Best Mattress For The Money (2024)

Adults may be accustomed to sleeping only as long as the alarm clock permits, but the reality is that many adults just aren’t getting enough sleep each night. Researchers from Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine have evaluated the sleep needs of all age groups and determined that adults should aim for about 7-9 hours of sleep each night.

Unfortunately, almost half of Americans just aren’t reaching those goals. Illnesses, sleep disorders like insomnia, and other habits like binge-watching TV before bed can all contribute to a lack of quality sleep. Sleeping on an old, worn-out mattress can also contribute to poor sleep quality.

Old or worn mattresses can increase your risk of sleep disruptions due to back pain, and they can cause you to roll into the “dip” in the mattress. If you wake up every morning with lower back pain — pain that dissipates shortly after waking — it may be your body’s way of saying you’re due for a new mattress.

But there’s good news: purchasing a new mattress doesn’t have to wipe out your budget. These seven mattresses all provide the value you need and the comfort you deserve.

Sometimes eco-friendly products are priced higher simply because of the eco-friendly label. That’s not the case with Amerisleep AS3. The AS3 is produced in an eco-friendly manner with plant-based materials, but it’s still an affordable mattress.

Amerisleep offers five mattresses, with the AS3 earning a coveted spot in the best mattress for the money lineup. The AS3 is neither the most expensive nor the least expensive option, but the versatile AS3 provides value and performance at an affordable price point.

The AS3 offers medium support, which makes this a versatile mattress for multiple sleeping positions. The Bio-Pur® layer bounces back in just seconds, which means you won’t feel stuck in the mattress.

In addition to the breathable cover, the AS3 is composed of four layers:

• Bio-Pur® layer of foam, which promotes cool, comfortable sleeping
• The affinity transition layer, which responds to body movements and alleviates pressure in all of the right places
• The HIVE® (Harnessing Intelligent Ventilation & Energy) layer designed to provide cushioning targeted to specific areas of the body and reduce stress on pressure points all while promoting cooler sleep
• Bio-Core® layer of foam support (which is plant-based and not made from petroleum) prevents sagging and supports the body

A queen-size mattress costs $1399, which strikes the balance between value and quality.

Features of the AS3:

• Plant-based memory foam is produced with an eco-friendly process that limits volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as well as unpleasant off-gassing odors
• The breathable Bio-Pur® layer bounces back 10 times faster than traditional memory foam, which eliminates that “stuck” feeling
• Versatility means that this mattress is comfortable for most body types, including side sleepers
• Bio-Pur® and HIVE® comfort layers work together to create responsive support that relieves pressure on your spine and hips
• White-glove delivery when your purchase is accompanied by an adjustable bed purchase
• No box spring needed
• 20-year warranty (with sagging greater than 0.75 inches covered)
• Made in the United States
• 100-day risk-free trial
• Free delivery with an average delivery of 1-5 days

Potential cons:

• Not compatible with a box spring (unless a three-quarter inch sheet of moisture-resistant plywood is placed between the box spring and mattress)
• Not compatible with slatted bed frames with 3-inch (or more) gaps

Sleep is essential for everybody, but sleep is even more critical for athletic or training for a big event. Getting enough sleep helps the body recover faster and more efficiently.

In fact, getting enough sleep is critical for muscle growth, muscle repair, and restoring energy levels. Without enough sleep, athletes can’t recover, and they can’t perform well in future events. A lack of quality sleep can diminish an athlete’s focus and increase the risk of sports injuries. Recovering and refueling for the big game starts with a good night’s sleep. That’s where a sports mattress comes in.

A sports mattress like the Zoma Mattress is designed to help the body rest and recover in the areas that get the most stress: pressure points like the shoulders, back, and knees. A good mattress also helps reduce sleep latency, or the time it takes to actually fall asleep once you slip under the covers.

The Zoma Mattress is composed of a breathable cover and three layers: the Triangulex™ layer, which is designed to relieve pressure, the Reactiv™ layer, designed to provide support and limit motion transfer, and the Support+ base, which keeps the spine aligned while limiting pressure on the hips.

