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Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed 600+ mattresses and accessories for over seven years using proprietary analysis and hands-on testing. We assess each bed for support, cooling, firmness, pressure relief, and more.
We’ll be discussing our top picks for the best cheap mattresses to get the most bang for your buck in terms of quality, durability, versatility, comfort, and pressure relief. This list is compiled of the best affordable mattresses to fit your budget and your needs.
While some higher-end bed-in-a-box mattresses can cost upwards of $3,000, there are plenty of more affordable products out there that still offer a good night’s sleep. That’s why we put together this roundup of the best affordable mattresses. We’ve found these eight beds to be some of the best cheap mattresses out there, covering a variety of price points and features for different types of shoppers. Not only do all of these mattresses have an appealing price point, they also excel in quality. Every mattress our sleep testers assess is run through a series of trials to determine their strengths and weaknesses. The products on this page represent our top choices for affordable mattresses that don’t sacrifice quality for budget.
Our Verdict: What’s the Best Affordable Mattress?
Our expert reviewers chose the Bear as the overall best cheap mattress (and best affordable mattress for back sleepers) for its durability, bouncy hybrid construction, and luxurious but affordable design.
The Best Cheap Mattresses for Your Budget
Bear Mattress – Best Budget Mattress for Back Sleepers
Silk & Snow – Best Affordable Mattress for Side Sleepers
Our Certified Sleep Coaches at Mattress Clarity have reviewed over 600 mattresses using proprietary analysis and hands-on testing. We score our mattresses based on a few factors, including support, edge support, cooling, motion transfer, durability, trial period, and warranty.
For this roundup, we added price as an additional factor and only included mattresses that are at or below $2,000 with the cheapest option on this list coming in at around $370. If you’re looking for the cheapest options available with the best quality, check out our list of the best mattresses for your money. If you still can’t decide what mattress is best for you and your budget after browsing through our recommendations, try taking ourmattress quiz for more personalized suggestions.
How We Chose the Best Cheap Mattresses
When considering cheap mattresses, we wanted to balance affordability with your ability to get a cozy night of sleep, and peace of mind with your purchase. Here are three key things we weighed in compiling our final picks for the best cheap mattresses:
Durability
Ultimately, a mattress with subpar materials will cost you more in the long run if you have to replace it, since some very inexpensive mattresses might start to sag or lose structure quickly. In making our roundup, we considered the type and robustness of mattress materials, including the number of layers, density of foams, and types of coils used (in the case of hybrid mattresses). Each bed’s materials met our standards for adequate durability, although we noted based on our testing which mattresses went above and beyond as far as durability.
Support
Even a cheap mattress needs to provide adequate support to keep your spine aligned and hips elevated. We sought options that offered decent firmness and support, especially for sleepers with back issues.
Warranty and Sleep Trial
Some cheaper mattresses may not come with a trial period or generous return policy, which is important in case you find the bed is too firm or not firm enough, causes sleep problems, or doesn’t suit your sleep position. We choose mattresses that boast more generous sleep trials and warranty terms — after all, if you’re the type of conscientious buyer looking for a cheaper mattress, you don’t wan’t to be stuck with a non-refundable bed you hate.
Bear Mattress – Best Budget Mattress for Back Sleepers
Best Mattress for Back Sleepers
Mattress Clarity Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
3.8
Bear
Bear Original
Medium-Firm Feel
Affordable
Lifetime Warranty
Foam mattress
120-night sleep trial
Free shipping
Black Friday Sale
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The Bear Original is a memory foam mattress. It features softer foam layers for cushioning and firmer ones for support.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated this mattress 6.5/10. This is the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$786-$1,690 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Side Sleepers
Great pressure relief for side sleepers under 230 lbs.
Back Sleepers
Great support for back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Hot Sleepers
This bed’s cooling features can help keep you from overheating at night.
Pros of the Bear Original Mattress
The Bear’s gel-infused memory foam can help hot sleepers stay cool throughout the night.
It’s an affordable option. A queen-size Bear mattress is less than $1,000, even before discounts.
Bear offers a lifetime warranty on this mattress. That means if you find any covered defects or indentations during the life of your mattress, they will replace it free of charge.
Cons of the Bear Original Mattress
This bed probably isn’t a good fit for side sleepers who weigh over 230 lbs.
Stomach sleepers likely won’t find this bed firm enough to keep their spine in proper alignment.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period.
The Bear Original is a memory foam mattress with broad appeal. It provides good support and pressure relief for side and back sleepers who weigh less than 230 lbs and comes with plenty of cooling features. It isn’t firm enough for most sleepers who weigh more than 230 lbs, though. If you need a more supportive bed, check out the Plank Firm. Learn more in our video review.
