While plenty of mattress options could make your bank balance blush, just as many deliver a good night’s sleep at an accessible price. Bearing in mind that economically priced mattresses may not come with the bells and whistles of their higher-priced counterparts, like graphite-infused memory foam or a robust offering of firmness levels, the best mattresses under $1,000 can certainly hold their own in terms of support, pressure relief, and overall comfort, ultimately delivering good sleep quality night after night. Considering that you spend about one-third of your life sleeping or attempting to sleep, these things matter. (1)
Bringing new meaning to the term “sleeping on the job,” our team spent hours laying down on, pushing, pressing, tossing, and turning on over 60 of the best mattresses. Throughout the testing period, we assessed support, pressure point relief, cooling properties, motion isolation, and responsiveness to curate this list of our top picks under $1,000.
Best mattress under $1,000 overall
When our testing was all said and done, Nectar’s Memory Foam mattress made our list as the best mattress under $1,000 overall. It features three layers of foam that come together to deliver exceptional support and contouring. This memory foam mattress is responsive enough to facilitate position changes overnight, and while it’s a solid option for side sleepers, back sleepers may find something here, too.
Our picks for the best mattresses under $1,000
- Best overall: Nectar Mattress
- Best queen: Emma Hybrid Comfort
- Best luxury mattress: DreamCloud Hybrid
- Best memory foam: Silk & Snow Mattress
- Best for heavy people: Titan Plus Mattress
- Best king: Bear Mattress
- Best cooling: Cocoon Chill
- Best hybrid: Brooklyn Bedding Essential
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| Nectar Memory Foam Mattress | Emma Hybrid Comfort | DreamCloud Hybrid | Silk & Snow Mattress | Titan Plus | Bear Original | Cocoon The Chill Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Essential | |
| Rating | ||||||||
| Price | $649 | $659 | $665 | $665 | $936.80 | $848 | $899 | $699 |
| Material | Memory foam | Hybrid (coils and foam) | Hybrid (coils and foam) | Memory foam | Hybrid (coils and foam) | Foam | Hybrid (coils and foam) | Hybrid (coils and foam) |
| Firmness | Medium-firm | Medium-firm | Firm | Medium | Firm | Medium-firm | Medium | Medium |
| Trial period | 365 nights | 365 nights | 100 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 100 nights | 120 nights |
Best mattress under $1,000 overall: Nectar Mattress
Key product features
What you should know
Nectar’s Memory foam mattress offers a medium-firm feel that’s ideal for light to average-weight side and back sleepers. It’s pressure-relieving but still provides plenty of support. Our testing revealed that the Nectar mattress is responsive, and three layers of foam elegantly contribute to stability with a nice sink.
- It contains multiple layers of memory foam that offer just enough sink with good support.
- It offers good spinal support and contouring.
- A solid option for light to average-weight side and back sleepers.
- Responsive enough for easy position changes.
Why we like Nectar as best overall
The Nectar memory foam mattress earned top marks in our testing for its exceptional support and pressure relief.
Our evaluation found three distinct layers of foam, each with its own job to do. From the bottom up, the 7-inch base layer provides stability and edge support, the dynamic response middle layer provides support while boosting responsiveness and minimizing motion transfer, and the top layer is gel-infused memory foam that cradles your pressure points.
Memory foam is notorious for sleeping hot, and while Nectar’s gel-infused memory foam is supposed to knock the heat down, it seems this feature is only theoretical. Our testers discovered that the Tencel cover feels cool to the touch, but the coolness isn’t sustained, and it also didn’t feel like the gel foam layer did much to regulate temperature.
“Memory foam tends to trap body heat, so if you are a hot sleeper, I recommend looking for one that uses additional cooling properties such as a cooling gel to prevent overheating during the night,” adds Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM, quadruple-board certified medical reviewer.
This mattress has a medium-firm feel. While the foam top layers are plush enough to cradle pressure points, we found that the firm, dense base foam provides plenty of support, especially around the lumbar area.
Overall, Nectar’s memory foam mattress is pretty responsive. In our testing, we didn’t notice an instantaneous bounce-back but found it moves quickly to support sleep position changes. Typical of memory foam mattresses, the edge support is only average, and motion isolation is nicely stifled.
The Nectar memory foam mattress also offers good spinal alignment, (2) so light-to-average-weight side and back sleepers will likely find what they need here. Stomach sleepers, however, may have to look elsewhere.
Check out our full Nectar mattress review to learn more about this brand.
What customers are saying
Amazon customers give the Nectar mattress an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars, with over 7,000 ratings. Most customers appreciate the quality and value of the mattress while others are mixed on support and ease of use.
“This mattress, in my opinion, is the best mattress on the market regardless of the price. This mattress is not too hard and not so soft that you sink into it. It’s so comfortable that I want to lay down on it every time I walk by it. When I go to bed, I’m out in minutes and I sleep all night! I’m confident that if you buy this mattress, you’ll end up keeping it.”
—Gary White, verified Amazon reviewer
Another verified reviewer with the username “Dinkyboo” says, “I have purchased three of these mattresses now and I love them. Two for my teens and one for me. I like the silence of these memory foam mattresses. They are firm enough and soft at the same time. I don’t find them hot to sleep on, but my son did. But we bought some bamboo sheets and pillowcases and he says that solved his issue. They arrive rolled up, compressed, and boxed. Heavy, but easily movable until you’re ready to open the plastic to start the inflation. A bit chemically smelling, but by the time it fully opened up the smell was mostly gone, and by day three no smell.”
