Best Mattress Under $1000: Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Purchasing a new mattress doesn’t have to be intimidating, nor does it have to be expensive. Several manufacturers offer a wide range of mattresses within the $800-$1,000 range. When looking for a budget mattress consider: how you sleep, preferred mattress type, and body weight. To help narrow down these choices, we’ve come up with a list of the top 7 best mattresses under $1000. Plus, we cover leading mattress technologies to help make the process (hopefully) not so overwhelming.

To write this article, we considered over fifteen leading brands, read dozens of reviews and articles, and spent 20 hours on research, writing, and revision.

Best Mattresses Under $1000

Name	Type	Firmness	Price (Queen)
Amerisleep AS1	Back, Stomach	Firm	$999
Zoma Sports Mattress	Side, Back	Medium	$750
Purple	Side, Back	Medium Firm	$999
Layla	Combo	Dual	$874
Bear	Side, Back	Medium Firm	$840

1. Amerisleep AS1

Amerisleep’s AS1 is their firmest mattress. It’s constructed from 2” of memory foam and 8” of polyfoam and designed to improve sleep and regulate body temperature.

Due to the body contouring capabilities of a memory foam mattress, many find themselves caught in heat traps because of lack of airflow. Unlike innersprings, memory foam is a denser material and can retain heat. What puts the AS1 at the top of our list is their use of open-cell, plant-based foams to boost breathability.

Each layer of foam is exclusive to Amerisleep and built to offer support, airflow, and regulate body heat. Further, the AS1 is encased in a Celliant®-infused cover. Celliant® transforms body heat into infrared energy, which is then absorbed back into the body to increase blood flow. With this type of cooling technology, plus the soft support and pressure-relieving quality of memory foam, this mattress is a steal.

Warranty

A 20-year warranty with two simple sections- the first 10 years includes a complete mattress replacement due to manufacturer defects. It also covers sagging greater than .75” not caused by inadequate foundation support or improper use. The second 10 years is a prorated warranty, meaning should the mattress need to be replaced, Amerisleep will cover 50% of the original purchase price. Only applies to the original purchaser.

2. Zoma Sports Mattress

Next up is the Zoma Sports Mattress, a memory foam mattress for athletes. Zoma is designed to facilitate deeper sleep to help you recover faster and wake up feeling refreshed. Even if you’re not an athlete, you can benefit from Zoma’s sleep-promoting design.

Zoma has three layers: gel-infused memory foam with Triangulex™ technology, Reactiv™ transition layer, and Support+ base.

When you lay on Zoma, the top layer of memory foam contours to your body to offer instant pressure relief. The gel within combats body heat to keep you sleeping comfortably. Then, Triangulex™ technology comes into play to offer dynamic spinal support and promote healthy posture.

Below, the layer of Reactiv™ boosts Zoma’s bounciness. Reactiv™ is proprietary to Zoma and designed to feel more responsive than memory foam. This foam prevents you from ever feeling “stuck” in the mattress and makes it easier to climb in or out of bed.

The third and final layer of Zoma is durable Support+, a poly-foam. Support+ reinforces the two layers above and extends the bed’s lifespan to help you get the most for your money.

Warranty

Zoma comes with a 10-year warranty, which is pretty typical for most memory foam mattresses. If your mattress develops a sag or indentation greater than 3/4 inch, Zoma will repair or replace your mattress for you free of charge. As with all warranties, Zoma’s coverage only applies to the original purchaser and does not carry over if the bed is ever re-sold.

3. Purple

This unique memory foam mattress was created by two brothers with extensive experience in aerospace and manufacturing. Together, they created Hyper-Elastic Polymer™, a material that specializes in relieving pressure points no matter the sleep position. A mattress that provides this benefit for under $1,000 is worth looking into. Hyper-Elastic Polymer™ acts as the top layer of the Purple mattress to provide the best comfort and support. This mattress doesn’t trap heat and instead neutralizes body temperature. For those looking for something other than memory foam or coils, the Purple mattress is a great choice.

Warranty

Limited 10-year warranty covers sagging of 1” or more, if the sagging is not caused by a poor foundation. Purple will replace or repair the mattress, but the purchaser is responsible for shipping and handling, and inspection costs. Only applies to the original purchaser.

4. Layla

What makes this memory foam bed unique is its dual sides. One side sleeps soft while the other sleeps firm. The soft side relieves pressure points making it ideal for side sleepers, while the firm side offers better support for stomach sleepers. Not many mattress companies offer two levels of firmness in one mattress. It’s a steal under $1,000! You’ll receive increased airflow and cooling on both sides of the bed. Additionally, Layla infuses their memory foam with copper, an excellent conductor of heat and promoting better blood circulation. The Layla mattress uses a mattress cover designed with ThermoGel® to provide further cooling.

Warranty

The lifetime warranty covers sagging more than 1”, loss of shape, splitting/cracking of foam, and loss of mattress height. However, without the correct base with proper center support, the warranty is voided. There may be a shipping fee of $50 for repairs or replacement. If the warranty claim is valid, Layla may replace with available model, version, color, or style that may differ in some way from the original. Only applies to the original purchaser.

5. Bear

The Bear mattress is an excellent choice, particularly for athletes. What makes the Bear ideal is its Celliant®-infused cover. This provides a unique cooling method where the cover absorbs body heat and transforms it into infrared light. This cooling technique is particularly ideal for athletes because it helps improve muscle recovery and provide better sleep. Additionally, the Bear mattress is designed to handle heavyweight sleepers and increase motion isolation. A mattress like this under $1,000 can be tricky to find because thicker mattresses tend to come at a higher price – more quality materials = more expense. That’s what makes the Bear mattress a great find.

