Best Mattress for the Money – Expert Tested Beds

Buyer Considerations that Affect the Price of a Mattress

Mattresses come at various prices, so no matter your budget, you should be able to find something that works for you. However, the cheapest beds aren’t always value options. The important step here is to get value for your money, whatever the amount of money you’re putting in. The following categories represent different factors that impact the value of a mattress that you’ll need to consider as you shop.

Materials

High-quality materials can easily increase the price of a mattress. High-end mattresses that use quality materials are more expensive to produce, which is why they sell at a higher price. In most cases, beds with proprietary and eco-friendly materials are more costly than those with more standard materials. You should look at all the details, such as if the material is sustainably sourced or handcrafted since these factors can also increase the price.

Durability

The durability of your mattress will affect its price, but it’s important to remember that this depends on many things. How long a bed can last depends on the type and the quality of its materials and craftsmanship. For example, latex beds last longer than innerspring due to the complexity of their construction and the caliber of the materials. Although it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly how long a specific mattress will last, looking at its materials and its warranty can help you get a better estimate of its longevity.

Warranty

Brands offer different warranty deals with their mattresses, so this is important to double-check. High-end brands usually offer at least 10-year warranties, though some offer lifetime deals. Although the warranty usually only covers damage caused by faulty materials and manufacturing, it’s good to know that the brand stands behind its product. As mentioned above, a good warranty also suggests a quality mattress.

Online vs. In-store

Buying in-store may allow you to feel the mattress and lie on it, but this is hardly ever enough time to determine if it’s right for you. Mattresses bought online usually come with a lengthy trial, giving you sufficient time to sleep on the bed before deciding if you want to keep it. However, there’s also the price difference. Online buying is usually cheaper because there are no middlemen between you and the brand, as is the case when you buy in-store.

Comfort and Support

More comfortable and supportive mattresses will almost always cost you more than those lacking a bit in these departments. Both these factors depend on a few things, so it’s important to look at the bigger picture. What is the support system in your mattress? If it’s a coil unit with individually wrapped coils and several comfort layers on top, your mattress is likely to cost more. Innerspring beds with interconnected coils that don’t have individually wrapped or more than one comfort layer are usually cheaper.

Seniors looking for a supportive mattress should check out our Best Mattresses for Seniors.

Preference-Based Features

Preference-based features include motion isolation, cooling, edge support, zoned support, and other similar qualtiies you may want from your mattress. This is an important thing to consider if you have unique needs, such as sleeping with a partner or running hot at night. For this reason, think about which features are the most important to you based on your needs and preferences. The more advanced features a bed has, the more expensive it will likely be.

Where It’s Made

The location a bed is made may also be of value to the shopper. Some people want to invest in locally-sourced beds, but this could mean slightly higher prices than beds sourced elsewhere. For example, mattress made in the United States may cost more to make, but this could also translate to better quality, particularly for health and safety standards for the materials used. Keep in mind that some brands may design their beds in the U.S., but source materials internationally, so if you’re intent on buying fully American-made mattresses, you should confirm this via the manufacturer’s website.

What to Know About Shipping, Returns, and Warranties

Shipping details, returns, and warranties vary among brands, so it’s best to check these specifications beforehand. In most cases, these will also affect the price.

Shipping

Most brands offer free shipping within the continental U.S., which means if you live in Alaska or Hawaii, you could pay extra. You should check these details beforehand to avoid being surprised at checkout. Additionally, most beds come compressed in a box, and some brands may offer complementary White Glove Delivery or provide this service for a fee. White Glove Delivery means a team of professionals will bring your mattress inside and set it up for you. In many cases, they can also remove your old mattress.

Returns

Returns are often free, but some brands require you to pay a shipping fee when returning a mattress. So, again, this is best to investigate beforehand. Reputable online brands will offer a trial period during which you can use the bed and return it if it doesn’t fit your needs. The trial can last anywhere between 30 to 365 nights, depending on the company. However, some companies require you to use the mattress for a certain time before you can return it.