Several customers note that the mattress is too firm for their sleep preferences, with “JS,” a verified Amazon reviewer saying, “This bed is very firm, it is not medium firmness in any way. The bed came out of the box and expanded to a normal-looking mattress, I was impressed. The overall quality is very high. Everything was going great until I lied on the mattress. It is hard, and in no way medium or even remotely soft. Some people who love a firm, actually hard, mattress may find this perfect. For me it is just too hard, I even put a foam topper on it and it was still too hard.”
Specs
| Material | Foam |
| Warranty | Forever Warranty™ |
| Firmness | Medium-firm |
| Trial period | 365 nights |
| Shipping | Free |
| Weight (Queen) | 66 lbs |
| Height | 12” tall |
Best queen mattress under $1,000: Emma Hybrid Comfort
Key product features
What you should know
The Emma Hybrid Comfort mattress offers a medium-firm sleep surface with good support and pressure relief. Our testing reveals stomach and back sleepers will find excellent spinal alignment, and the mattress is priced attractively for price-conscious shoppers.
- A combination of coils and memory foam provides good support with some pressure relief.
- It’s a decent mattress for the budget-conscious shopper.
- Ideal for stomach and back sleepers, combination and side sleepers should look elsewhere.
- Offers excellent spinal support for all types of sleepers.
- Sleepers will only find mediocre edge support.
Why we like Emma Hybrid Comfort as best queen
Our evaluation revealed that The Emma Hybrid Comfort is firm, supportive, and just a bit bouncy. It’s likely a good fit for back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and those who like to sleep on their bed instead of in it.
While hybrid mattresses typically sleep cool, we didn’t note any cooling or temperature regulation in our evaluation despite features like a gel-infused foam and temperature-regulating UltraDry Cover.
This mattress boasts impressive support that leads to superior spinal alignment but needs more edge support. You can lie on the bed with no issue, but sitting on the edges without sliding off may be challenging. “Memory foam can help to maintain spinal alignment throughout the night while also providing pressure relief,” notes Dr. Raj.”
Regarding motion isolation, our testing revealed that the Emma Hybrid Comfort registers big movements like getting into and out of bed, but small movements are nicely stifled. It’s also quite responsive, so combination sleepers will find no impediments to switching positions.
This mattress is quite firm, but while side and combination sleepers may feel some pressure relief and good spinal alignment, our testers noted that the mattress isn’t cushy enough to support these sleep positions over the long term. This one is a better fit for back and stomach sleepers. “Stomach sleepers should look for a medium to medium-firm mattress that keeps their spine aligned and supports their pressure points while sleeping,” notes Dr. Raj.
We should add that our testers found this mattress to be noisy. We popped it open to find that the center foam mimics styrofoam, creating the noise. This mattress has plenty of firm support, and it’s a good option for anyone in the market for a queen mattress on a budget.
Check out our Emma Hybrid Comfort mattress review for more insights on this model. If this isn’t the right pick for you, visit our best queen mattresses guide to find more great options in this size.
Specs
| Material | Hybrid |
| Warranty | 10 years |
| Firmness | Medium-firm |
| Trial period | 365 nights |
| Shipping | Free |
| Weight (Queen) | Not listed |
| Height | 13” tall |
Best luxury mattress under $1,000: DreamCloud Hybrid Mattress
Key product features
What you should know
While most luxury mattresses have price tags to match, Dreamcloud delivers a budget-friendly option for those minding the purse strings. This hybrid mattress is a sleek blend of innerspring coils and memory foam, which we found to provide a comfortable balance of support and pressure relief. Luxury details include a cashmere-blend cover and an assortment of high-quality materials.
- The mattress has a balanced feel with a great combination of support and pressure relief.
- There’s only one firmness option, but it’s still a solid choice for back and combination sleepers.
- The mattress provides decent edge support.
- It’s a luxury mattress at an affordable price.
- The mattress provides decent edge support.
Why we like DreamCloud Hybrid Mattress as best luxury
While you might think it’s impossible to find a luxury mattress at an affordable price, Dreamcloud’s Hybrid mattress proves otherwise. This mattress delivers many details you’d expect from luxury brands but with a price tag under $1,000.
Beneath the posh cashmere blend cover, which is soft, cozy, and quilted for an exceptionally plush feel, we found seven layers of memory foams, gel foams, and innerspring coils, each with a distinct purpose. The highlights here are a cooling gel-infused memory foam that cradles pressure points while mitigating the heat that memory foams are known for, an assortment of transition and support polyfoam layers that add bounce, firmness, and support to the mattress, and, of course, a layer of individually wrapped coils that do the heavy lifting to provide plenty of support.
In terms of overall feel, our evaluation revealed that this mattress is everything a good mattress should be—a nice balance between support and cushioning. Couples will appreciate the coil construction, which extends the usable sleep surface right to the edges. Their partner’s restlessness won’t impede their sleep, as the memory foam isolates motion quite nicely.
