If price isn’t a concern, it’s easy to find a great mattress. But if you’re shopping on a more conservative budget, truly good mattresses are a bit harder to score. Shopping for an affordable mattress is just like shopping for the very best mattresses. Here’s what to look for:
Above all else, you want a mattress firmness that supports your body’s size and shape and one that’s targeted toward your preferred sleep position(s). Back and stomach sleepers should look for medium-firm or true firm mattresses for maximum support that keeps their spine naturally aligned. Side sleepers typically prefer softer (often called plush) mattresses that follow the contours of their body while providing proper support for hips and shoulders.
Cooling sleep technology used to be exclusive to the most premium mattresses from the likes of Tempur-Pedic and Casper. These days, many of the most affordable mattresses also provide some form of built-in temperature regulation layers. If you tend to run hot, live somewhere with warmer-than-average temps, or both, consider a mattress with active cooling tech to keep you comfortable all year long.
As the name implies, edge support refers to how well a mattress holds up at the sides and foot. This makes it easier to get into and out of bed and can also help with everyday tasks like sitting on the edge of your bed to put your shoes on. Innerspring mattresses tend to fare better here, although the best hybrid mattresses (with a blended construction that combines innerspring and foam layers) typically work well too.
Every mattress brand worth shopping for offers a minimum 90-day trial period. This allows buyers a full three months to sleep on their new mattress in their own home to decide if it’s right for them. Note that some brands also offer free delivery and free returns, meaning their in-home trial is truly risk-free. Some, however, charge a return fee that can be as little as $50 or more than $100. We recommend always reading the fine print to be sure.
Almost every mattress brand we recommend offers a minimum 10-year warranty. Some provide a generous term of 25 years or even lifetime. Many sleep experts recommend replacing your mattress after eight to 10 years, however. So, warranty periods longer than a decade may not matter.
Budget brands often charge extra for things that their premium counterparts build into the cost of each mattress. Some offer free delivery but not free returns. Setup of your new mattress or old mattress removal probably won’t be included in the price. There may also be restocking fees (in addition to paying for return shipping) for any returns, even those made within the in-home trial period. These charges can add up quickly, turning a sub-$500 mattress steal into a much more expensive purchase than you originally planned.