If you prefer a mattress with a slight bounce that feels similar to a traditional innerspring mattress, you may prefer Zoma Hybrid Mattress. The Zoma Hybrid features their gel-infused memory foam comfort layer and responsive Reactiv™ layer for a balance of cushioning and support. Instead of a foam base, the Zoma Hybrid has a base of pocketed spring coils. These coils ensure even weight distribution for a safe, healthy sleep position.

A queen-size Zoma Mattress is $799, while the Zoma Hybrid is $999. This price includes free shipping within the continental United States and Zoma’s generous 10-year warranty.

Features of the Zoma Mattress:

• Certified as eco-friendly by CertiPUR-US®
• Compatible with three types of foundations: the Zoma Foundation, platform-style foundation, or an adjustable bed
• Triangulex™ technology to provide additional support to the neck and hips
• 100-night risk-free trial
• 10-year warranty

Potential cons:

• Does not feature plant-based, high-density memory foam
• Should not be used with a slat-style foundation — in fact, using the wrong foundation will void the warranty
• Does not feature organic cotton (the Zoma Mattress features polyester blends)

The bed’s two layers are wrapped in a soft, breathable cover that limits overheating.

The top layer is 3 inches of Vaya Comfort Foam. This conforming material molds to your spine for a mix of support and pressure relief, and the material’s responsive lets the bed adapt to your movements. It’s airy design also keeps body heat from accumulating.

The base layer is 9 inches of Vaya Base Foam, a sturdy poly-foam. The base foam maintains support for side, back, and stomach sleepers.

A queen size Vaya Mattress is $599. Every Vaya Mattress includes a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

In addition to their advanced foam mattress, Vaya also makes a hybrid mattress. The Vaya Hybrid has the same plush yet responsive comfort layer as their original model. However, their hybrid model has a base of pocketed spring coils. Each coil is triple wrapped in a soft, lightweight fabric for added comfort and pressure relief. The slight bounce of this mattress is perfect for back sleepers and heavier sleepers who need even weight distribution to prevent spinal misaligned.

The Vaya Hybrid also comes at an affordable price, $699 for a queen size. This price includes their 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

SEE ALSO: Most Comfortable Mattress

Features of the Vaya Mattress:

• Plush and responsive medium feel
• Suitable for all sleeping styles
• Simple two-layer design reduces production costs
• 100-night home trial
• 10-year warranty

Potential cons:

• Does not contain organic materials
• Cannot be kept on a frame that has thin slats spaced far apart

Best Latex Mattress for the Money: Avocado Green Mattress

Avocado strives to offer pure green products from mattress toppers to mattresses. While Avocado is not a memory foam mattress, it is 100% organic, making the Avocado a contender for the best mattress for the money when organic and vegan materials are one of your priorities.

Although Avocado is the most expensive mattress on this list, it’s the epitome of a green mattress. For individuals looking for an innerspring mattress, the Avocado Green Mattress delivers top quality components at a reasonable price. Each Avocado mattress features eco-friendly, sustainably sourced, and organic materials, including natural latex.

For those who live a vegan lifestyle, Avocado also offers vegan mattress (i.e. wool-free fabric) for the same price tag of $1,399.

Features of the Avocado Green Mattress:

• 100% organic materials from both wool and cotton
• GOLS organic certified latex rubber foam
• GOTS organic certified cotton and wool
• 1,414 pocketed support coils
• 1-year trial
• 25-year warranty
• Handmade and quilted in the USA

Potential cons:

• More expensive than other eco-friendly options
• Additional costs incurred for organic latex pillow top (an additional $400 for the queen)
• This mattress does have coils so if you were looking for a memory foam mattress, this won’t meet your needs

Most Versatile Mattress for the Money: Tuft & Needle Original

The Tuft & Needle Original is a budget-friendly mattress-in-a-box — even the king size is an affordable option for most budgets. While the Layla Memory Foam Mattress utilizes copper to draw heat away from the sleeper, the Tuft & Needle Original utilizes the power of graphite and a proprietary cooling gel layer to keep sleepers comfortable.

Even though the Original mattress is available in just one firmness level, Tuft & Needle markets the Original mattress as suitable for multiple sleeping positions due to a soft, adaptive foam that provides both support and cushioning. This means the Original mattress can work for both back sleepers who need firmer support and side sleepers who need the extra cushioning around the hips.

