For a full rundown of our mattress testing process (and discover how much we nerd out on sleep technology), check out our full sleep product testing methodology.
What You Should Look For in an Affordable Mattress
There are many great mattress brands that sell affordable mattresses at fair price points. While these mattresses may not be exactly the same caliber as their luxury counterparts, they’re plenty comfortable and supportive enough for a good night’s sleep.
Still, how do you sift through the many affordable mattresses out there to determine which ones are actually high-quality, and which ones are ultimately too good to be true? Here’s a guide that goes beyond throwing typical mattress marketing jargon at you (what is zoned support, after all?) to help you understand how to choose the best inexpensive mattress for your needs.
Mattress Quality
The overall quality of a mattress will depend on the materials used. For instance, a cotton cover or quilted top layer will help make a mattress more breathable (and wick away sweat for hot sleepers), while a gel-infused memory foam layer will cradle sensitive joints. You’ll also see phrases like “individually-encased coils” thrown around in mattress descriptions, but if you’re not sure what those are, these coil systems help provide targeted (a.k.a. “zoned”) support that offer just the right amount of pressure relief in different areas of the mattress for different joints. A sturdy perimeter or edge support will also help prevent sagging and, for our side sleepers, the dreaded rolling-off-the-bed in the middle of the night.
Durability
Like mattress quality, durability can make a big difference in the lifespan (and comfort) of your mattress. This one can be a little hard to gauge with the naked eye, but look for features like multiple layers of support, which will help you sleep on top of the bed rather than caving in. In addition to generating pressure relief, strong coil systems in innerspring and hybrid mattresses will also help a bed maintain its shape over time. However, if you go down the memory foam route, look for a bed with dense or thick foam, as this foam is less likely to sag with use.
Value
We always recommend checking both brand websites and shopping around for a mattress on Amazon to determine the best price point and to take advantage of any sales. A mattress in a box will also likely be less expensive than a mattress you buy in-store. One benefit of shopping directly with a brand, however, is that you may be able to get free pillows or discounted bedding thrown in with the purchase of your mattress (helping you save money over time).
Comfort
Comfort is subjective, so what feels comfortable to me may not feel comfortable to you, and vice versa. Instead, consider what will ultimately give you the best rest. Do you sleep hot and require a cooling mattress? How about a contouring bed that you can sink into (but not too far as to find yourself stuck in the middle of the bed)? Maybe your idea of comfort is a firm mattress that adequately supports back sleeping. Whatever your needs may be, be sure your mattress aligns with your idea of comfort. Comfort may be less important to you, however, if you’re purchasing a mattress for a guest bedroom that won’t be used often.
Warranty
A good warranty will protect you from any manufacturer’s defects in your mattress, or if it fails within a reasonable amount of time. Even with their lower price points, many of our best budget mattress picks will still give you the coveted 10-year warranty, which is just as good as a lifetime warranty (this is because mattresses typically last anywhere from 7 to 10 years with proper care and cleaning). Don’t forget to look for generous trial periods as well, which can help you determine how well a mattress holds up over time and if it’s the right fit for you and your sleep.
Are Affordable Mattresses Worth Buying?
Affordable mattresses may not have all the bells and whistles of luxury mattresses, but that doesn’t mean they skimp on quality and comfort. Our Clever sleep experts personally tried each mattress (and performed countless tests) to determine if it was ultimately worth buying. All in all, we tested more than 100 mattresses to narrow down our choices of our seven best affordable mattresses that we’ve included in this list.
FAQs
Should I consider a more expensive mattress?
A more expensive mattress may have more luxurious cooling layers or a plush euro pillow top. While these features are nice to have, they aren’t truly necessary for all buyers. Each affordable mattress on our list has been personally tried and vetted by our team for comfort and support, so you don’t have to spend more or outside of your means for a high-quality mattress.
What is the most affordable mattress type?
Memory foam mattresses tend to be more affordable than their counterparts. This is because foam in general tends to be a less expensive material to work with than coils or latex.
When is the best time to buy a mattress?
The biggest mattress savings are often during Memorial Day or Labor Day weekend. This is when big-box stores and mattress brands offer deep discounts on top-selling mattresses.
Are expensive mattresses better than affordable ones?
Not necessarily. An expensive mattress may have more luxury features like seriously cooling layers, but it doesn’t always make it a better buy than a more affordable mattress. Many people will find plenty of comfort and support in a mattress with better value.
How often should you replace your mattress?
The average lifespan of a mattress is 7 to 10 years. You can extend the shelf life of your mattress by rotating it every few months and regularly washing your sheets (which can easily collect dust and other unwanted items that can soil your mattress over time). Signs that a mattress should be replaced include any noticeable sags, odors, or springs sticking out. Repeatedly getting poor sleep is another clear indicator that your mattress may be the culprit.