Mattress Performance Ratings
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
4
Overall Rating
4
Support
3.5
Edge Support
3.5
Cooling
4.5
Motion Transfer
3
Response
3
Durability
5
Trial Period
5
Warranty
Our Expert’s Take
Bear is known for its more affordable yet still comfortable and durable mattresses. The original Bear is a memory foam mattress that fits the bill with its cooling features, great pressure relief, and back sleeping benefits where lumbar support come in handy.
The Bear also has an optional cover woven with Celliant, which helps keep sleepers cool. Its balance of comfort and pressure relief should help many types of sleepers feel supported, but back sleepers will likely enjoy the feel even more.
What the testers say: “The Bear mattress offers a great balance of comfort and support, which is great news for back sleepers. When I slept on my back, I felt my hips gently sink into the top foam layer. Thanks to the high-density support foam underneath, I got plenty of lumbar support in this sleeping position.” – Elisa, Editor & Product Tester
What We Love About the Bear
Most back sleepers should find the medium-firmness of the Bear does a fantastic job of keeping them comfortable and supported. Heavyweight back sleepers might find the Bear comfortable, though there’s a chance it will be too soft for this group.
Regardless of preferred sleeping position, the Bear does a good job for all lightweight sleepers (under 130 lb), particularly lightweight back sleepers. The top comfort layer of the Bear is soft enough to provide lighter people sufficient pressure relief.
What to Keep in Mind About the Bear
Those who want a bouncier feel may want to look elsewhere. Being an all-foam mattress, the Bear has a doughy feel that many will find comfortable, but that also can make it difficult to move around on. Combination sleepers especially may find this to be a problem, and should consider the Brooklyn Essential instead.
The Bear scored a 3.5/5 on our edge support test, in which we measure how much the perimeter of the mattress sinks when one of our testers sits on it. The Bear sank close to four inches, which could lead to discomfort if you tend to sleep towards the edge of the bed.
Other User Reviews
The Bear mattress has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5, based on 10,595 customer reviews on the company website. Many 5-star reviews call out the affordability of the Bear, stating that the mattress has great value.
The Silk & Snow Organic is a hybrid, with a combination of latex foam and innerspring coils.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated the mattress a 6.5/10, making the bed an industry standard medium-firm.
Price
$800- $1,300 (before discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, Cal king
Back Pain
The bed’s lumbar support offers a comfortable night’s rest for most back sleepers.
Hot Sleepers
The organic materials make the bed highly breathable, benefitting hot sleepers.
Pros of the Silk & Snow Organic
Eco-friendly and hypoallergenic.
Available in multiple firmness options.
Hot-sleeper friendly.
Cons of the Silk & Snow Organic
It may be too bouncy for fans of all-foam beds.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
15 years
Returns
Full refund if returned within trial period, and after 30-day break-in period
The Silk & Snow Organic Mattress is a high-quality mattress that offers a balance of support and comfort with sustainably sourced materials.
Mattress Performance Ratings
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
3.9
Overall Rating
4
Support
3
Edge Support
4
Cooling
5
Motion Transfer
3
Durability
4
Trial Period
4
Warranty
Our Expert’s Take
We rated the Silk & Snow at a 6.5/10 which is a medium-firm feel. It’s got a great balance of comfort and support for many sleeper types, but side sleepers may especially enjoy its pressure relief. It may not be quite supportive enough to suit stomach sleepers who sometimes need more firmness to get the support they need. Our best firm mattresses is a good list if that’s more your taste.
The Silk & Snow has a classic memory foam feel. You’ll sink into its foam layers and feel good body contouring on your joints. This is ideal for most side sleepers.
What the testers say: “The Silk & Snow has a stereotypical memory foam feel. You’ll gently sink into its foam layers and feel lots of body contouring around your shoulders and hips. This is great news for people who like to rest ‘inside’ the mattress rather than on top.” – Elisa, Editor & Product Tester
What We Love About the Silk & Snow
The Silk & Snow earned a perfect score of 5 out of 5 on our motion isolation test. If you sleep with a partner then this is an important factor for you to consider. A mattress with great motion isolation, like the Silk & Snow, will help keep your partner’s movements from disturbing your side of the bed and disrupting your sleep.
The comfort layer of the Silk & Snow is made with cooling memory foam, which is infused with gel. While the temperature regulating technology that mattress companies advertise doesn’t always work, we found the Silk & Snow to keep us pretty cool as we tested it.
What to Keep in Mind About the Silk & Snow
Due to its slow-moving and cushioned memory foam feel, the Silk & Snow is not as bouncy and responsive as the Brooklyn Bedding Essential. If you like to switch sleeping positions throughout the night or you want a mattress that’s great for sex, this one might not be for you.
Other User Reviews
Based on 1,560 reviews on the Silk & Snow website, this mattress has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5. One user describes it as, “firm and yet soft at the same time”, which we believe to be an apt description, as we consider it very comfortable and supportive.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.0
DreamCloud
DreamCloud Original
Firm Feel
Responsive
Affordable
Hybrid mattress
365-night sleep trial
Free shipping
Black Friday Sale
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The DreamCloud is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated this mattress 7.5/10. This makes the mattress firmer than average.