Each Tuft & Needle Original mattress is composed of 10 inches of foam: 3 inches of soft foam, followed by 7 inches of a polyfoam. Tuft & Needle Original is a medium-firm mattress-in-a-box designed to cater to individuals who prefer multiple sleeping positions. Like to fall asleep on your back but often wake up on your side? No problem with the Original mattress.

The three layers in a Tuft & Needle Original mattress include:

• Breathable cover
• Soft, adaptive foam: A 3-inch layer of T&N proprietary foam infused with cooling ceramic gel beads and graphite
• Open-cell support foam

Features of the Tuft & Needle Original Mattress:

• A 3-inch layer of proprietary T&N Adaptive® foam in a simple, all-form design
• Compatible with box springs and slatted platforms
• 100-night trial
• 10-year warranty
• Spine support from the two layers of open-cell foam
• CertiPUR-US® certification
• GREENGUARD Gold certification
• Free of ozone depleters, carcinogens, and PBDEs

Potential cons:

• The mattress height is 10 inches so if you’d like a 12-inch depth, consider other mattresses. Note that this doesn’t affect the integrity of the Original mattress, but mattress height can influence the aesthetics of a room. A too-low mattress can make it more difficult to get up out of bed.
• Only available in one support level (medium-firm) so this may not be the mattress or mattress company if you prefer a different firmness
• The medium-firm firmness level may not be ideal for stomach sleepers who typically need more support in their hips

Best Cooling Mattress for the Money: Renue Memory Foam Mattress

Described as “hugging a cloud,” the Renue memory foam mattress is a soft mattress designed to offer pressure-relieving comfort. If you’re looking for a 12-inch memory foam mattress, the Renue is described as plush, which is not ideal for stomach sleepers. Renue does offer hybrid mattresses as well, which are available in other firmness levels, including luxury firm, medium firm, medium, and medium plush.

Like other memory foam mattresses, the Renue memory foam mattress provides a good night’s sleep thanks to the work of multiple layers of foam:

• Copper-infused response foam
• Contourgel, which is a pressure-relieving foam
• High-density support foam
• High-density base foam

The 12-inch queen-size Renue Memory Foam Mattress lists for $799 with free shipping on Amazon.

Features of the Renue Memory Foam Mattress:

• Copper-infused foam to help you sleep cool
• CertiPUR-US certified foam
• Available in two profiles: 12-inch or 14-inch
• Easily purchased online
• Edge support available in the hybrid model
• Free shipping on Amazon
• Made in the United States

Potential cons:

• Limited warranty is deemed void by any stains or damage
• Warranty only covers sagging greater than 1.5 inches

Criteria and Considerations for Choosing the Best Mattress for the Money

Finding the best mattress for the money means finding a balance between top-quality materials and value. Because adequate sleep is essential for your overall health and studies show that many Americans aren’t getting the sleep they need, it’s important to invest in a new mattress, especially if you’re already living with symptoms of sleep deprivation or poor sleep quality.

Unfortunately, mattresses prices can range dramatically, which begs the question “Is the most expensive mattress the best one?” The answer: not necessarily. Your budget doesn’t have to stand in your way of getting a good night’s sleep. There are plenty of budget mattresses that provide top quality at an affordable price point.

What are the qualities of a “best” mattress? In our search to find the best mattress for the money, we evaluated the following criteria:

• Material type
• Certifications
• Price
• Warranty and trial periods

Material Type

You’ll spend an average of 2,920 hours sleeping each year, so it’s important to consider all of your mattress type options before choosing one. The most common types of mattresses include:

Innerspring Mattress

This type of mattress supports the sleeper through a system of steel coils or springs. Different types of material cover the steel coils to prevent damage to the mattress or discomfort for the sleeper. Fabric, foam, or other fibers are popular options for covering the steel coils.

Innerspring mattresses have been used since the early 1900s, but they also tend to wear out quicker than the other popular mattress types. When the springs wear out, the mattress starts to provide less support and increase lower back pain. According to Consumer Reports, memory foam mattresses are replacing the innerspring versions as the top pick for high-end mattresses.