Anyone considering the Dreamcloud Hybrid should note that it’s only available in “firm.” So, while that makes it an excellent choice for back and combination sleepers, this may not be the best mattress for side sleepers. Our testers noted that the cushioning is good, but there isn’t enough contouring to ease common pinch points like your shoulders and hips.
Remember, too, that this mattress is supposed to sleep cool courtesy of the gel-infused memory foam and pocketed coils that boost airflow. However, memory foams are excellent heat trappers—so ultimately, we discovered that the “cooling” did not come through. At best, this mattress may be more temperature-neutral.
See our full DreamCloud mattress review for more insights. Or, check out our best luxury mattresses for more options that will give you a deluxe feel.
What customers are saying
The Dreamcloud Hybrid mattress received over 1,700 ratings on Amazon, averaging 4.2 out of 5 stars. Customers appreciate the quality of the mattress for the price while others report a lack of edge support.
“The mattress is very plush/cushy on top, but when you lie down, it has a medium firm core of support, begins Leeann Solice, a verified Amazon reviewer. “My husband and I have both slept well with no pressure point pain on shoulders when side-sleeping, but it also provides good lumbar support when on our backs. I knew we wanted a hybrid mattress with individual coils for some firmness but also a topper layer with some softness, and this is very much that Goldilocks combo. Afer sleeping on hundred of hotel beds, I would say that of all the mattresses we’ve used, it is definitely in the top 5-10% only out-paced by a few really luxe splurgy hotel experiences.”
“I love this mattress. Immediately out of wrapper there was some chemical smell but it went away within a day or two. The mattress was well packaged and when opened fluffed right up. It has been super comfortable and seems super durable. The memory foam hugs you in the right spots but still allows for movement. When my spouse gets up it doesn’t shake the whole bed so I barely notice. Overall great quality mattress and have been getting wonderful sleep.”
—Amazon customer
Several customers note that the edge support is lacking, with one customer, Melisa, stating, “It slept great until the last week or so. The edge doesn’t stay strong like the middle and I’m by no means an overweight person. I feel like I’m going to roll off if I fall asleep close to the center.”
Specs
| Material | Hybrid |
| Warranty | Forever |
| Firmness | Firm |
| Trial period | 365 nights |
| Shipping | Free |
| Weight (Queen) | 78 lbs |
| Height | 12” tall |
Best memory foam mattress under $1,000: The Silk & Snow Mattress
Key product features
What you should know
The Silk & Snow mattress is an all-foam bed with a gel-infused comfort layer. Our testing shows that it is well-suited for side sleepers who need pressure relief and couples who want motion isolation.
- This all-foam mattress is soft, plush, and pressure-relieving.
- It’s ideal for light and average-weight sleepers.
- It’s a mixed bag for couples; it excels in motion isolation but offers only mediocre edge support.
- Best for those who like to sleep in their bed instead of on it.
- It’s attractively priced.
Why we like Silk & Snow as best memory foam
Those who like a good hug from their mattress may prefer memory foam, and our research reveals the Silk & Snow mattress is the best of the bunch under $1,000.
This mattress features an all-foam construction -including a 4-lb gel memory foam that relieves pressure points and a 1.8-lb transitional performance foam that contributes to ample support and motion isolation—all of which offer deep contouring and pressure point relief that lightweight side sleepers and average-weight back sleepers can appreciate. While this mattress knocks it out of the park for those categories, our testers discovered that back and heavier-weight sleepers may not find the support they need for a good night’s sleep.
While you might think polyfoam sans coils is synonymous with sinking, that’s not quite the case. We discovered that this mattress’s foam construction makes it ideal for those who like to sleep in their bed (instead of on it), yet the polyfoam is dense enough to prevent excessive sinkage. (3) Ultimately, if you’re looking for a mattress with a good hug, this is it.
Another notable characteristic of memory foam mattresses is their ability to trap heat, and our testing revealed that Silk & Snow lives up to those expectations. The mattress features an open-cell memory foam comfort layer infused with cooling gel that dissipates and pulls heat away from your body to keep you cool. This may be fine for the average sleeper, but we discovered that anyone who sleeps exceptionally hot won’t find much comfort here. Our evaluation showed that all-foam mattresses can’t sleep as cool as a hybrid, where airflow and breathability are inherent to the design.
What is inherent in this mattress’s design (all-foam construction) is exceptional motion isolation. But noting the good with the bad, a foam mattress through and through also means less-than-stellar edge support. When lying flat, our testers felt the soft hug of memory foam but little to no support (and even sinking) when getting in and out of bed.
See our complete guide on the best memory foam mattresses to learn more or read our full Silk and Snow mattress review.
Specs
| Material | Memory foam |
| Warranty | 15 years |
| Firmness | Medium-firm |
| Trial period | 100 nights |
| Shipping | Free |
| Weight (Queen) | 76 lbs |
| Height | 10” tall |
Best mattress for heavy people under $1,000: Titan Plus Mattress
Key product features
What you should know
With a robust combination of 8-inch steel coils and a high-density foam support core, the Titan Plus is designed for plus-size sleepers. Ultimately, our testing shows that it delivers a firm sleep surface with exceptional support that resists sagging over time.
- The combination of coils and foams provides a firm sleep surface.
- The Titan Plus is affordably priced for a hybrid mattress.
- Specifically designed for plus-sized sleepers.