Price
$839-$2,178 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Back Sleepers
Great support for back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Couples
Good balance of motion isolation and responsiveness.
Hot Sleepers
This bed’s cooling features can help keep you from overheating at night.
Pros of the DreamCloud
It is a good option for back sleepers. While it is a bit firmer than average, its balance of comfort and support will keep the spine in neutral alignment.
You shouldn’t be sleeping too hot on this mattress. The breathable cover, gel-infused foam, and airflow-promoting coils should prevent the mattress from trapping heat.
You should never feel stuck in this mattress. The DreamCloud is bouncy and responsive, so you will have no trouble moving around and changing positions.
The DreamCloud is a good value option. Hybrid mattresses can be quite pricey, but the DreamCloud is surprisingly affordable.
Cons of the DreamCloud
Side sleepers will want to find a softer mattress to give them the pressure relief they need.
Fans of the slow-moving memory foam feel won’t get that feeling on the DreamCloud.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period.
The DreamCloud is a hybrid mattress that offers great support for back sleepers and nice cooling for hot sleepers. Its mix of foam and coils ensures you get the right amount of support, while its breathable materials ensure you don’t sleep too hot. It is a bouncier mattress, and if you prefer more of a memory foam feel, consider the Nectar mattress. Learn more in our video review.
Mattress Performance Ratings
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
4
Overall Rating
4
Support
4
Edge Support
4
Cooling
3
Motion Isolation
4.5
Response
4
Durability
5
Trial Period
5
Warranty
Our Expert’s Take
There are a few factors to consider when looking for a good mattress for sex. The first and most important consideration is responsiveness. The DreamCloud has great responsiveness, meaning it’s easy to move around on and you won’t likely feel stifled by the mattress. The next factor, temperature regulation, is more important to some people than others. Basically, if you overheat easily, you may want a mattress that helps keep you cool during sex. We tested the DreamCloud with our thermal camera and found that it rose by 8.5 degrees after our tester had rested on it for several minutes. This is a bit on the high side, but it didn’t affect the feel of the mattress too much, so we scored it a 4/5 on our cooling test.
What the testers say: “Couples looking for a good mattress for sex usually want to pick something bouncy and responsive; this will make it easier for them to move around and reposition on the mattress. The DreamCloud mattress fits the bill for sure, and sexual partners should find it to be a great match.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the DreamCloud
A queen-sized DreamCloud mattress comes in at well under $1,000. Plus, purchase of this mattress comes with a lifetime warranty, which we think is a huge value add.
Most of our mattress testers felt good to excellent when they rested on their stomachs on the DreamCloud. Since it’s on the firmer side, it does a good job of keeping lightweight and average-weight sleepers from sinking below the mattress surface. However, it’s not quite firm enough to support heavyweight stomach sleepers.
What to Keep in Mind About the DreamCloud
While we think it’s a great option for sex, the DreamCloud doesn’t do the best job of accommodating couples who are trying to sleep. Specifically, it doesn’t do a good job of isolating motion. So, if your partner tosses and turns you are more likely to feel it on your side of the bed. If this is a concern of yours, we suggest you consider the Nectar instead.
Other User Reviews
Based on 5,059 reviews on the DreamCloud website, this mattress has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5. Many customers rave about the DreamCloud’s comfort, including some who describe sleeping well with a partner on the mattress. The only 1-star review on the website describes the mattress as being too heavy and difficult to move.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.3
Nectar
Nectar Classic
Medium-Firm Feel
Motion Isolation
Pressure Relief
Foam mattress
365-night sleep trial
Free shipping
Black Friday Sale
Up to 50% off mattresses + spend $1,000 and save $100 See Details
The Nectar mattress is an all-foam mattress. It has a plush comfort layer followed by a thin layer of transition foam. At the bottom, there’s a layer of high-density base foam.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated the Nectar mattress a 6.5/10, which is the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$699-$1,798 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Couples
This mattress isolates motion well, which means couples shouldn’t feel movement come over to their side of the bed.
Side Sleepers
It offers great pressure relief for side sleepers under 230 lbs.
Back Sleepers
The Nectar mattress offers plenty of support for most back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Pros of the Nectar Mattress
This mattress has a slow-moving feel. If you like mattresses that contour to your body, this could be a great option.
The Nectar mattress isolates motion well, which is helpful for people who share a bed with a partner or a pet.
It offers plenty of pressure relief for side sleepers who weigh less than 230 lb.
Cons of the Nectar Mattress
Even though it has cooling gel-infused foam, it’s not the best mattress for hot sleepers.
It’s not supportive enough for most stomach sleepers. In this position, you may feel your hips sink out of alignment, which can lead to lower back pain.
