6 Best Cheap Mattresses to Save Your Money and Get Good Sleep

A mattress is essential for high-quality sleep. Typically, we buy a new bed every 8-10 years, that’s why it’s necessary to do thorough research before making a purchase.

But guess what?

You don’t have to spend thousands of bucks to get five-star comfort!

I’ve reviewed 6 best cheap mattresses for a good shut-eye and ensure you that ‘cheap’ isn’t always equal to poorly made.

So, scroll down and prepare to save your money!

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Our Reviews of 6 Best Cheap Mattresses

Best Cheap Memory Foam Mattress

The first model on my list of the best inexpensive mattresses is the Nectar bed. It uses eco-friendly materials with excellent contouring properties and can adapt to any sleeping style.

If you’re a memory foam fan and love the hug, the Nectar can be your ideal fit. It is comfortably soft but doesn’t have that quicksand feel.

Low-Cost Mattress for Cooler Sleep

The second contestant on my list of top-rated budget mattresses is the Nolah Original. If you tend to sweat during the night or live in a hot climate, this bed will be your lifesaver.

I believe that along with hot sleepers, the Nolah will be a good choice for back pain sufferers and couples. It has everything they need: a decent amount of padding, cooling effect, and great motion isolation.

Best Inexpensive Flippable Mattress

Double-sided mattresses are a new trend, and that’s why I included this model by Layla in my review of the best low-cost mattresses. It has a soft and a firm side, so you kind of purchase two beds in one. Isn’t it a great deal?

Overall, this mattress is an excellent deal. You get two firmness levels in one bed, which is great for those who appreciate the versatility.

Best Affordable Mattress for Couples

Now, let’s talk about solutions for couples. The Live and Sleep Classic model is on my list of the best inexpensive mattresses exactly because it can offer excellent support for both you and your loved one.

The Live and Sleep Classic was a pleasure to test. It’s a great option for couples, but if you sleep alone, you should give it a try too.

Cheap Latex Mattress

Another item on my list of top-rated affordable mattresses is the ASPEN mattress by Dreamfoam Bedding. With the price tag at about $600 for a Queen size, this bed gives you a balanced feel and luxurious comfort.

I believe the ASPEN is good for fans of bouncy mattresses, especially those who want a more eco-friendly option.

Cheap Mattress for Back Pain

Another option for those who appreciate the bounce. This model by Brooklyn Bowery has made it to my list of the best reasonably-priced mattresses due to the comfort levels and the pain relief it provides, especially for those suffering from back pain.

Honestly, I feel I can recommend this mattress literally to anyone. It has a balanced feel and great pain relieving properties no matter what type of sleeper you are. Considering its price, that’s a real steal!

What to Expect for a Less Than $1,000?

The regular price of a well-made mattress is between $1,000-1,500, so anything that costs less can be considered an affordable option.

Let’s clear up what you can expect if you buy a mattress for less than a thousand bucks, regarding the type, construction, and overall value.

$100-300 price tag

Let’s begin at the lowest price possible.

Of course, your choice will be limited in this case, but there are several options you may get:

• Top-rated inflatable mattress. Air mattresses with a memory foam top and a built-in pump can cost you 150-200 dollars on average. And the model of this price can easily offer you a level of comfort similar to a luxury memory foam mattress. However, seep experts don’t recommend using airbeds as a regular sleeping surface.
• Memory foam mattress. For this price range, memory foam will be the most common option. Just note that the foams used in budget models are likely to be less dense, which means the bed might start sagging after even just one year of active use.
• Hybrid mattress. Although these are typically quite expensive, there is a number of brands that have good hybrid models in the price range of $100-300. Linenspa and Olee Sleep are good examples. A low price tag is possible here because the manufacturing process is based outside the US. An average hybrid mattress for this price will typically have a couple of foam layers and a solid spring block, which altogether may be able to provide good comfort levels and proper spine alignment. However, the lifespan may be significantly lower than that of a high-end option.
• Innerspring. Things are pretty much the same here as with hybrids. But less expensive innerspring beds will likely have less padding, so don’t expect plush comfort within this category.

$300-500 price tag

Here, you will still have to do your homework and look harder if your budget is tied to this price, but there must be a great mattress under $500 that will fall into the following categories:

• Pure foam mattress. Mostly made from foams of a lower density, such mattresses may sleep hot. If you’re going to buy one, consider pairing it with a cooling mattress topper to eliminate this drawback. This will cost you a little more, but it’s still less than you’d pay for a more advanced foam mattress that sleeps cooler on its own.
• Hybrid and innerspring mattress. There are some decent models within this price range, but again, don’t expect the same durability as with high-end mattresses. The construction of such beds will typically have some foam padding and a pocketed coil system, resulting in good breathability and a balanced feel.

