Best Mattress Under $1000 (2020): 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

1. Zoma Mattress

First up is the Zoma Mattress, a memory foam mattress for recover and optimal next-day performance. 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.

2. 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 soft, breathable cover that is designed to keep body heat from building up in the mattress. The cover is also removable and completely washable, so it is easy to keep your mattress clean throughout many years of use.

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.

3. Vaya

The Vaya Mattress has a 2-layer design and a medium feel meant to accommodate a variety of sleeping styles. The Vaya Comfort Foam layer responds quickly to movement, so even as you change positions, you won’t sink down or experience pressure build-up. This CertiPUR-US® certified foam is made with open-cell channels to keep air moving through easily, preventing heat traps.  The Vaya Base Foam keeps the softer layer above it even and prevents sags. Its durable design supports your spine all night.

Warranty

The Vaya comes with a 10-year warranty that covers manufacturing defects and sagging greater than .75 inches.

4. 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.

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.

6. Lull

Lull is relatively new in the mattress-making game and an online-exclusive brand, but they’ve made quite an impression. There are more than 23,000 customer reviews on the company’s website, with more than 4,000 on Google Customer Reviews. The company has a policy of offering a full refund to anyone whose review is not posted.

Reviews have mentioned how the Lull mattress eased a customer’s back pain. Similarly, reviews have mentioned it’s a bed that’s on the medium-firm side and doesn’t allow for much cradling. It may be best for those looking for a firmer bed, such as back and side sleepers.

Taking the 10-inch Lull mattress apart, you’ll find it has three layers:

• A 1.5-inch layer of gel memory foam for cushion and coolness.
• Followed by a 1.5-inch layer of poly foam to transition between the top memory foam layer and the base.
• Seven inches of poly-foam to provide the layers above with support and shape.

Warranty

The Lull warranty is for 10-years. The main coverage is for sagging or unnatural indentations. If, within those 10 years, your Lull mattress sags 1″ more, Lull will issue a replacement mattress free of charge.

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.

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.

Sleeping Position

Side Sleepers

Side sleepers need cushion as well as support, this is why the best mattresses for side sleepers tend to be medium to medium-soft. Side sleeping is the most common position in the world. Think about how the body is in position when you sleep on your side. Less of your body is making contact with the mattress, so the parts that are, such as your shoulders or hips, are subject to greater pressure points. This is why we recommend softer mattresses for side sleepers.

Back Sleepers

Back sleeping is healthy (though there is some evidence to show the healthiest position is sleeping on your right side) but not nearly as common as side sleeping. When you are sleeping on your back, there are less curves to account for. You only need a little cushion for the gap in the small of our back and so your shoulder blades don’t feel pressure throughout the night.

If you suffer from lower back pain, check out our guide on finding the best mattress for back pain.

Stomach Sleeping

Stomach sleeping is the least recommended position and this has a lot to do with pressure on your organs and the unnatural position it puts your spine in.

If you’re a stomach sleeper, it could be a sign you aren’t getting the support and comfort you need from your mattress. There are several ways to stop sleeping on your stomach, one of them is to invest in a wedge pillow or an adjustable bed. An adjustable bed allows you to raise and lower your legs and torso and head. By raising your legs, you can take pressure off your lower back and, most importantly, stay on your back.

Types of Mattresses

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.

Memory Foam

At $1,000, there are a variety of high-end memory foam mattresses available. 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.

Motion Transfer and Motion Isolation

A common complaint amongst readers is when their bed has really high motion transfer (which can otherwise be said to be really low motion isolation).

Motion transfer is when your movement on one side of the bed is felt throughout the entire mattress. This can have a negative effect on couples who are sharing a mattress. If one person gets up in the middle of the night to use the restroom, the movement of them getting up will be felt by the other person. Motion transfer isn’t great even if you’re the only one using your mattress. If you try to shift throughout the night it might feel like you’re moving in a water bed.

Generally, a firm mattress will have less motion transfer than a soft mattress. However, at this price point, you are probably only going to find a mattress with good motion isolation (the ability to isolate the motion and stop it from spreading) in memory foam mattresses, where the layers of foam work together to absorb movement, or in innerspring mattresses with individually wrapped coils.

Sleeping Hot and Mattress Airflow

When looking for a budget mattress, generally you aren’t getting the absolute best materials. And that’s the whole point. You can trade off a few features and benefits – the ones which don’t matter to much to you – and save a few hundred bucks.

But the one feature you shouldn’t overlook is: will this mattress sleep hot? This isn’t just a problem for naturally hot sleepers. Low-density foams generally score pretty low on the reviews for promoting airflow, which means their beds often become heat traps. This is especially true of cheap memory foam mattresses.

When shopping for a mattress, at any budget, look to see if their foam (whether memory or latex) or coils system takes heat and airflow into account.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best queen mattress for under 1000?

Our top recommendation is the Zoma Mattress, with its medium feel that strikes an excellent balance between support and comfort. The Zoma Mattress is well-suited for side, back, and combination sleepers. You can quell any uncertainties you have by taking advantage of the company’s 100-night sleep trial, with a full refund offered if you’re not satisfied.

Are Costco mattresses any good?

Our Costco mattress overview concluded that while it can be a decent discount mattress, you might be better off focusing on a more durable mattress with a more consistent surface. Remember, paying more for a bed doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get a better mattress. However, once you’ve done your research and found a well-reviewed mattress, you might find it worthwhile to invest a little more money for a bed that will feel a lot more comfortable and supportive.

Is it better to sleep on a hard or soft mattress?

The perfect firmness for you depends on what your favorite sleeping position is and how much you weigh. Side sleepers need a softer mattress than back or stomach sleepers for pressure relief. A mattress for a petite sleeper should also have a soft feel, while an obese person may benefit from sleeping on a firmer mattress.

What is the best month to buy a mattress?

We recommend May as the best mattress-buying month. Companies usually release new models over the summer, so many stores work to clear out their older stock in May or June. That said, there are plenty of good sales days spread throughout the year, such as Presidents Day, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, and Black Friday.

How do you know when you need to replace your mattress?

If your bed is getting older and you’re unsure if it’s time to replace your mattress, ask yourself how you feel when you wake up. If you consistently feel groggy or sore after what should have been a good night’s rest, it’s probably time for a new mattress. However, if you wake up every day feeling better than when you went to bed, your mattress is probably still in great shape.

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.