Because it’s an all-foam bed-in-a-box mattress, it has a 48-hour off-gassing period. You’ll need to let the mattress air out for two days before sleeping on it.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Forever warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period.
The Nectar is an affordable all-foam mattress that offers lots of pressure relief and body contouring. It works well for most side sleepers, because it helps cushion shoulders and hips. It is also a good option for couples, because it isolates motion well. However, the Nectar mattress isn’t supportive enough for most stomach sleepers and heavyweight people. If you tend to sleep hot at night, you may want to look for a mattress with more cooling features. Learn more in our Nectar mattress video review.
Mattress Performance Ratings
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
4.3
Overall Score
4
Support
3.5
Cooling
4.5
Edge Support
4.5
Motion Transfer
3.5
Response
4
Durability
5
Trial Period
5
Warranty
Our Expert’s Take
A medium-firm mattress is likely to have a good balance of comfort and support that should appeal to a lot of different sleepers. The Nectar embodies this beautifully with its flagship bed — an all-foam mattress with a thick layer of gel-infused memory foam up top. After that, the mattress gets progressively firmer toward the bottom with a transition layer of soft conventional foam and a support layer of high-density foam. This construction should bode well for side sleepers and back sleepers, who should get some decent pressure relief from the gel memory foam without feeling like they’re getting swallowed up by the bed.
What the testers say: “The Nectar has a slow-moving feel that most people associate with memory foam. When I rested on the Nectar, I felt myself slowly sinking into the surface. The top layers conformed to the shape of my body, and I felt some nice body contouring.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Nectar
Nectar offers a 365-night sleep trial, so you have plenty of time to decide if this mattress is a good fit for you.
The Nectar has plush foam layers that provide great pressure relief. This can help those with joint pain rest more comfortably.
Like several mattresses on this list, the Nectar has a medium-firm construction that works very well for back sleepers. It allows their hips to sink below the surface, but not so much that their spines are thrown out of alignment.
The edge support on the Nectar is fairly robust. Under the weight of our heaviest tester (weighing in at a little over 250 lbs), the edge sank 3.5″. That’s solid for an all-foam bed, and testers acknowledged as much by giving Nectar a 4/5 edge support score.
Another area where the Nectar excels for an all-foam mattress is in the cooling category (4.5/5). The bed’s surface only heated up 1.9 degrees F after a tester rested on the Nectar, according to our heat gun analysis.
What to Keep in Mind About the Nectar
We don’t recommend the Nectar for most stomach sleepers, as it’s not firm enough to provide adequate support. That said, if you’re a lightweight stomach sleeper then you might find that this mattress works quite well for you.
If you like a bed with a lot of bounce, consider a bed with coils, like the Brooklyn Bedding Essential. The Nectar’s middling responsiveness score (3/5) is to be expected, given that the bed is catered toward lovers of slow-moving memory foam.
Other User Reviews
The Nectar mattress has over 50,000 reviews on the company website, and their average rating comes out to 4.7 out of 5. One of the most enthusiastic review headlines reads, “[This mattress] SAVED MY LIFE!” However, there are some negative reviews that state the mattress traps heat and begins to sag after a short period of time.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
3.8
Brooklyn Bedding
Brooklyn Bedding Essential
Medium-Firm Feel
Affordable
Back Support
Hybrid mattress
120-night sleep trial
Free shipping
Black Friday Sale
Use code BFRIDAY30 for 30% off sitewide See Details
The Brooklyn Essential mattress is a hybrid, or a bed with both foam comfort layers and innerspring support coils.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated this mattress 6.5/10. This is the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$532 – $1,132 (before discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king
Back Sleepers
Back sleepers of light and average weights should feel nice support.
Side Sleepers
Side sleepers of light and average weights should feel nice contouring.
Pros of the Brooklyn Bedding Essential
Excellent spine support for back sleepers.
Great edge support.
Super affordable.
Cons of the Brooklyn Bedding Essential
Subpar temperature regulation.
Not suitable for most stomach sleepers.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period. A pickup fee of $99 will be deducted from your refund.
The Brooklyn Bedding Essential is an excellent no frills mattress at a bargain price for hybrid mattress lovers on a budget. Learn more in our video review.
Mattress Performance Ratings
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
3.8
Overall Rating
4
Support
4
Edge Support
3
Cooling
3.5
Motion Transfer
3
Durability
5
Trial Period
4
Warranty
Our Expert’s Take
When it comes to value, Brooklyn Bedding is always a good place to start because the company owns its factory. They sell their mattresses direct-to-consumer and can price them particularly low. Out of their ever-growing line of products, theEssential is one of their most affordable, with a streamlined construction with foam woven into the cover, a transition foam layer, and a support layer of Ascension X coils. The top layer of foam is especially soft, but the coils add support and responsiveness, allowing sleepers to easily move around at night.