$500-1,000 price tag

Now, this is the point where you’re entering the middle to luxury segment (I’m implying brands selling online, of course). So, there are much more options to choose from:

• Memory foam mattress. The models under $1,000 are typically made from dense foams and may be infused with cooling gel, charcoal, copper and other substances for better cooling. Usually, these models have great value for money and will serve you not worse than a more expensive mattress.
• Hybrid mattress. Although you shouldn’t expect the cutting-edge technologies and innovative materials for this price, you can find a configuration to satisfy your needs. Some models in this price range may even have natural latex layers, which is great for additional bounce and natural breathability.
• Innerspring. Traditional spring beds always were on the cheaper side. So, you can actually get a high-end spring mattress for about a thousand bucks, which will have a high coil count for better durability and a cushy pillow top for enhanced comfort.

Latex mattresses typically aren’t available in the budget category. The best you can get is a layer of natural latex in a hybrid mattress. Or, a bed with blended latex layers, which isn’t a good choice because you can’t be sure of all the ingredients added.

Cheap Mattress Risks

Now, with budget mattresses, the line between ‘cheap but good’ and ‘you get what you pay for’ is very fragile.

What risks can be hiding behind a bed with a low price tag?

Made in China

Most high-end mattress brands build their factories in the US. This is usually tied to the fact that mattresses are too bulky to transport them overseas. Thus, it’s more reasonable to locate the manufacturing chain in the same country where you plan to sell the product.

However, as it was mentioned above, some brands have production facilities in China. And while their mattresses may have great value for money, the manufacturing standards might differ, which may lead to an increased risk of defects. Some reviews of cheaper mattresses that were imported overseas mention such issues with a mattress as:

• never fully expanded;
• expanded unevenly;
• started to form indentations within the first year of use.

That’s why you’d better check the warranty before making a purchase. Also, it’s advised to search for reviews that describe the experience with a company’s customer support when it comes to returns and replacements.

Durability

The quality of the materials is the primary thing you pay for. But you must already know that in some cases, a higher price doesn’t necessarily mean higher quality. Still, the durability of your mattress can be strictly linked to its cost.

According to reviews of inexpensive mattresses, one can conclude that:

• Cheaper foams may sag faster due to lower density. They are less resilient, so they will begin to lose their shape quickly and won’t offer you the same supportive properties.
• Other less expensive materials, such as coils and cover fabric, will also show the signs of general wear and tear in a shorter time. External factors — such as heat, moisture, and the friction of the body against the mattress — can speed up this process.

Quick tip: Pay attention to the cover materials and stitching. If they look well-made and durable, the mattress will probably serve for a longer time.

VOCs and Off-Gassing

Here’s the thing:

If you’re buying a mattress that includes foam layers, it will have a fresh-from-the-factory smell. In some cases, this smell disappears in a couple of hours, but sometimes you may have to leave the bed for a few days to air out.

It’s completely normal.

You see, volatile organic compounds (also known as VOCs) are always created during the process of making foam, and they are the reason behind the mattress smell.

However, with a cheaper bed, the risks of harmful VOCs emissions in your bedroom is higher.

To make sure your mattress is safe, you should look for labels of the following organizations:

• • CertiPUR-US;
  • GreenGuard;
  • OEKO-Tex;
  • GOLS.

Each of them restricts emissions of VOCs, with GreenGuard having the strongest restrictions. Thus, if the mattress has any of these certifications, it means the VOCs are not dangerous and their emissions don’t exceed the norm to have a negative impact on your health.

What to Consider When Buying a Budget Bed?

Now, let’s talk about the main points to consider before you make a purchase so that you could get the most value for the money and find the best fit.

Sleeper’s Weight

Every mattress will feel different for each body type. To choose the bed that will be suitable for you personally, consider the following patterns:

• Petite sleepers (150 lbs or less) will feel the most comfortable on a softer mattress. It won’t make them sink and will offer a significant amount of cradling. However, I have good news for the petite fans of firmer beds: you can use them too! If you have a small weight, your body won’t press too much against the mattress, so you won’t feel stiff.
• Large sleepers (250 lbs and more) generally need to look for firmer beds. The higher the firmness level, the better the mattress will compensate for the pressure of the excess load.
• Couples with a significant difference in weight should look for medium firmness and good edge support. If you’re a petite sleeper, I suggest you go for your partner’s preferences, because as I said, lightweight people can get comfortable on a broader range of firmness options.