Memory Foam Mattress

Memory foam (originally called temper foam) is a type of high-density foam that was first invented by NASA for use in their spacecraft seat cushions as well as their safety system, and since 1991, memory foam has been used in mattresses too.

All-foam mattresses are composed of multiple layers of foam, often a layer of responsive memory foam supported by a high-density base layer. Memory foam mattresses are top picks for shoppers because of their well-known blend of support and comfort.

The earliest memory foam mattresses tended to “sleep hot” — after all, it’s a person’s body heat that helps soften the foam to conform around the body. Recent technology has led to the fabrication of cooling layers that provide all the benefits of memory foam without the heat. Cool sleeping is just one benefit of newer memory foam mattresses.

Other benefits include pressure point relief, promotion of proper spine alignment, motion isolation, and the ability to pair well with adjustable beds.

Hybrid Mattress

As the name suggests, a hybrid mattress combines aspects of different mattresses. Most hybrids feature a memory-foam layer as well as coils. An advantage here is that hybrids tend to have more durable edge support. Edge support refers to how much support the edges of the mattress have. Good edge support reduces sagging on the edges and rolling near the edges.

In the end, a hybrid combines the cushioning and comfort of an all-foam mattress with the edge support of an innerspring mattress. The motion isolation is also well-suited for partners seeking a bouncy mattress for couples.

Latex Mattress

Natural latex mattresses are composed of latex foam, a type of foam that comes from natural rubber rather than synthetic ingredients. Latex mattresses can work for all sorts of sleepers including back-sleepers and side-sleepers. However, these mattresses may not be ideal for those with latex allergies.

Adjustable Mattresses

Adjustable mattresses — as the name suggests — are adjustable. Some adjustable beds allow the firmness level to be adjusted. This is ideal for couples who prefer to sleep on different firmness levels. Other types of adjustable beds allow the user to adjust the angle of the bed, i.e. to raise or lower the head of the bed or the foot of the bed.

Sofa Beds

While sofa beds are not intended for every night use, they work well for occasional guests. A sofa bed transforms from a sofa setting into a pull-out bed. Sofa bed mattresses tend to be thin and provide little support to the sleeper. Even the best sofa beds can lead to back pain after prolonged use. Over time, sofa bed mattresses can develop a crease or fold in the mattress due to the constant position of being tucked away in the sofa.

In our mattress review, we’ve elected to focus on the three most popular mattress options: memory foam mattresses, hybrid mattresses, and innerspring mattresses.

Certifications and Labels

The Go Green movement has affected every industry from grocery stores to ride shares, and the mattress industry is not exempt. Mattress companies can practice eco-friendly and sustainable practices while providing products that do not harm or pollute the environment. When comparing mattress to mattress, it’s important to take a look at what eco-friendly certifications are listed in the mattress description. In fact, there are many different certifications, and decoding the label can help you make savvy shopping decisions.

Below is a sample of the most common certifications and labels used to describe mattresses:

CertiPUR-US

Comparing certifications can be overwhelming (i.e. do you really need a mattress with all of these labels?), but at the end of the day, eco-friendly certification by CertiPUR-US is essential for the environment and for the air quality in your home.

Not all foam is created equally, and it all starts with the production process. Eco-friendly foam is created in a special chamber that prohibits harmful toxins from escaping into the environment.This certification applies only to memory foam mattresses, so if you’re looking at a wool mattress, you don’t see the CertiPUR-US certification because it won’t apply.

CertiPUR-US certifies that the polyurethane foam in a mattress is free from specific substances such as polybrominated diphenyl ether (PDBE) and other toxic flame retardants. Sporting the CertiPUR-US certification also means that the mattress has passed tests and is free from formaldehyde.

The certifications inform the consumer that these eco-friendly mattresses benefit the environment and the sleeper in many ways. Any mattress that earns a CertiPUR-US certification is certified to be:

• Free from formaldehyde
• Low in VOCs (this means that there is less than 0.5 parts per million volatile organic compound emissions)
• Manufactured without any compounds or emissions that deplete the ozone (this means that the mattress was not manufactured using chlorofluorocarbons, or CFC, which are known to deplete the ozone layer)
• Manufactured without any toxic flame retardants
• Manufactured without any PBDEs
• Free from toxic heavy metals, such as mercury and lead
• Manufactured without phthalates

Going through the CertiPUR-US certification process is voluntary for the mattress company. It’s not required, but earning this eco-friendly certifications certainly adds value to any mattress purchase. Because we feel so strongly about the importance of protecting both the environment and the air quality in our homes, we have considered eco-friendly CertiPUR-US certification and other earth-conscious or organic labels to be essential in our mattress review.