- The mattress is firm enough for stomach sleepers.
- Sleeps cool courtesy of the gel-infused top foam.
Why we like Titan Plus as best for heavy people
Shoppers looking for a substantial mattress will find it with the Titan Plus. The Titan Plus was designed specifically for plus-size sleepers. While the sleeping surface area is standard, the mattress was designed to last and sidestep the sagging that most mattresses are prone to.
This hybrid mattress is designed with 900 heavy-duty steel coils, followed by the brand’s comfort foam, which we found in our testing to provide contouring and pressure point relief. It’s all topped off with cooling gel foam that dissipates heat to help you sleep cooler.
With feathers in its cap, like sound motion isolation and gel foam that keeps things cool, The Titan Plus is a good pick for couples. However, it’s worth noting that our extensive testing discovered that the mattress falls short regarding edge support, so the lack of usable sleep space could translate to cramped quarters.
The Titan Plus’ firm sleep surface is also a good fit for back and stomach sleepers. Our testers found enough support for optimal spinal alignment and multiple layers of foam for pressure relief. Side sleepers should look elsewhere, as our testing revealed that the firm surface won’t favor their pressure points.
Visit our complete Titan mattress review to learn more. If this isn’t the right pick for you, consider another of our best mattresses for heavy people.
Specs
| Material | Hybrid |
| Warranty | 10 years |
| Firmness | Firm |
| Trial period | 120 nights |
| Shipping | Free |
| Weight (Queen) | 95 lbs |
| Height | 11.25” tall |
Best king mattress under $1,000: Bear Mattress
Key product features
What you should know
The Bear Original mattress is a medium-firm foam that’s incredibly supportive. Our testers found good spinal alignment, and also a good hug. The Bear Original is an excellent pick for stomach sleepers, back sleepers, and couples.
- The supportive coils make it feel like a hybrid.
- Attractively priced for those who want a quality bed at a budget price.
- The mattress is great for light to average-weight stomach and back sleepers.
- Bear Original mattress offers good motion isolation.
- The mattress leans more toward firmness.
Why we like Bear Mattress as best king
Our evaluation revealed that this all-foam mattress from Bear is so incredibly supportive it almost feels like a hybrid. From the top down, the Bear Original features a breathable TENCEL™ cover, a cooling gel memory foam, and Bear’s Dynamic Foam, which our testers noted offers balanced support pressure relief. The mattress is finished with high-density support foam that contributes to its durability. We concluded that these components add to excellent support, good spinal alignment, and a deep hug regardless of sleep position.
The firm feel of the Bear Original makes it ideal for light-to-average-weight stomach and back sleepers. While side sleepers may also find good spinal alignment, our evaluation shows that the Bear Original may feel too firm. That’s likely to register as shoulder and hip pain upon waking. “Side sleepers do best with a mattress with enough cushioning and support to keep your spine aligned while sleeping,” advises Dr. Raj.
The Bear Original is a medium-firm that leans toward firm, so while it’s easy to move on and change positions, it doesn’t isolate motion well. Ultimately, we discovered that it could be a challenge for couples. Anyone who wakes easily when their partner tosses and turns should look elsewhere.
Further complicating things for couples is the cooling aspect of this mattress. Typically, cooling gel memory foams draw heat away from the body, but our testing revealed that it doesn’t quite deliver here. Our testers noted that the cooling cover was not cool to the touch, and any cooling fades quickly. This mattress also comes up short on edge support. This decreases the mattress’s usable surface area, which could be an issue for couples.
For more information, see our complete Bear mattress review. Or, check out our best king mattresses to see more options for you.
Specs
| Material | Foam |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
| Firmness | Medium-firm |
| Trial period | 120 nights |
| Shipping | Free |
| Weight (Queen) | 70 lbs |
| Height | 10” tall |
Best cooling mattress under $1,000: Cocoon Chill
Key product features
What you should know
Cocoon Chill by Sealy is an affordable mattress and a good option for folks who don’t want to overthink it. Our testing shows that it offers ample support for a good night’s sleep and may be a good option for couples as it sleeps cool and isolates motion well.
- The cooling cover with phase change material absorbs and dissipates heat.
- The mattress is affordably priced at $899 for a queen-size.
- Cocoon Chill is ideal for side and back sleepers.
- Only provides average edge support.
Why we like Cocoon Chill as best cooling
From the makers of Sealy mattresses, Cocoon Chill is one of the newer entries in the category. The mattress is comprised of a comfort memory foam layer that provides contouring and pressure relief, followed by a transitional layer that offers support and reduces motion transfer. Testers note that the high-density poly foam base layer adds stability and firmness.
Like the Bear Original, Cocoon Chill is a medium-firm mattress that leans more toward firm, making it an excellent option for back sleepers and light-to-average-weight side sleepers. According to our testers, the mattress offers enough support to help maintain a neutral spinal alignment, while the top layer of memory foam gives sleepers a nice hug. The Cocoon Chill is a good pick for those who prefer to sleep “in” their mattress rather than on it.
Our evaluation revealed that this mattress isolates motion nicely, so it’s a good pick for couples. A partner who tosses and turns throughout the night is far less likely to disturb your sleep. Moreover, the stretch-knit fabric is woven with Phase Change Material, which should do plenty to dissipate body heat, keeping you both cooler at night. (4)
Learn more about the best cooling mattresses to discover which is the best fit for you.