Usage

What’s the primary purpose of the mattress? Will it be installed in a guest room or a master bedroom?

Deciding on this will help you determine your budget.

Generally, less expensive mattresses (under $500) will work best in the following situations:

• Short-term solution. An average mattress lasts for 8-10 years. However, with low-cost options, you can subtract 3-4 years from that lifespan. I would say it is reasonable to consider buying an inexpensive mattress, for example, if you plan to completely redesign your home or move to a different home in the nearest future. Thus, risks of a shorter lifespan will not bother you much, and you can invest in a more advanced mattress later.
• Guest room bed. Guest bedrooms are used occasionally, which means the mattress you put there won’t have to withstand very active use. So, you can feel free to use a cheaper option, not worrying about sagging and quick wear and tear.
• Bed for a kid’s room. Kids or teens typically aren’t very selective when it comes to beds so that you can opt for a more affordable option. However, it’s still important to make sure the mattress will feel comfortable for them and won’t cause any health problems.

Sleeper’s Type

Sleeping position is another factor that determines the type of mattress you need. Let me give you some recommendations so that you wouldn’t end up being disappointed:

• Side sleepers are the most common among the global population. Their weak points are hips and shoulders, so a softer mattress with upper foam or latex layers and a good conforming ability will do best in this case.
• Back sleepers can feel comfortable on most mattresses. The only requirement is for their mattress to be able to offer uniform support under every part of their body, in order to maintain neutral spine alignment. Depending on the sleeper’s weight, the medium firm or firm bed will be the best option.
• Stomach sleeping is the least common and the least healthy position. However, people who sleep this way need support too. If that’s you, consider a firmer bed. It will offer you the support you need, without creating a curve in the lower back area, which will prevent you from waking up with soreness.

Where to Buy the Cheapest Bed?

The last but very important thing to consider before you spend your money is:

What’s the best place to buy a mattress?

Today, you can upgrade your bedroom by opting for traditional shopping in a mattress store or ordering online. I will list the pros and cons of every method below so that you could choose what suits you best.

So, let’s begin with a more traditional option. Offline shopping has several significant advantages:

• you can test the mattress at the store, meaning you will have an idea of how it feels prior to buying;
• offline stores offer other bedding items as well, so you can upgrade your entire bedroom at once;
• brick-and-mortar mattress stores can be found in any city around the US.

But:

• there’s usually a limited choice that includes only best sellers, so if you’re looking for a particular model, you may need much more time and effort to find it;
• sales assistants may hurry or push you to make rapid decisions to close the deal faster;
• the prices in the offline stores are usually higher, because of utility bills, rent, and salaries.

Visiting a regular mattress store can be great for people who haven’t determined which type of mattress they need yet.

Online mattress shopping is experiencing a spike in popularity in recent years. Today, if you’re looking for a cheap mattress online, you can research the options on manufacturers’ websites, Amazon, eBay, and any other online marketplace.

With this method of shopping, you will get a bunch of advantages:

• Lower prices. Online-focused brands don’t have expenses linked to store maintenance. Thus, it’s easy to find a high-end mattress for a reasonable price.
• Discounts and promo codes. Most online stores will cut a price during the checkout process by offering you a discount for your first order. And if you subscribe to a brand’s newsletter, you may get some attractive deals for bedding items and accessories as well.
• Plenty of room for comparison. Without leaving your house — or even your bed — you can “visit” several stores at once and compare their models and prices.

Now, the only real negative side to online mattress shopping is the inability to test the product before purchasing. However, all major brands compensate for this inconvenience by offering you a long sleep trial (up to a year in some cases!). Thus, you can always return your mattress if you didn’t like it.

Cheap mattress reviews with actual photos can become your reliable source of information. You can refer to professional reviewers or Amazon customers to find the answers you need.

Conclusion

Finding an affordable and quality mattress can seem hard. But I believe you are now equipped with all the necessary information.

Hopefully, the models I’ve reviewed above will serve as an excellent starting point for you.

They all offer great value for money. But one of them appealed to me the most.

I’m talking about the Layla. Because versatility is always right. Each side of this mattress is comfortable for a certain group of sleepers. Plus, this model scores well in providing a cooling effect and pressure relief, which makes it suitable for most users.

Now if you’re looking for a more eco-friendly option and don’t mind some bounce, go for the ASPEN. Latex is great when it comes to breathability and responsiveness, so this is the option for those who are after the conforming properties of foam without the common drawbacks associated with this material.

What is your budget for a mattress? Does any of these models seem to be worth that sum? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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