Greenguard

To earn the Greenguard certification, a mattress has to pass emissions tests. A Greenguard-certified mattresses does not emit dangerous levels of volatile organic compounds (VOC). VOCs are emitted as gasses, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined high VOC exposure can cause nausea, headaches, dizziness, and other negative health effects.

In other words, a Greenguard-certified mattress ensures that the VOC emissions are low enough to avoid indoor air pollution and harmful health effects.

Organic

While this is a label usually reserved for the produce aisle, a mattress can be USDA-certified organic if the cotton on the mattress is organic cotton. “Organic” doesn’t mean the entire mattress is organic. Rather, this label references only the cotton.

Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) Organic Certified

The GOLS organic certification is awarded only to products with 95% or higher organic latex materials.

Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) Organic Certified

The GOTS certification is awarded to products that contain wool or cotton with the highest quality. These textiles are free from harmful dyes and other chemicals.

Eco-Friendly

Some mattresses (or specifically, the components of some mattresses) can be a source of both indoor and outdoor air pollution as well as harmful toxins. Some mattresses even release harmful chemicals into the environment. The good news is that you can choose to only purchase mattresses that employ eco-friendly practices and materials. The term “eco-friendly” includes producing the mattress in a way that doesn’t pollute the water or air, using eco-friendly or sustainably-sourced components, or packaging the mattress in recyclable materials. Some companies also deliver their mattresses in eco-friendly shipping boxes.

Variable Pressure Foam (VPF)

Like CertiPUR-US, the VPF label applies only to foam mattresses. VPF foam is created in a way that’s eco-friendly and produces zero harmful emissions into the environment.

Price

A good mattress is an investment in your health, and while a good night’s sleep is priceless, it’s important to factor in the importance of smart shopping and sticking to a budget. Surprisingly, mattresses can range from as low as $200 up to $5000+. Although extremely low priced mattresses do exist, they aren’t necessarily the best value.

A 2008 study found that the brand new mattresses priced in the lowest category actually increased lower back pain in the study participants. Mid-range and high priced mattresses did not have the same pain-increasing effect across the board. The takeaway? The lowest prices didn’t deliver the value (and support and comfort) needed for a good night’s sleep.

For the sake of determining the best mattress for the money, we have elected to review mattresses with the price range of $500-$1,999.

A mattress in this price range can provide a good value, especially if the consumer considers how long a typical mattress lasts. If a mattress is used for 10 years, it’s the equivalent of investing anywhere from $50-$199.99 per year in the mattress. Not too bad!

Warranty and Trial Periods

Looking for the best mattress for the money is more involved than simply checking out the price tag. A good mattress comes with other perks — besides a sound night of sleep — like warranties and trial periods. Warranties protect the mattress from defects while trial periods enable the consumer to feel confident in their purchasing decision. Good warranties protect the consumer for years with reasonable coverage while a poor warranty has more fine print and more restrictions with what is covered.

For the sake of this review, we have evaluated only mattresses with beneficial-for-you warranties and risk-free trial periods.

What to Avoid When Purchasing a New Mattress

Mattress shopping can be exciting. The prospect of a good night of sleep is thrilling, but before committing to one mattresses, it’s important to avoid the following mattresses:

A Mattress That Doesn’t Respond to Your Body’s Movements

Want a good night’s sleep without sinking too deeply into the mattress? Look for a responsive mattress. Responsiveness relates to the quality of bouncing back. A great mattress should bounce back quickly, enabling the sleeper to comfortably shift positions without sinking into the mattress.

Most mattresses take up to a full minute to bounce back — that’s 60 seconds of feeling sunken into the mattress.

When you try a mattresses, don’t just lay down. Get into your preferred sleeping position and then move around and switch up your positions. If the mattress doesn’t respond to your motions, it’s time to take a pass.