What the testers say: “The Brooklyn Essential felt similar to most hybrid mattresses I have tried. It had a bit of that soft foam feel right on top, but the coils lent a good amount of bounce too. I did sink in a little when I lay down, but I never felt like I was stuck. Overall, it was very easy to move around and change positions.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Brooklyn Bedding Essential
This is the second hybrid mattress on our list, and like the Emma Hybrid Comfort it has a great blend of comfort and support. However, the Brooklyn Bedding Essential is not as firm as the Emma Hybrid Comfort. It’s more on the medium-firm side, which is great news for back sleepers.
The hybrid construction of the Brooklyn Bedding Essential gives it a good amount of bounce. This is an important factor for combination sleepers, who tend to have an easier time switching sleeping positions on a springy mattress.
What to Keep in Mind About the Brooklyn Bedding Essential
If you want a firm mattress, this isn’t for you. We rated this mattress a 6.5/10 on our firmness scale, which lands it in the medium-firm zone. Since the Essential is fairly soft, it may not be supportive for heavier sleepers or stomach sleepers. Consider the firmer hybrid on this list, the Emma Hybrid Comfort, instead.
Other User Reviews
Based on 548 customer reviews on the Brooklyn Bedding website, this mattress has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5. Users rave about the quality of the hybrid construction and the great night of sleep that the Brooklyn Bedding Essential provides.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated this mattress 6/10. This is a touch below the industry standard medium-firm.
Price
$189- $568 (before discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king, split king
Back Sleepers
Lightweight back sleepers should feel well supported.
Side Sleepers
Lightweight side sleepers should feel nice pressure relief.
Pros of the Siena
Has that slow-moving foam feel that memory foam mattress lovers seek out.
Ideal for lightweight sleepers.
Cons of the Siena
The bed doesn’t have the best edge support. If you like to use the whole surface of the mattress, look elsewhere.
The bed sleeps fairly hot. You may need to spend more for a bed with better cooling features.
Not good for heavyweight people.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
180 nights
Warranty
10 years
Returns
Free within trial period
The Siena Original Mattress delivers budget-friendly, all-foam comfort with medium firmness, great for back and side sleepers seeking value. Learn more in our video review.
Mattress Performance Ratings
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
3.4
Overall Rating
3
Support
2.5
Edge Support
3
Cooling
3.5
Motion Transfer
3
Durability
5
Trial Period
4
Warranty
Our Expert’s Take
We love the convenience of purchasing mattresses online. For a great deal, take a look at the Siena mattress. A discounted queen runs just under $500.
It’s an all-foam bed providing plush pressure relief for your hip and shoulder if you sleep on your side. Lightweight back sleepers should feel a good amount of body contouring, too. This mattress has a great trial period (180 nights). This means you have plenty of time to decide if this mattress works for your needs. If you keep it, it has a 10-year warranty.
What our testers say: “While I don’t think this bed is a perfect choice for some heavyweight sleepers, most average-to-lightweight sleepers should find some good pressure relief on the Siena mattress. If you’re on a budget and want memory foam, or just don’t want to drop a lot for a guest room, the Siena is a good choice!” – Elisa Regulski, Reviewer
What We Love About the Siena Original
The Siena is softer than medium-firm, and sleepers should experience lots of pressure relief around their shoulders and hips.
This mattress has a classic slow-moving foam feel. You might find yourself sleeping “inside” the mattress rather than on top of it.
If you decide the Siena mattress is not a good fit for you while in its 180-night sleep trial, you can return your mattress for a full refund.
What to Keep in Mind About the Siena Original
We don’t recommend the Siena mattress for heavyweight sleepers. Heavier people may “bottom out” and feel the support foam layer against their shoulders and hips, causing uncomfortable pressure.
The Siena may absorb some heat in its memory foam layers. Particularly hot sleepers should consider burying a mattress with advanced cooling features.
Other User Reviews
On Siena’s website, the Siena Original mattress has a 4.5/5 star rating based on 1,851 customer ratings. Many customers are impressed with its value and its ability to relieve pressure on their joints. However, heavier sleepers mentioned that the Siena mattress was too soft to provide them with adequate support.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.1
Cocoon
Cocoon Chill
Firm Feel
Affordable
Foam mattress
100-night sleep trial
Free shipping
Sale
Save 35% on all mattresses + free sleep bundle See Details
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated this mattress 7.5/10. This is somewhat firmer than the industry standard medium-firm.
Price
$619- $1,389 (before discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king
Back Sleepers
Back sleepers of light and average weights should feel nice support.
Side Sleepers
Side sleepers of light weights should feel solid pressure relief.
Hot Sleepers
People who sleep hot at night should enjoy the bed’s cooling features.
Pros of the Cocoon Chill
Firmer support makes the bed great for supporting the lumbar of back sleepers.
Despite the all-foam construction, which tends to trap heat, the bed effectively cools with phase change materials within the foam.