Specs
| Material | Hybrid |
| Warranty | 10 years |
| Firmness | Medium |
| Trial period | 100 nights |
| Shipping | Free |
| Weight (Queen) | 82 lbs |
| Height | 12” tall |
Best hybrid mattress under $1,000: Brooklyn Bedding Brooklyn Essential
Key product features
What you should know
The Brooklyn Essential’s hybrid construction offers sleepers a medium-firm feel with plenty of support and pressure point relief. It’s an affordable mattress that accommodates a wide range of sleepers and sleep preferences.
- The combination of coils and memory foam provides ample support and pressure point relief.
- The mattress is accessibly priced for budget-conscious shoppers.
- Ideal for side and back sleepers.
- The mattress sleeps relatively cool.
Why we like Brooklyn Essential as best hybrid
With 8-inch steel coils and an assortment of high-density foams, Brooklyn Essential makes our list as the best hybrid mattress. In our evaluation, we found that the Brooklyn Essential features a mix of high-density foams: a quilted comfort layer for light contouring and pressure relief, a transitional polyfoam that offers a responsive feel while minimizing sinkage, all of which sit atop a robust support core comprised of an 8-inch layer of steel coils, each of which is individually wrapped to decrease motion transfer.
According to our testers, the coil support and cradling from the foam make this mattress a great pick for light—and average-weight back sleepers and light—and average-weight side sleepers.
Based on our evaluation, this mattress competently isolates motion, which is great for couples. So, while you may feel more significant movements on this bed, you don’t have to share your partner’s restless nights. Moreover, our testers noted that the Brooklyn Essential has decent edge support, expanding the usable sleep surface of the bed. It’s not rock solid, but it will work.
Overall, the Brooklyn Bedding Essential is a no-frills hybrid bed-in-a-box mattress with a medium-firm feel that can accommodate a wide range of sleepers and preferences.
See our complete list of the best hybrid mattresses if you are looking for additional options.
Specs
| Material | Hybrid |
| Warranty | 10 years |
| Firmness | Medium |
| Trial period | 120 nights |
| Shipping | Free |
| Weight (Queen) | 100 lbs |
| Height | 10” tall |
How we test mattresses
To test the mattresses that eventually made it to this list, we rounded up the best contenders from a wide range of bands. Of course, the price tag was the first checkbox on our list as we searched for models under the $1,000 mark. However, we weren’t just looking for the cheapest mattresses out there. We also wanted to ensure these mattresses delivered a top-notch experience, recognizing that you shouldn’t have to sacrifice quality sleep just to meet your budget needs.
Over the following weeks and months, our review team, made up of certified sleep science coaches and industry experts, assessed each mattress in terms of performance, comfort, and value. The eight mattresses on this list turned out to be the best of the best in the under $1,000 category. You can view our full mattress testing methodology here.
Performance (sleep experience)—30%
A high-quality mattress should feel like it’s designed to provide you with the best sleep of your life. Itshould also deliver on the promise of a great sleep experience. Our sleep science coaches assess various factors to reflect the functional aspects of the mattress as well as the user’s sleep experience. Here’s what we’re looking for:
- Temperature regulation: A lot of people think how hot or cold they get at night has more to do with their mattress than it actually does. Your sleep temperature has more to do with your personal physiology, sleep attire, and bedding than it does with how your mattress is constructed. But your mattress does play a role in temperature regulation. We test mattresses over a range of conditions so you can figure out for yourself if your sleep routine will have you sleeping hot, cold, or just right.
- Motion isolation: If you have a sleeping partner, especially one who sleeps lighter than you, knowing if you’ll disturb them when moving in or getting out of bed is critically important. We test for motion transfer and motion isolation at various distances from edge to center to give you the intel you need to understand if your movement will disturb your partner.
- Edge support: Everyone wants a comfortable mattress that helps them sleep well and doesn’t cause additional discomfort or aches and pains. This often means using materials that form to your body and reduce friction points. But when getting in/out of bed, getting ready, or even working, having a mattress with edges that give too much or are too soft can be a real problem. We test mattress edges to find the ones that offer the greatest support.
- Technology: This may come as a surprise, but some mattresses come equipped with a range of technological features to enhance sleep quality and comfort, such as sleep tracking, temperature control via mobile app, smart home integration, and even vibration features.
Comfort and support—30%
Alongside the sleep experience, comfort and support are just as important for a healthy and restful sleep. A high-quality mattress should assist in providing relief with certain aches and pains a user may experience when sleeping. It should also help users wake up feeling energized and rested. Here’s what we’re looking for:
- Firmness: How firm you prefer the mattress is unique to you, but knowing if a mattress firmness rating matches your preference can be a bit trickier. Different manufacturers have different factors for determining firmness ratings. So, we’re measuring all mattresses with one central protocol to remove the guesswork.
- Pressure relief: Your unique body and sleep position(s) can determine whether a mattress causes pressure or relieves it. Our testers try out each mattress to give you the best information possible.
- Spinal alignment support: Spinal alignment is crucial for preventing back pain and ensuring a great night’s sleep. Our testers have a detailed process to examine how well a mattress maintains the spine in a natural position across various sleeping positions.