A Mattress That Isn’t Eco-Friendly

Thanks to mounting evidence on volatile organic compounds’ effect on air quality indoors, it’s a good idea to avoid any mattress that could harm you or the environment.

A Mattress That Isn’t the Right Size

If you already have a mattress foundation, it’s import to select a mattress that fits the current foundation. Additionally, if you’d like a different size bed, you’ll need to purchase a new foundation as well. Using the wrong-size foundation can damage the mattress and contribute to an uncomfortable night of sleep if the mattress hangs off the foundation.

A Memory Foam Mattress Without Cooling Features

Even choosing the right type of material can go a long way toward helping you get a good night’s sleep. For example, don’t neglect the cooling features — or lack thereof. A mattress that promises to keep you cool is especially important if you live in a hotter climate, if you’re dealing with hot flashes, or if you generally run warm.

Inferior foam beds have a bad reputation for feeling hot, so it’s important to check that your mattress features cooling technology.

A Mattress That Is Not Designed for Your Sleeping Position

Even a high-quality mattress can cause discomfort if it’s not designed for your preferred sleeping position. For instance, a plush mattress can put too much strain on the neck and spine of a stomach sleeper because the neck and back are not supported properly.

So what is the right firmness level for you? In general, individuals who sleep on their back tend to do well with either a medium-firm or firm mattress as it supports the proper spinal alignment. On the other hand, side sleepers need a little more cushion to decrease pressure on the hips. If you alternate because your back and your right side, a medium mattress may provide the balance you need.

Try Before You Buy?

Do you need to try a mattress before you buy it? Not always, but if you can make it to a showroom, you’ll be able to try out the mattress before you bring it home.

Keep these tips in mind as you select the best mattress:

• Look at the firmness level: Is the support right for you? Choosing a new mattress with the appropriate firmness for your needs is worth every penny. Even a budget-friendly option isn’t worth the money if it’s not the firmness that you need. Back sleepers do well with medium or medium-firm firmness levels. On the other hand, side sleepers may prefer a softer feel that still provides enough support to the hips.
• Get comfortable: If you’re in the showroom, it’s important to really relax on the mattress. Sitting alone isn’t a good judge of the support that a mattress can give you. Don’t be afraid to lay down and see how your favorite sleeping position feels on the new mattress. If you normally sleep on your side, don’t lay on your back and vice versa. Getting comfortable in your favorite positions will let your body know if there’s enough support in all of the right pressure points for your needs.
• Bring your favorite pillow from home: It may seem like an odd tip, but bringing your own pillow allows you to easily fall into your normal sleeping position.
• Don’t rush: Ideally, try to lay on the mattress for at least 10-15 minutes.

If you can’t make it to a showroom or just don’t want to, you’re not out of options. Keep these tips in mind before you purchase a mattress online:

• Evaluate the sleep trial policy: Try a test run — or test sleep. Ten minutes on the show room is great, but it’s not enough. Risk-free trials allow you to sleep for an extended amount of time on the mattress. It can take up to 30 days to adjust to a new mattress, and many trials generously accommodate sleepers well beyond this number. We dive deeper into the value of a sleep trial policy in the next section.
• Review the return policy: Ordering a mattress online doesn’t need to be stressful. Check out the return policy: Many companies have hassle-free returns and 100% money-back guarantees. We dive deeper into the return policy in the next section.
• Consider shipping costs: Even if you don’t live in the same city or state as the showroom, many mattress companies offer free (and fast) shipping so you can have a luxurious night of sleep, no matter where you live. We’ll take a closer look at shipping in the next section.

SEE ALSO: The Best Place to Buy a Mattress & In-Store Myths

A Note on Shipping, Return, Warranty, and Trial Policies

When you’re looking for the best mattress for the money, you want to make sure you get the best value on everything from the actual mattress to the shipping, return, and trial policies that come with it. In other words, the best mattress for the money provides a valuable mattress as well as valuable policies.

What Constitutes a Good Shipping and Return Policy?

A good shipping policy and a good return policy contribute to the overall value of a new mattress. Ultimately, these policies exist to protect your investment.