A very good value for shoppers on a budget.
Cons of the Cocoon Chill
May feel too firm for most side sleepers.
Not supportive enough for heavier people, who should seek a bed more tailored to larger body types.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10 years
Returns
Full refund within trial period
The Cocoon Chill by Sealy offers a budget bed with cooling technology and contouring all-foam support, ideal for hot sleepers seeking pressure relief. Learn more in our video review.
Mattress Performance Ratings
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
4.1
Overall Rating
4
Support
4.5
Edge Support
4.5
Cooling
4
Motion Transfer
4
Durability
4
Trial Period
4
Warranty
Our Expert’s Take
The Cocoon Chill is a memory foam mattress that boasts excellent cooling features like Phase Change Material. This makes the top of the mattress feel cool to the touch! While it does have memory foam in its construction, it has more of a responsive foam feel instead of a soft foam feel.
What the testers say: “Like its name suggests, the Cocoon Chill is great at dissipating heat. The cover is made out of a soft phase change material, which makes the mattress feel cool to the touch. Oftentimes, all-foam mattresses can overheat, but you likely won’t have to worry about the Cocoon Chill getting hot at night.” – Elisa, Editor & Product Tester
What We Love About the Cocoon Chill
The Cocoon Chill impressed us with its ability to keep us cool. This is especially notable because it’s an all-foam bed, and all-foam beds tend to trap heat and do a so-so job of regulating temperature. The cover of the Cocoon Chill is made with phase change material, which is legitimately cool to the touch.
Another surprising quality, considering the all-foam nature of the Cocoon Chill, is its great edge support. As we sat and lied on the perimeter of the mattress it barely sank under our weight, even when our larger staff members tested it. This is great news for those who like to utilize every inch of their bed’s surface.
What to Keep in Mind About the Cocoon Chill
This mattress doesn’t allow you to sink into the mattress as other foam mattresses do, instead you’ll feel like you’re sleeping on top of it instead. While not necessarily a bad thing, it might be an issue for memory-foam lovers who enjoy feeling like they’re being hugged by their mattress.
Other User Reviews
The Cocoon Chill has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5, based on 8,444 on the company website. Only 51 of the over 8,000 reviewers gave the mattress 1 star, but these customers claim that the mattress is uncomfortable and breaks down after some time. That said, the vast majority of shoppers have nothing but good things to say about the Cocoon.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
The Emma Hybrid Comfort is a hybrid mattress that combines foam in the top comfort layer with coils at the bottom for support.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest, we rated the Emma Comfort Hybrid an 8/10, meaning it’s quite firm.
Price
$812-$1,649 (before discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Back Sleepers
Good support for average to heavyweight back sleepers (230 lb and up)
Couples
This bed isolates motion well for those who are easily disturbed while still being responsive enough for sex
Stomach Sleepers
Supportive for all stomach sleepers
Pros of the Emma Hybrid Comfort
The Emma Hybrid Comfort is a great choice for back sleepers who want a firm mattress that can support heavier weights. Back sleepers should get a good amount of comfort and support here.
This bed is good for budget shoppers, as it can be discounted up to 50% during major holidays.
Hot sleepers shouldn’t worry about overheating because the coils allow for airflow, the cover is breathable, and you don’t sink into the bed, which means it won’t trap heat.
Cons of the Emma Hybrid Comfort
It’s far too firm for side sleepers.
The foam doesn’t offer a lot of contouring.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Returns
Full refunds during the trial period.
The Emma Hybrid Comfort is an affordable mattress that’s very firm and offers great support for stomach and back sleepers. It can also handle heavier weights, so it’s a great choice for heavyweight individuals who need a supportive mattress. Couples should sleep soundly without worrying about noticing their partner move around during the night and it won’t trap too much heat. Learn more in our video review.
Emma Hybrid Comfort Mattress Review
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
4.3
Overall Rating
4.5
Support
4.5
Edge Support
4
Cooling
4
Motion Transfer
4
Durability
5
Trial Period
4
Warranty
Our Expert’s Take
The Emma is an online mattress brand hailing from Canada. The Emma Hybrid Comfort builds on their original model by offering multiple layers of foam, supportive innerspring coils, and cooling technologies that helped keep me from overheating. I tested the mattress and, while it wasn’t comfortable in every position, it definitely didn’t lack support and durability. These features also don’t inflate the price and keeps it well on the affordable end compared to most mattress brands.
What the testers say: “It will work well for fans of firm mattresses. This bed scored way higher than medium-firm on our firmness scale. If you like something firmer-than-firm, the Emma Comfort Hybrid is where it’s at.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Emma Hybrid Comfort
The Emma Hybrid Comfort is supportive for most body weights, including heavier people. It has zoned coils that offer support to the back and prevent sagging after years of use.
It sleeps cool. The Emma Hybrid’s materials, especially its innerspring coils, are designed to help dissipate heat and promote good airflow. I felt nice and cool, even after extended testing.