- Customization: Does the mattress offer adjustable firmness, removable cooling layers, split configurations, or removable covers?
Value—20%
Assessing value involves meticulously examining several key factors contributing to a mattress’s worth. A mattress that is priced just within reach of its target audience, yet surpasses competitors in terms of materials, performance, and support, presents a compelling value proposition. However, value is not solely determined by the lowest price point. We also determine it by finding the balance between cost and the tangible benefits a mattress provides.
Customer experience—10%
Sometimes, the mattress can be great, but if the overall shopping experience wasn’t, that could easily leave a sour taste in a user’s mouth about the mattress they just purchased. We put in the hours to determine how well the entire process of buying a mattress matches users’ expectations and what options are available when something goes wrong.
- Shipping: Mattresses are big and heavy, making shipping especially challenging. We rate mattresses based on factors such as shipping times/speeds, delivery service, mattress haulaway and setup, and more.
- Warranty: If the company offers generous warranty policies, if something goes wrong, that’s a good sign. We’ll read every line and see if it’s worth it.
- Customer service: Companies with multiple contact methods and helpful, knowledgeable customer service reps earn higher marks.
- Sleep trial: We favor mattress companies that offer free trials that give you some time to, quite literally, sleep on the mattress.
Health and safety—10%
It’s important to understand that a mattress is more than just a sleeping surface—it’s an environment where you spend a significant portion of your life. We meticulously assess critical aspects of mattresses that may directly impact your well-being and peace of mind.
Our factors in this rating include:
- Hypoallergenic materials: With their ability to deter allergies, it’s obvious why some users would find this an important factor when choosing a mattress if they have allergies or sensitivities. This factor ensures your sleeping environment is conducive to health rather than a source of irritation.
- Off-gassing and chemical exposure: There is a concern that the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from mattress materials, such as polyurethane foam (used in memory foam mattresses), may affect air quality. We evaluate the extent of off-gassing and the safety of materials used, aiming for mattresses that minimize chemical exposure.
- Safety certifications: These serve as a benchmark for quality and safety, verifying that a mattress has met vigorous health and environmental standards. Our testers will look for certifications such as CertiPUR-US®, OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, and Made Safe®.
What to consider when buying a mattress under $1,000
Sleep is often called the third pillar of health. (5) In the absence of quality sleep, you’re looking at moodiness, irritability, and fatigue from day to day, while long-term effects of poor sleep include more serious health issues like high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. (6) And make no mistake, your mattress matters in your search for quality sleep. “A good mattress will help you wake up feeling refreshed, but a bad mattress can lead to discomfort and trouble sleeping,” adds Dr. Raj.
If you’re shopping for the best affordable mattress while keeping a keen eye on the price, you should know that you don’t have to sacrifice comfort or quality for a lower price tag. However, when looking for a deal, you should keep the basics of mattress shopping in mind.
Sleep position
Personal sleep preferences should be one of the main drivers of your decision.
Some guidelines to keep in mind:
Stomach sleepers typically need a firm to extra firm mattress capable of providing enough support to prevent their hips from sinking and knocking their spines too far out of alignment. (7) Sleep experts warn against sleeping on your stomach, but if you do, it’s best to sleep on top of your mattress instead of in it. (8)
Side sleepers should opt for a mattress with a balanced feel. The best mattress, in this case, will offer ample support with a plush layer that cradles pressure points around the hips and shoulders.
Back sleepers (like stomach sleepers) also need a firm sleep surface. Again, support is key to preventing sinking hips and keeping the spine properly aligned. Anything less almost guarantees back pain upon waking. A support layer with gentle body contouring isn’t a bad idea either, as it can help alleviate joint pain and pressure in the most common sensitive spots.
Incidentally, the research is limited, but those with back pain may find more comfort sleeping on their back (supine position), and a medium-firm mattress may be your best bet. (9)
Body type
People come in many shapes and sizes, and it’s vital to consider your unique body type when buying a mattress. In particular, body weight can significantly impact a mattress’s performance, such as how soft or firm you perceive it to be. Most manufacturers design mattresses with average-weight (130 to 250 pounds) sleepers in mind. (10) Mattresses tend to feel firmer to lightweight sleepers, who may prefer a soft option. Conversely, heavier-weight individuals typically lean toward firm mattresses that offer more support. (10)
Materials
The type of mattress you choose plays an important role in your overall comfort and sleep quality. Innerspring mattresses typically provide good support with minimal sinkage and tend to sleep cooler. Memory foam mattresses contour nicely to the body, cradling the sleeper to alleviate pressure points in the hips and shoulders. However, foam beds are notorious for sleeping hot.
Motion transfer
Motion transfer is an important consideration for those sharing a bed with a partner or pet–even more so if you’re a light sleeper who wakes at the slightest disturbance. Typically, memory foam mattresses are the best at isolating motion. Die-hard hybrid fans could potentially get good motion isolation, provided the foam components are high-quality and dense enough.
Edge support
Edge support should be another strong consideration, especially for those who share a bed.
Good edge support increases the amount of usable surface area on your bed and allows you to sit on the edges without issue. Moreover, poor edge support also makes it harder to get into and out of your bed. Hybrids and innerspring mattresses tend to offer superior edge support.
