Classic comes in three firmness levels: Plush, Luxury Firm, and Firm. These correspond to soft (3), medium firm (6), and firm (8). You can also choose between 11.5- and 14.5-inch profiles. Though each model varies slightly to achieve its intended feel, all three versions share a similar construction.
Beneath the organic cotton cover, a plush polyfoam Euro-top designed to relieve pressure points helps maintain a healthy spinal posture. A strategically placed memory foam and wire pad enhances overall lumbar support by reinforcing your lower back. The coil-on-coil support core feels responsive, but not too bouncy. Our testers found that they could shift positions without too much motion transferring across the mattress’ surface.
The support core has a high-density foam rail wrapping its perimeter, bolstering the edges. The coils also allow for plenty of airflow throughout the mattress. Our team reported that they felt cool throughout the entire night while sleeping on this model.
Most Comfortable Mattress
DreamCloud Mattress
Sleep Doctor’s Review
The DreamCloud Mattress has a thick three-layer comfort system that offers excellent cushioning, while a thick coil base delivers sturdy support. Most sleepers on our team gave the bed high marks for overall comfort.
Buy From DreamCloud
Back Sleepers
Medium Firm
Good Value
Plush, Supportive Surface
Pros
- Pocketed coil support core allows air to circulate easily
- Gel-infused memory foam contours closely to alleviate pressure point discomfort
- Responsive feel without excessive motion transfer
Cons
- Side sleepers under 130 pounds may need a plusher bed
- May be too thick for sleepers who prefer low beds
Why We Like It
The DreamCloud Mattress is a hybrid model that balances support and comfort. Its medium firm (6) feel accommodates most sleepers. It has a competitive price-point for a hybrid, especially considering the quality of its materials and its accompanying sleep trial.
With a soft cover, multi-layered cushioning, and pocketed coil core, we found this hybrid suited many sleeper types with its balance of pressure relief and responsiveness.
How Does It Feel?
The DreamCloud starts off with a three-layer comfort system that delivers supportive pressure relief. Our side-sleeping testers over 130 pounds as well as our back- and stomach-sleeping testers found the mattress suited their needs. The top layer has polyfoam quilted directly into the cashmere blend cover for comfort and a soft feel. Gel-infused memory foam and polyfoam layers contour alongside your body, cushioning joints.
The pocketed coil support core has individually wrapped coils that move independently from one another. Our team found that the combination of foam and coils gave the mattress an excellent blend of responsiveness and motion isolation. Our testers who sleep hot also rated this mattress highly. They found the gel-infused memory foam, cashmere blend cover, and pocketed coil support core promoted airflow and temperature control.
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
Nectar Mattress
Sleep Doctor’s Review
If you’re looking for a foam bed without excessive sinkage, the Nectar Mattress strikes a nice balance. This model is firmer than many other foam beds we’ve tested, performing well with our side-sleeping testers who need pressure relief for the shoulders and hips and support for the lower back.
Buy From Nectar
Side Sleepers
Medium Firm
Great Value
Close-Conforming Foam
Pros
- All-foam construction cradles and cushions the body
- Medium firm feel provides even spinal support
- Limits excessive motion transfer
Cons
- Stomach sleepers over 230 pounds may receive insufficient support
- Only available in one firmness option
Why We Like It
Side sleepers prefer a mattress with plenty of contouring to alleviate pressure points that develop along their hips and shoulders. The all-foam Nectar Mattress cushions sore spots by compressing and absorbing impact. Its medium firm (6) feel is best suited for side sleepers as well as back and stomach sleepers under 230 pounds.
This model is a good fit for all side sleepers as well as those with sore joints, as the mattress contours to your body while maintaining proper spinal alignment.
How Does It Feel?
The cover is made from a breathable polyester blend designed to combat heat retention. The comfort system starts with a layer of gel-infused memory foam with phase change material (PCM). It hugs your body to deliver acute pressure point relief without absorbing too much heat. A transitional polyfoam layer keeps your spine evenly supported, preventing you from sinking too deeply into the mattress.
The Nectar’s support core consists of 7 inches of high-density polyfoam, providing strong support throughout the entire mattress. A no-slip cover keeps all the layers secure and prevents it from moving on the bed frame.
During our sleep trials, this mattress performed especially well during motion isolation testing. The foam layers absorb movement effectively, meaning you can switch sleeping positions without disturbing your partner. Those who favor a more traditionally responsive mattress should consider a model with a coil support core rather than foam.
Best Mattress for Couples
Tuft & Needle Mint
Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Tuft & Needle Mint has a medium firm (6) feel that appealed to a wide range of testers on our team. The foam layers relieve pressure buildup and virtually eliminate motion transfer across the surface.
Buy From Tuft & Needle
Couples
Medium Firm
Great Value
Close-Conforming Foam
Pros
- Open-cell foam prevents heat retention
- Polyfoam hugs the body without allowing excessive sinkage
- Movement doesn’t transfer from one side of the bed to the other
Cons
- May feel too soft for stomach sleepers over 230 pounds
- Not available in multiple firmness options
Why We Like It
The all-foam Tuft & Needle Mint has a balanced feel and a well-rounded performance, making it an excellent fit for couples. It’s a versatile pick for those who need a mattress that meets multiple sleepers’ needs. The medium firm (6) feel is most appropriate for side and back sleepers as well as stomach sleepers who weigh under 230 pounds.