Fans of a more firm mattress will appreciate the 8/10 firmness score we gave the Emma Hybrid Comfort. Both back and stomach sleepers can benefit from a more firm mattress.
What to Keep in Mind About the Emma Hybrid Comfort
Side sleepers may not get the necessary contouring needed to prevent pressure in the hips and shoulders, as the Emma Hybrid Comfort is quite firm.
It will likely be too firm for most lightweight people. Unless you only sleep on your stomachs, lightweight people who weigh less than 130 pounds will want to find a softer mattress.
Other User Reviews
The Emma Hybrid Comfort has 32 reviews on the company website, with an average score of 4.8 out of 5. The majority of customers praise the product’s excellent quality, however, one reviewer claims that the mattress has begun to sag after just a few months.
There are upsides and there are downsides to cheap mattresses. If you aren’t sure a cheap mattress is right for you, take a look at the pros and cons.
Pros
Cons
Cheap mattresses are better for your budget and can save you some money.
Cheap mattresses may wear and tear faster over time, meaning they need to be replaced more often.
Depending on the level of firmness you like, a cheaper option may be better for you as cheap mattresses might be firmer than more expensive ones.
High-quality mattresses made from decent materials may be harder to find for lower prices.
What to Look For When Buying a Cheap Mattress
Think a cheap mattress is right for you? Don’t buy the first low-cost mattress you come across. Take your time, think of the following, and make sure your mattress is still a worthy investment.
Quality
The quality of your mattress will depend greatly on the type of material the mattress is made from and the quality of the materials used. Most good-quality memory foam, innerspring, and hybrid mattresses should last between 7 and 10 years, while latex mattresses should last between 12 and 15 years, but lower-quality materials may cause mattresses to sag sooner than that and cause discomfort while sleeping. To avoid this, try to aim for well-built mattresses in the $1,000 to $2,000 range if possible.
Durability
To get the most for your money, you need a durable mattress, so it needs to be made well. This means making sure that your mattress materials are high-quality, but also be sure to look for mattresses that are designed well with layers that are built to last long-term.
Firmness
No matter how much you spend on a mattress, you want it to be comfortable, and much of your comfort will come from the firmness of your mattress. You can check out our walkthrough on which firmness level is best for you to get a feel for what to look for in a mattress.
Edge Support
Being able to use the entire surface of your mattress ensures that you get the most value out of it. However, some mattresses sink in around the edges. If you find a mattress in your price range, be sure to check that it has decent edge support so that it lasts longer.
Typically, hybrid mattresses tend to have better edge support since the combination of springs and foam tends to be a bit sturdier than other mattress types. Some hybrid mattresses even have a reinforced perimeter to further support around the edges, so it’s great to be aware of features like this when you’re shopping for a mattress.
How Mattress Cost is Determined
In addition to the quality of materials used, other factors that influence the price of your mattress include:
Mattress Features
Some mattresses are naturally going to be more expensive because they are more high-end and have features like temperature and firmness control, lighting, systems to track sleep, and other technological features. Custom-made mattresses can also include several features that would add to the overall cost of a mattress. In general, custom-made mattresses will hardly ever be cheap.
Mattress Brand
High-end name brands can have higher costs due to their demand and position in the mattress market. Two similarly made mattresses with similar features and materials may have two different price points because one brand is more popular than the other.
Mattress Construction
As mentioned above, mattress materials help influence the overall cost of a mattress, but other factors including extra support and comfort layers, quilting, and other design features can make a mattress more costly. Also, whether or not materials are organic and hypoallergenic can influence the price. Bed-in-a-box and machine-constructed mattresses tend to cost less than hand-constructed mattresses.
Testing the materials of a hybrid mattress in our sleep lab
Additional costs
Finally, make sure you keep in mind any additional costs you may incur, such as shipping and a box spring or bed foundation when deciding on your mattress budget.
How to Save Money on a Mattress
Consider what type of mattress you want.
Get a smaller mattress size if you can.
Shop online instead of in stores.
The first two bullet points are already covered in the previous section. To save money on a new mattress, it’s important to consider what type and size of mattress you need. Shoppers on a budget should shy away from luxury mattresses like airbeds or any smart mattresses with advanced technology. Also, keep in mind that twins, twin XLs, and full-size mattresses will be cheaper than larger sizes like queens, kings, California kings, and split king mattresses.
Finding Coupons
Around President’s Day, the Fourth of July, Amazon Prime Day, Labor Day, Veteran’s Day, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas, there are a ton of great deals to watch out for. Check out our overview of some of the best holidays and sale periods to buy mattresses below.
Winter white sales are typically held throughout January, as many big box stores and online retailers discount home accessories to get rid of inventory. The sale dates differ from retailer to retailer, so be sure to keep an eye out for deals throughout the month.