Temperature
Nighttime body temperature can significantly impact sleep quality. Some mattresses feature more advanced materials designed to release excess body heat and wick away moisture to help keep your sleep surface cool and dry. If you tend to be a hot sleeper or live in a warmer environment, you may need to prioritize cooling performance when reviewing your mattress options.
Trial period and return policy
Shopping for a mattress online can be a hit or miss. Mattress companies know this, so many offer free shipping, sleep trial periods, and free returns. Ultimately, it’s in your best interest to familiarize yourself with return policies and fees before buying.
Customer reviews
Brand websites will tell you what you’re getting, but customer reviews can offer real insight into performance, feel, and durability. So, be sure to read the reviews.
How we chose the best mattresses under $1,000
After rigorous testing, our review team, made up of certified sleep science coaches, sleep experts, and industry experts, chooses the best mattresses under $1,000 based on performance factors like firmness levels, motion isolation, temperature regulation, pressure point relief, and spinal alignment. Our experts also considered materials and fabrication, warranties, and return policies. Of all the mattresses we tested, these eight came out on top.
How to find an affordable mattress
Navigating the mattress buying process can sometimes seem daunting, especially when working within a tighter budget. We don’t want you to feel like you have to sacrifice sleep quality to find a bed that meets the needs of your current financial situation, so we have some quick tips to help you find affordable, high-quality mattresses.
Explore sales
The timing of when you shop for a new mattress can significantly impact how much you spend. Mattress brands run multiple sales events throughout the year that can reduce prices by up to 50%. We encourage planning ahead when buying a new bed so you can time your search to coincide with these deals, typically occurring around major U.S. holidays, including President’s Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day. Read our full guide on the best time to buy a mattress to learn more.
Find promos
Holiday sales aren’t the only way to knock dollars off your mattress cost. You can often find coupons and promo codes through various websites that help reduce the mattress price at checkout, including exclusive discounts when you shop the direct links on our Fortune Recommends™ mattress pages, like this one.
Shop around
We do extensive research across the mattress market so we can confidently provide recommendations on the best and most affordable mattress brands and models. However, we always encourage you to do your own research. By shopping around, you can be sure you’ll find the mattress that best fits your sleep needs and budget.
Is a cheap mattress worth it?
Anytime we describe something as “cheap,” we wonder if we’re compromising quality to save a bit of money. It’s challenging to give a one-size-fits-all answer when determining a mattress’s worth since comfort, support, and durability depend on various factors, including sleep style, body type, and personal preferences.
While cheaper mattresses may not have all the bells and whistles of many luxury models, that doesn’t always mean they provide less value. Many reputable brands, like the ones featured above, offer excellent quality mattresses at lower prices to help reach a broader range of shoppers. Moreover, a solid sleep trial and extended warranty can add incredible value.
Furthermore, buying an affordable mattress often has more to do with when you buy it than the actual product quality. Mattress manufacturers recognize it’s a big-ticket item, and businesses must offer competitive pricing to sell more. Through frequent year-round sales, you can find mattresses with a suggested retail price closer to the luxury mattress range falling to $1,000 or below. You’re not purchasing a lower-quality mattress; you’re just an astute shopper taking advantage of the big discounts.
FAQs
Is a $1,000 mattress good?
While it might seem that the mattress category is dominated by luxury brands at luxury prices, finding quality mattresses under $1,000 isn’t necessarily a fool’s errand. Reputable mattress brands like Bear and Brooklyn Bedding have options regularly priced under $1,000, and shoppers can usually find sales with brands like Nectar and Nolah that also knock the price back.
Be sure to research—read real-world customer reviews, look for generous sleep trials and easy return processes, and understand what’s covered under each warranty. We’ve done that work for you throughout this review, so you can feel confident that the mattresses we’ve chosen offer excellent value for the money.
Can you get a good mattress for $1,000?
While it might seem that the mattress category is dominated by luxury brands at luxury prices, finding quality mattresses under $1,000 isn’t necessarily a fool’s errand. Mattress companies like Bear and Brooklyn Bedding have options regularly priced under $1,000, and shoppers can usually find sales with brands like Nectar and Nolah that also knock the price back. If you’re looking for a mattress that doesn’t pull too hard on the purse strings, watch for deep discounts during holiday sales events like Black Friday, Labor Day, and President’s Day.
How long does a $1,000 mattress last?
While most online resources will tell you that mattresses typically last six to eight years, mattress longevity is ultimately based on the quality of the mattress, the materials used, and how well it is cared for. (10) A good-quality mattress can last between seven and ten years. However, some high-end mattresses with high-quality materials and premium construction may last even longer.
So, while there are no hard and fast rules here, just be sure to keep an eye on your mattress. Visible signs of wear, noisy springs, worsening allergies, or noticeable sagging could mean it’s time for a replacement. Moreover, researchers out of Oklahoma State University once found that swapping out an old mattress was key to easing back pain. (11) If you notice an uptick in back, shoulder, or hip pain, those are good indicators that a new mattress is in order.
What is the best mattress under $1,000?
Mattress preferences can be quite subjective. What works well for one person might not be suitable for another. Ultimately, the best mattress under $1,000 depends on individual sleep preferences such as sleeping position, firmness preferences, and other personal comfort needs. While we named the Nectar memory foam mattress as the best mattress under $1,000 overall, hot sleepers may say it’s the Cocoon Chill, while side sleepers may bestow that honor on Nolah Original.