Warranty

This 10-year warranty covers any sagging of at least 1” not caused by a poor base/foundation and cracks/splitting despite following safe handling protocol. Bear will replace or repair any valid defects. Purchaser is responsible for shipping and handling costs. Only applies to the original purchaser.

What to Consider When Looking for Affordable Mattresses

In looking for the best mattress, you can expect to find a variety of high-quality options. Many of these options are also included in $5,000 mattresses, proof that you don’t have to pay a ton of money for quality. Before shopping, consider what you want from your mattress.

• Who is the mattress for?
  • Do you share your mattress?
  • For a child?
  • For a guest room?
• How do you sleep?
  • Side, Back, Stomach, or Combination?
• Do you sleep hot or cold?
• Is there a particular type of mattress you’re interested in?

By answering these questions, you can better narrow your options to specific choices. Most mattress companies offer their customers a sleep trial of at least 100 nights; ample time to try out any mattress and allow your body to adjust to the difference. Ask if the company offers a warranty and what it entails. Be sure to read the small print to avoid any miscommunication. Typically, you can expect a 10-year warranty for most mattresses.

Personal preference and how you sleep will ultimately determine which mattress you choose. For example, if you prefer a mattress with a bounce, then an innerspring, hybrid, or latex might be good options. If you and your sleeping partner differ in how you sleep, it might be a good idea to look into a customizable mattress. Some companies offer special features for an additional price. These perks include white glove service and removable covers.

White Glove Service

While this service is included through several mattress companies, some may not offer this service. It includes the delivery and set up of a new mattress, with the removal of your old one. So if you can’t set up the mattress yourself, or you don’t want to go through the struggle, it may be worth it to pay extra for this perk.

Removable Covers

A mattress cover or protector could help improve the life of your mattress. If you have children, pets, or like to eat while in bed, this might be a good buy. Note that spilling a liquid on your mattress without a cover could void your warranty. Rather than risk the damage, see if the mattress manufacturer also offers a removable cover; that way, the cover can easily be washed and replaced instead of buying a new mattress.

Types of Mattresses to Consider

In the search for the best mattress under $1,000, many types of mattresses are available. These include memory foam, latex, innerspring, and hybrid. Each of these beds offer their own unique design and construction to provide comfort and improve sleep quality. Finding the best one is all based on personal preference. Looking at the different types can help determine which one is best for you.

Foam

At $1,000, there are a variety of high-end foam mattresses available. Foam mattresses can include polyurethane, memory foam, or a blend of the two. Polyurethane is mostly used as a base for foam mattresses because of its affordability to manufacture. Sometimes, it can be used as a top or middle layer. Though memory foam contours to the body, it also retains heat. But many companies, in light of this, incorporate some form of cooling technology to help neutralize body temperature. Memory foam is also a great way to relieve pressure, making it ideal for side and combination sleepers. According to Web MD, memory foam may also help relieve lower back pain.

Latex

Latex is the most costly option when searching for the best mattress under $1,000. This is due to its natural properties in providing cooling, support, and bounce. This eco-friendly option is perfect for those seeking a firmer mattress and a good option for heavyweight sleepers. There are two types of latex: Dunlop and Talalay. Dunlop is the less expensive of the two because it’s denser and more elastic. Talalay comes at a higher price due to adding hot rods into the foam, creating a lighter and softer sensation. Unlike memory foam, latex is naturally cool. Out of all the types of mattresses, latex is the most durable. Though it can be added as a layer, finding an all-latex mattress under $1,000 can be a challenge.

Innerspring

The more traditional choice, innerspring mattresses have been around for decades. While supportive, innerspring may not conform to the body as well as memory foam. Yet innerspring provides excellent breathability due to large air pockets provided from its structure of interlocking wire coils. The type of material that the wire is made of can vary, but at $1,000 you can probably expect the same steel made from swords. When looking for an innerspring mattress, be sure to pay attention to coil count and wire gauge. These will determine the quality. For a queen mattress, expect 400 coils or more with a gauge of 14 or higher. Some innerspring beds might contain individually-wrapped coils or pocket coils to provide more comfort and less bounce.

Hybrid

A combination of latex, foam, and coils are used to create a traditional hybrid mattress. Hybrids offer the best of both worlds with latex and foam acting as comfort layers, while pocket coils offer excellent support. Layers of latex and foam are able to relieve pressure points, provide better motion isolation, and conform to the body. Pocket coils provide a breathable and supportive core while reducing noise and limiting bounce. Hybrids are typically thicker than other mattresses due to its many layers. Further, they have better edge support with minimal sagging.

Conclusion

Many shoppers worry that if they don’t put a high amount of money towards a mattress, then they’ll end up stuck with a low-quality mattress. But this is not the case. Research has shown that there’s not much of a difference between a $5,000 mattress and a $1,000 mattress. Other than a lifetime warranty and paying for the brand, there’s not much more you can receive from a $5,000 mattress than you do from a $1,000 mattress. Both mattresses offer great quality and excellent comfort. Many don’t need to spend $5,000 to have a long-lasting supportive mattress.

It’s important to know what you want from your mattress before you buy it. Always consider your personal preferences before going out to shop. At a budget of $1,000, any type of mattress will be available. Be sure to check with manufacturers about a sleep trial and warranty. This allows you to try out any mattress and protects your investment should you decide to buy. You’ll find how easy it is to find the best mattress under $1,000 with how many options are available to you at this price.

¹ The FDA has determined that Celliant® products are medical devices as defined in section 201(h) of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and are general wellness products. Celliant® is designated by the FDA to temporarily promote increased local blood flow at the site of application in healthy individuals. Hologenix, LLC, the maker of Celliant®, states that Celliant® safely converts body heat to infrared energy. This energy penetrates into the muscle and tissue to promote a temporary increase in local blood flow and helps increase comfort and promotes restful sleep.