Amazon Prime Day
Varies
Amazon Prime Day (which has evolved to be a two-day event) is held at different times each year. During Prime Day sales, consumers can find great discounts from well-known online mattress companies (including some of the ones listed in this best cheap mattress roundup)!
Black Friday is one of the most well-known shopping holidays. Consumers can find discounts both in-store and online, and deals often last for several days as they blend in with Cyber Monday.
Traditionally known as the best day to get discounts online, Cyber Monday has evolved to be Cyber weekend, often encompassing the weekend after Black Friday as well.
New Year’s Eve
December 31st
Mattresses are frequently on sale during the post-holiday season, specifically as a New Year’s Eve event. This could be an ideal time to buy if you’re looking for a good deal.
How to Make an Affordable Mattress More Comfortable
Not ready to buy a new mattress just yet? Here are some easy and cost effective ways to make your current bed feel more comfortable.
Use a Mattress Topper
Mattress toppers can help revitalize your bed – without breaking the bank. Memory foam mattress toppers offer additional pressure relief, while latex toppers make your bed feel more breathable and cool. Take a look at our list of the best mattress toppers for some options.
Rotate and Flip Your Mattress
To ensure your mattress remains supportive and comfortable, we recommend rotating it every three to six months. This helps prevent the mattress from sagging, and it can extend the lifespan of your bed.
If you have a flippable mattress, you can also turn the mattress upside down and experience a renewed sense of comfort and support. It’s important to thoroughly understand your mattress’s construction before flipping it, however. There aren’t many flippable mattresses on the market these days.
If you turn over a mattress that is not designed to be flipped, you won’t feel comfortable at all. Most mattresses contain support layers at the bottom and comfort layers on top. If you rest directly on the support layer, you could develop joint pain.
If you’re looking for a flippable mattress, check out Layla. This bed has a soft and a firm side, which allows sleepers to customize their level of support.
Try a Mattress Pad
Mattress pads protect against spills and stains, which extends the life of your mattress and offers some peace of mind. For even more cozy comfort, opt for a heated mattress pad that can soothe muscle tension and keep you warm.
Still, searching for your perfect mattress? Take ourmattress finder quiz to receive tailored recommendations!
Featured image: Tekkol/Shutterstock
FAQ
What is the best affordable King-size mattress?
If you’re going solely off price, the Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam is going to be your best bet. It’s a quality bed that’s currently priced under $600 for a King. If you want something slightly more durable, opt for the Dreamfoam Chill, which is currently around $700 for a King. And you can always check out our roundup of the best King-size mattresses for more choices.
Where can I buy a cheap Twin mattress?
While you can always go to a brick-and-mortar store, shopping online is going to be your best bet for both discounts and convenience. Checking out our roundup of the best Twin mattresses is a great place to start.
Where can you buy a cheap air mattress?
An air mattress is a super-affordable way to add an extra bed to a guest room. And not to sound like a broken record, but we once again recommend looking online. You’ll often find discounts not available in stores, especially around the holidays. Check out our best air mattresses for some more tailored recommendations.
How do you make a cheap mattress more comfortable?
There are several ways. The most effective method is to add a mattress topper. Some toppers soften a mattress and others make it firmer — it all just depends on what you want. Take a look at our list of best mattress toppers for some suggestions. Also, if your mattress is beginning to sag over time, you can rotate it or add a sturdy sleep foundation beneath, such as a box spring or even a simple piece of plywood.
How much is a cheap Queen mattress?
All of the mattresses in this roundup are priced as Queens, so this should give you a fairly good range. The least expensive is the Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam (currently about $369 for a Queen-size) and the most expensive is the Tuft & Needle Hybrid (currently about $1,695 for a Queen-size). It’s worth noting that hybrids tend to be more expensive, and every bed here except for the Tuft & Needle is under $1,500, which would be considered affordable for a Queen. If you’re looking for more Queen options, see our best Queen-size mattresses of 2024.
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Marten Carlson
Lead Mattress Reviewer
About Author
Marten has been writing about mattresses and sleep health for six years. He is the lead reviewer at Mattress Clarity where he tests mattresses, bedding, and sleep accessories.
In his role here, Marten’s reviewed over 500 mattresses and 150 sleep accessories (so you can rest assured that if he recommends a product, it’s been put through the wringer in our Austin studio). In addition, he has written more than 400 articles reviewing the quality of sleep and sleep products as well as sleep health. He’s especially interested in the correlation between sleep and mental health.
Marten’s also got a personal stake in sleep health. After writing dozens of pieces on the dangers of sleep apnea, he decided to get tested for the condition. Realizing he did, in fact, suffer from sleep apnea, he immediately started using a CPAP machine. He knows all too well the importance of a healthy night’s sleep and is passionate about helping others get the healthy, restorative sleep they deserve.
He received his bachelor’s degree in Film Production from Denison University and his master’s degree in Film Studies from Emory University.