Warranties

The warranty is important to consider as it shows how much the company stands behind its products. Warranties usually cover damage caused by faulty materials and manufacturing, not normal wear and tear or damage caused by misuse. Warranties can last anywhere from a year to forever.

Ways to Make Your Mattress Last Longer

• Buy a Protector – A mattress protector is meant to keep away stains and liquids, so it’s a good option if you sleep with kids or pets. Mattress pads and toppers can also come in handy when it comes to protecting the mattress itself from staining.
  

  ---

• Use the Right Foundation – Having the wrong foundation will cause your mattress to sag sooner than you think. For this reason, it’s important to use only the foundations recommended by the mattress manufacturer.
  

  ---

• Don’t Jump on the Bed – Jumping will cause your bed to sag and sink in, regardless of how well-made it was in the first place. The stitching may come loose, and you might even rip the cover.
  

  ---

• Avoid Eating and Drinking in Bed – Eating and drinking in your bed also means you risk staining it. Stains are difficult to get rid of unless your mattress has a removable cover. Even then, the stain may have already gotten to the layers underneath.
  

  ---

• Rotate or Flip Your Mattress – Rotating and flipping a mattress can help with even wear and sagging. All mattresses wear out and sag at some point, but rotating and flipping can help postpone this. However, not all beds can be flipped so it’s good to double-check on this.
  

  ---

• Clean It – Regular mattress cleanings help prevent bacteria and mold from growing anywhere on or in the mattress. Cleaning usually involves vacuuming or spot cleaning if you come across any stain. Additionally, if your cover is removable, you may be able to wash it in the machine. For more information on how to maintain your mattress, check the label included by the manufacturer.
  

  ---

• Address Accidents Right Away – If any accidents happen, it’s important to take care of them immediately. Whatever it is, you have a greater chance of removing it if you start cleaning right away than if you were to wait a few hours.
  

  ---

Tips for Getting a Great Deal on a Mattress

• Research – Doing a bit of research goes a long way. You can learn everything you need about the materials, features, and other factors we discussed above. Since most of these affect the price, researching can help you get good value.
• Holidays – Most brands have discounts and sales during holidays, so why not take that opportunity when buying a mattress? The prices drop significantly, so you may even be able to get a bed that’s otherwise outside your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

What mattress offers the best value for heavy sleepers?

Heavy sleepers should look for durability, support, and a bit of bounce. Mattresses for heavy people need to support more weight, so they must be built to do so. Beds with sturdy support can help prevent the sleeper’s body from sinking into the bed. Additionally, a bit of bounce should help with repositioning and getting out of bed. 

Can you sleep on a bed-in-a-box mattress right away?

This depends on the bed. These mattresses are compressed and rolled into boxes, and as a result, they usually need time to expand after unboxing. In most cases, it takes at least 24 to 48 hours for a bed to fully decompress before you can sleep on it. Additionally, some of these mattresses may have an initial smell and need time to air out.

How much should I pay for a mattress?

Everyone has different budgets to work with, so this will first depend on what you’re willing to spend. You’ll also need to consider important mattress factors like materials, mattress type, warranties, special features, and more. For reference, though, most quality Queen-size beds will be around 1,000 dollars. 

What is the best type of mattress on the market?

The best type of mattress is the one that fits your particular needs. What may work for someone else might not work for you. For example, you may like the bounce of an innerspring bed, but someone else might prefer the motion isolation of a memory foam mattress. 

What’s the best King mattress for the money?

The best King mattress for the money has specific features you can enjoy. Think about what you want from a bed and look for those features in brands that offer King-size mattresses. Most people shopping for a King-size mattress are couples, and valuable features for couples can include motion isolation, bounce, edge support, cooling, and a versatile firmness. 

Loren Bullock

Lead Product Tester

About Author

Loren is the Lead Reviewer at Sleep Advisor. She has prioritized sleeping for as long as she can remember, rarely deviating from seven to nine hours each night.

Combination Sleeper

Education & Credentials

• Certified Sleep Science Coach