Shipping Policies

In years past, mattresses were delivered from a department start and delivery fees could be anywhere from $50-$200 or more. Many top mattress brands now offer free shipping right to your door. Take a look at your mattress’s shipping policy and evaluate these points:

• Is shipping free?
• Does shipping include white-glove service?
• Is the shipping eco-friendly? (Note: many mattress-in-a-boxes are shipped in vacuum-packed shipping materials which reduces the carbon footprint and makes it easy to set up the new mattress.)

Return Policies

Sometimes a mattress isn’t a good fit, and a good return policy makes the return or exchange process as hassle-free as possible. When evaluating return policies on a mattress company, consider these points:

• Are returns 100% free? Is there a cost for return shipping?
• Are there any limitations on returns?
• Are you responsible for packaging the mattress and carting it to the Post Office?
• Does the mattress company participate in mattress donation? (Some companies skip the return process altogether and instead will arrange for a returned mattress to be donated.)

Warranty

Like any warranty, a mattress warranty is a guarantee that the manufacturers will replace a defective mattress so long as certain requirements are met. Warranty (length and terms) can vary wildly from mattress brand to mattress brand so be sure to evaluate the fine print carefully. Ask the following questions before purchasing:

• How long is the warranty?
• What is covered under the warranty?
• Is sagging covered by the warranty? If so, what is the minimum depth of sagging that the warranty covers?
• How easy is the process of replacing a mattress that is covered under the warranty?
• Does the warranty require specific bed foundations or bed frames to be used with the mattress? Are support items required? This includes support items such as vertical support bars and moisture-resistant plywood.
• Does the warranty require the use of a box spring?
• Are there any cleaning practices that void the warranty?

What Constitutes a Good Sleep Trial Policy?

Regardless of whether you order your mattress online or purchase it through a showroom, a good sleep trial policy is essential. A sleep trial is a period of time (most often 100 nights) that allows your body time to adjust to sleeping on a new mattress.

Why a Sleep Trial Is Essential

Take a peek at an old or worn-out mattress, and it’s easy to spot large divots or dips. These divots are called “sleep postures.” When a sleeper rolls into one of these sleep postures, it can force the body into unnatural or uncomfortable sleeping positions. Imagine sleeping all night in a dip. Sleeping on a mattress with sleep postures often leads to lower back pain, sore hips, or even neck and shoulder pain.

Once a new mattress arrives, the sleeper must adjust to sleeping without the pre-formed sleep postures. The process of learning to sleep in ergonomically-sound positions again is called the adjustment cycle, which can take 30 days or more. A good sleep trial policy allows for this process.

In addition to the adjustment cycle, a sleep trial allows the sleeper to adjust to a new type of mattress. This is especially important for anyone switching to a new type of mattress, e.g., moving from an innerspring mattress to a memory foam mattress.

A good trial policy gives the body time to adjust and perhaps even improve sleeping positions and sleeping habits. A sleep trial is the best way to really know if a mattress is right for you. Lying on a mattress for 10 minutes in a store is helpful, but it’s the sleep trial that really determines if a mattress helps alleviate lower back pain or provides the pressure relief you need. This is why some mattress companies continue to offer sleep trials even if they have showrooms.

When comparing the trial policies, consider these points:

• How long is the sleep trial? Ideally, look for a sleep trial that’s risk-free and at least 100 nights.
• What happens if you aren’t satisfied within that trial period?
• What happens if you aren’t satisfied outside of that trial period?

Setting Up Your New Mattress

Once you’ve selected a new mattress, it’s time to unbox it and set it up. Setting up a new mattress properly ensures it can last for years to come.

Delivery

Mattresses can be delivered through the store where the mattress was purchased. These types of deliveries are often priced per delivery. For example, a department store may charge a flat fee of $50 to deliver a bedroom set. Delivery fees are hard to avoid with this type of delivery.

In recent years, the mattress industry has shifted away from per-delivery fees and moved towards free shipping thanks to the ease of eco-friendly packaging. Mattress-in-a-box packaging has made it much easier to transport and deliver mattresses, cutting back on costs for the consumer.

Once the mattress is delivered, the consumer is responsible for opening the box and setting up the bed. The exception, of course, is if white-glove delivery has been selected.

Unboxing

To reduce the risk of damage to the mattress, unbox the mattress in the selected bedroom. Always follow the instructions carefully to avoid cutting, puncturing, or otherwise damaging the mattress.