With high-quality construction and a cooling design, we found this mattress supports the needs of a wide range of sleeper types, making it a great pick for those who share the bed.
How Does It Feel?
The Mint has three layers, beginning with 3 inches of graphite and gel-infused polyfoam. The proprietary foam has an open-cell structure designed to increase airflow, while the graphite and gel wick away excess moisture. The middle gel-infused polyfoam layer is engineered to further enhance cooling. Together, these layers cradle your body, absorbing impact beneath pressure points without allowing too much sinkage.
The support core is crafted from 6.5 inches of foundational foam that keeps your spine evenly aligned. Perimeter reinforcement increases the mattress’ overall edge support. The mattress cover features a zipper, making it removable and easy to clean. The Mint has an 11.5-profile.
Though this model scored highly across the board, our testers found it particularly successful at regulating temperature and isolating motion, two factors that are important for couples. Hot sleepers and people in warm climates can comfortably share this mattress without it overheating. Couples can also get in and out of bed without waking their partners, as this model’s foam construction provides top-notch motion isolation.
Best Cooling Mattress
Cocoon Chill
Sleep Doctor’s Review
The all-foam design of the Cocoon Chill is ideal for sleepers who need strong contouring to relieve painful pressure buildup. We also found the phase change material in the cover helps the bed run slightly cooler than competing foam beds.
Buy From Sealy
Hot Sleepers
Medium Firm
Great Value
Close-Conforming Foam
Pros
- Cover is designed to wick away heat and moisture
- Foam layers successfully isolate motion
- Regulates temperature better than many other all-foam models
Cons
- May be too thick for sleepers who prefer tall beds
- Sleepers who enjoy strong edge support may need a firmer bed
Why We Like It
The Cocoon Chill is engineered to sleep cooler than other all-foam mattresses. During in-house testing, our sleep product experts found that the mattress had above-average temperature regulation while also providing excellent support. The medium firm (6) feel suits most types of sleepers and weight groups, though our trials indicated that back sleepers preferred this mattress more than other sleeper types.
The Cocoon Chill also scored highly in the motion isolation and temperature control categories. The thick foam layers don’t allow movement to transfer across the bed, so you can switch positions without disturbing your partner. Memory foam is well-known for providing significant pressure relief, and the Cocoon Chill’s design is no different. The foam molds to your body’s shape, cradling sore spots and relieving pressure points.
How Does It Feel?
The three-layer model begins with a contouring memory foam that hugs your body. The transitional layer below helps isolate motion by preventing movement from transferring across the surface. Together, these two layers provide deep and effective pressure relief.
The polyfoam support core is designed to provide strong support while preventing excessive sinkage. A stretch knit cover with phase change material (PCM) wraps the entire mattress. The PCM is engineered to draw heat away from the mattress while you sleep. As a result, this model feels more temperature neutral than other similar all-foam mattresses.
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.
With the number of mattresses available today, it can be difficult to find one that is the best value for your money. Many factors determine a mattress’ overall value besides its price, including its quality, features, sleep trial and warranty length, and shipping details. A high-value mattress will cater to your needs or preferences in these different areas.
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.
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Take Advantage of Sleep Trials
Sleep trials allow you to test out a mattress risk-free. For example, if a mattress comes with a 100-night sleep trial, you have up to 100 days to decide if it’s a good fit. If you don’t like the mattress, you can send it back for a partial or full refund as long as you’re within the 100-night window.
Some companies require a break-in period, since adjusting to a new mattress can take time. If your model carries a 30-day break-in period, you’ll need to try the mattress for at least 30 days before initiating a return.
Sleep trials are an excellent way to decide if you like a mattress. Many companies will work with customers to exchange or adjust models so they can find the right fit. Keep in mind that some sleep trials carry return charges. Make sure to read the fine print if this is an important consideration for you.
Save Coupons and Discount Codes
If you find a mattress brand you like, sign up for their newsletter or referral program. Though the model you want may not initially be on sale, you might find a deal by monitoring your promotional emails. You can find coupon codes on company websites as well as from third-party review sites.
Referrals are another great way to save money. If a manufacturer has a referral program, you can get a discount by recommending a particular model to friends or family.
Shop Inventory Sales
Between holiday and closeout sales, mattresses go on sale frequently. Schedule your purchase around a major holiday to save on a model that meets your needs. Additionally, you can watch for closeout sales to receive a significant discount on a mattress.
Think About Bundle Deals
Bundling your mattress with other sleep accessories is an excellent way to save money, especially if you need an entire bedroom setup. Purchase your foundation, sheets, pillows, and protectors from the same company to get the best deal. Though it may seem expensive at checkout, bundling your products can be much more affordable than purchasing items individually.
About The Author
Certified Sleep Science Coach, Director of Product Testing
David is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with a lifelong passion for well-being and health optimization. His interest in sleep developed with the arrival of his son, when sleep suddenly became a precious commodity.
- POSITION: Side Sleeper
- TEMPERATURE: Hot Sleeper
- CHRONOTYPE: Lion
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