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Since the quality of your sleep impacts brain performance, mood, and overall well-being, getting a good night’s rest is crucial to your health. In fact, not getting enough sleep is linked to a range of health issues, including heart disease, obesity, and dementia. One way to help you sleep better is to make sure you have a quality mattress.
Fortunately, you don’t have to break the bank to find a good mattress. Our Reviews Team rounded up our top five picks for the best affordable mattresses of 2024, including the best options for couples, side sleepers, and stomach and back sleepers.
The Nectar Hybrid is highly rated due to its perfect balance of support and comfort, achieved through a medium-firm hybrid design and a responsive memory foam layer. This mattress excels in temperature control, minimizing motion transfer, and relieving pressure, offering an exceptional sleep experience for a broad spectrum of sleepers at a competitive price point.
Our Reviews Team researched hundreds of mattress models and mystery shopped more than 30 mattress brands in person and online. Here’s how we made our selections:
We’ve personally rested on and tested each mattress against these factors for an unbiased assessment. Our selections were also medically reviewed to ensure each brand and model is appropriate for the needs of our readers.
| Available sizes | Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king | Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king | Twin, twin XL, full, short full, queen, short queen, olympic queen, king, split king king, California king, split California, RV king (3 sizes) | Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king |
| Material | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam |
| Height in inches | 12″ | 11.5″ | 11.5″ or 14.5″ | 12.25″ | 10″ |
| Firmness options | Medium | Medium | Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, or Firm | Soft, Medium, or Firm | Medium |
| Trial period | One year | 100 days | One year | 120 days | 120 days |
| Warranty | Lifetime | 10 years | Lifetime | 10 years | Lifetime |
| Price | $539–$1,478 | $749–$1,399 | $1,101–$2,373 | $499–$1,199 | $511–$1,099 |
Our survey showed that a queen-size mattress was the most popular (38%). The below shows pricing for a queen size in each of the mattresses we reviewed.
| Brand/Model | Price for queen-size |
|---|---|
| Nectar Hybrid | $799 |
| Helix Dusk | $1,099 |
| Saatva Classic | $1,695 |
| Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid | $999 |
| Bear Original | $649 |
When choosing an affordable mattress, it’s important to balance cost with quality and personal sleep preferences. “A mattress has two specific functions: support and comfort,” said Michael Breus, PhD, a clinical psychologist, author, and sleep expert. “Support is how well the product can get your spine aligned and remove any real pressure points on the body. Comfort is how long the product can keep you in that position. If you can get comfortable, you will get higher quality sleep.”
The firmness level is crucial to comfort. Softer mattresses (rated lower on a 10-point firmness scale) are suited for side sleepers who need contouring for shoulders and hips. Firmer options offer more support for back and stomach sleepers.
Here are additional key considerations for budget-conscious shoppers:
For budget-conscious sleepers looking to save on mattresses without compromising on quality or comfort, there are several strategies to consider:
Each of the five budget mattresses reviewed provides unique features and benefits, ensuring that price-tag-conscious sleepers can find the perfect match for their specific needs. The Nectar Hybrid stands out as the “Best Overall” choice, offering a balanced combination of comfort and support suitable for most sleepers. The Helix Dusk is the “Best for Back and Stomach Sleepers,” providing medium firmness and contouring. With its luxury design and high-quality materials, the Saatva Classic is the “Best Affordable Luxury” option, offering a premium sleeping experience. Thanks to its supportive structure and medium-firm feel, the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid earns its place as the “Best for Back Pain.” Finally, the Bear Original, with its motion-reducing foam construction, is the “Best for Couples” because you’ll likely not feel your partner moving around.
Yes, affordable mattresses can be comfortable, although comfort is always subjective. Advances in mattress technology and materials have enabled manufacturers to create budget-friendly mattresses without compromising on comfort and quality. Many affordable options now feature memory foam, hybrid designs, and other advanced materials (like cooling gel, poly foam, and thick quilted covers) that were once exclusive to more expensive mattresses.
The best time to buy a mattress is typically during major sales events, like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Presidents Day. During these times, retailers often offer significant discounts. Additionally, the end of winter and late spring are good times to shop, as companies may reduce prices to clear out inventory before new models are released.
Innerspring mattresses are often the most affordable type. They have been around for a long time and are made with a simpler construction compared to newer types, like memory foam and hybrid mattresses. Foam mattresses, particularly those sold online, can also be budget-friendly due to lower overhead costs and direct-to-consumer sales models.
The amount you should spend on a mattress depends on your budget and needs. On average, a good quality mattress can cost between $800–$1,500 for a queen size. Quality options are available for around $500. High-end mattresses can cost upwards of $12,000. It’s important to balance affordability with quality and comfort, considering that a mattress is a long-term investment in your sleep health.
The lifespan of a mattress varies depending on its material, construction, and use. On average, a mattress can last between seven to 10 years. Innerspring mattresses may have a shorter lifespan, while high-quality memory foam or hybrid mattresses can last longer. Proper maintenance and using a mattress protector can extend a mattress’s lifespan.
Have questions about this review? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.