Letting the Mattress Breathe

After being compressed, it may take time for the mattress to fully expand. This is normal. Simply unwrap the mattress as directed. Some mattresses give off an odor. If you find the odor unpleasant, open the windows in the bedroom for a few hours to air out the room. Once the mattress has fully expanded and has had time to breathe, continue to the next step.

Protecting the Mattress

Once the mattress is fully unboxed and open, it’s important to protect the mattress from accidental spills, dust mites, and anything else that could reduce the efficiency of the mattress or void the warranty. To protect the mattress, consider using a high-quality waterproof mattress cover. Mattress covers protect the mattress from allergens, dust mites, and spills.

It’s tempting to get an inexpensive cover, but it’s important to find a waterproof cover to extend the life of the mattress without blocking all the cooling properties of the mattress. A good waterproof mattress cover won’t detract from the comfort or breathability of the mattress. It should continue to keep you cool while still protecting the mattress from spills or leaks.

To keep your mattress cover in good working order and your mattress stain-free, avoid washing and drying the mattress cover on high heat. Always follow all cleaning and washing instructions on your mattress cover to ensure that your mattress stays fully protected.

Get Cozy

A new mattress means new sheets. Before purchasing new sheets, be sure to double-check the depth of the mattress. Most mattress feature a 10- or 12-inch depth. Sheets with “deep pockets” will fit nicely on this size mattress so making the bed won’t be a struggle on laundry day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best hybrid mattress for the money?

The “best hybrid” for you will depend on your body type and sleep position. However, we’ve found that Amerisleep AS3 Hybrid typically rakes as one of the most comfortable and supportive hybrids. This is also affordable and made with durable, high-quality materials that last up to 10 years.

What’s the best memory foam mattress for the money?

Amerisleep’s AS3 typically rates as one of the best memory foam mattresses for the money. This mattress is made with durable, eco-friendly memory foam. It also has a medium firmness that works well for most sleepers, including side, back, and combination sleepers.

What’s the best mattress for the money for back pain?

The best mattresses for back pain are medium-firm. One of the best medium-firm mattresses for the money is the Amerisleep AS2. This mattress has targeted lumbar support to promote a safe, neutral spine. It also contours closely to the body to relieve pressure and tension.

What’s the best mattress for the money for a side sleeper?

The best mattresses for the money for side sleepers are the Amerisleep AS5 and the Zoma Mattress. We recommend the AS5 for lightweight side sleepers because its plush comfort level cushions the hip and shoulders joints and prevents pressure points. We recommend the Zoma Mattress for average weight side sleepers and for couples. This mattress has a medium comfort level that provides a perfect balance of cushioning and support to the lumbar spine.

Which type of mattress is best?

There’s no such thing as a perfect type of mattress. Every mattress type has its pros and cons:

• Memory foam mattresses are resilient and conform to your body for excellent pressure relief. However, even the best memory foam mattresses can’t be entirely eco-friendly because their production requires petrochemicals.
• Natural latex mattresses are durable, contouring, and springy. However, they usually have expensive price tags because of latex’s high production costs.
• Hybrid mattresses balance comfort with bouncy support. Like latex mattresses, they can cost a lot because of production expenses.
• Innerspring mattresses are inexpensive and familiar. However, many only last a few years and some sleepers have complained about a lack of pressure relief.

When choosing a mattress, it’s always smart to buy one with a sleep trial. That way you can return it if you’re unsatisfied.

So What Is the Best Mattress for Your Money?

The best mattress for the money is one that meets all your needs: the type of mattress you want, the materials you want, the certifications you want, and the comfort and support you need. Getting a mattress you’re happy to sleep in so you can feel good in the morning maximizes your money in the long run.

We hope this article has shed light on the best mattress for the money. Finding the right mattress at the right price is just the next step in achieving a night of quality ZZZs.

Remember, the best mattress for the money is a quality mattress that meets your needs without breaking the bank.

Keep these tips in mind to select the best mattress for you, which will maximize your money in the long run. Look for:

• A risk-free trial that allows you to test drive your mattress
• A warranty that protects you for years to come — which makes your initial investment even more profitable
• The right level of support so you feel comfortable all night long