Can I find a king mattress under $1,000?
While the larger size of a king mattress can drive the price up, you can still find quality options for under $1,000. Notably, the Bear Original is one of our favorite affordable king-size mattresses for its versatile design, offering comfort and support for many sleep styles and body types. To ensure you can snag this and other oversized mattresses at the sub-thousand-dollar mark, we encourage shopping during major holiday sales events.
What is the most you should pay for a mattress?
The most you’re willing to pay for a mattress should depend on what you feel comfortable spending without causing financial hardship. Mattresses with higher price tags often feature advanced technology that can enhance features like cooling, pressure relief, and motion isolation. Yet, we’ve seen through this article that you can also find high-quality mattresses for much cheaper.
Ultimately, you need to determine which mattress components are most important to you and where your budget ceiling lands. Just remember that spending money on a quality mattress is a sound investment toward your sleep health and overall wellness.
Which lasts longer, memory foam or innerspring mattresses?
It’s hard to beat the enhanced durability of the steel coils used in innerspring mattresses. However, many manufacturers now use higher-density memory foams that can withstand more use and extend the mattress’s lifespan. If you want a memory foam mattress but are concerned with durability, we recommend looking for models with thick, dense memory foam or latex layers. Additionally, the brand’s warranty can say a lot, with longer warranties often (but not always) indicating higher quality materials.
Our experts
Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM
Quadruple-board certified in pulmonary, sleep, internal, and critical care medicine. An active clinical researcher, Dr. Raj currently practices at the University of Southern California, where he’s been awarded the Excellence in Teaching award six years in a row. He’s also an associate professor of clinical medicine, assistant program director of the internal medicine residency program, and the associate program director of the sleep medicine fellowship at USC.
Harry Neale
Dr. Neale holds a Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, where he studied languages and literature. He has taught language courses, as well as writing-intensive literature and history courses, worked as a translator and researcher, and has 10 years of experience editing and fact-checking academic and B2B content.
Sharon Brandwein, CSSC
Fortune Recommends Sleep Writer
About Author
Sharon Brandwein is a Certified Sleep Science Coach and a freelance writer. She specializes in parenting, health, and all things sleep. Sharon’s work has appeared on ABC News, USAToday, Southern Living, and Forbes. When she’s not busy writing, you’ll probably find her digging through vintage books in local antique shops, adding more books to her ever-growing TBR pile.
References
- Caggiari G, Talesa GR, Toro G, Jannelli E, Monteleone G, Puddu L. What type of mattress should be chosen to avoid back pain and improve sleep quality? Review of the literature. J Orthop Traumatol. 2021;22(1):51. Published 2021 Dec 8. doi:10.1186/s10195-021-00616-5 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8655046/
- Fan-Zhe Low, BEng, Matthew Chin-Heng Chua, PhD, Pan-Yin Lim, BEng, and Chen-Hua Yeow, PhD Effects of Mattress Material on Body Pressure Profiles in Different Sleeping Postures Published online 2016 Oct 21. doi: 10.1016/j.jcm.2016.09.002 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5310954/
- Esa Soppi, Juha Lehtiö, Hannu Saarinen, An overview of polyurethane foams in higher specification foam mattresses 2015 Feb;61(2):38-46. PMID: 25654780 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25654780/
- Phase change material. Phase Change Material – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. (n.d.). https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/phase-change-material
- Clement-Carbonell V, Portilla-Tamarit I, Rubio-Aparicio M, Madrid-Valero JJ. Sleep Quality, Mental and Physical Health: A Differential Relationship. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(2):460. Published 2021 Jan 8. doi:10.3390/ijerph18020460
- Medic G, Wille M, Hemels ME. Short- and long-term health consequences of sleep disruption. Nat Sci Sleep. 2017;9:151-161. Published 2017 May 19. doi:10.2147/NSS.S134864
- Caggiari G, Talesa GR, Toro G, Jannelli E, Monteleone G, Puddu L. What type of mattress should be chosen to avoid back pain and improve sleep quality? Review of the literature. J Orthop Traumatol. 2021;22(1):51. Published 2021 Dec 8. doi:10.1186/s10195-021-00616-5
- Desouzart, Gustavo et al. ‘Effects of Sleeping Position on Back Pain in Physically Active Seniors: A Controlled Pilot Study’. 1 Jan. 2016 : 235 – 240.
- Cary D, Briffa K, McKenna L. Identifying relationships between sleep posture and non-specific spinal symptoms in adults: A scoping review. BMJ Open. 2019;9(6):e027633. Published 2019 Jun 28. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2018-027633
- Noyed, D., & Noyed, D. (2022, March 11). Mattress firmness. Sleep Foundation. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/mattress-construction/mattress-firmness
- Josue. (2019, October 1). Time to find a new mattress. Better Sleep Council | Start every day with a good night’s sleep. https://bettersleep.org/blog/the-right-time-to-find-a-new-mattress/
- Jacobson BH, Boolani A, Smith DB. Changes in back pain, sleep quality, and perceived stress after introduction of new bedding systems. J Chiropr Med. 2009;8(1):1-8. doi:10.1016/j.jcm.2008.09.002