How to Find the Best Inexpensive Mattress
Remember when you were a kid and could fall asleep anywhere? Suddenly the cheap mattress that was perfectly fine in your younger days is no longer cutting it. But just because you recognize the need for a better mattress doesn’t mean you can afford one. Or can you?
It is possible to find an affordable yet comfortable mattress when you know how to look. Understanding the key factors to consider when searching for the best inexpensive mattress—including mattress type, sleep position and budget—can help you make an informed decision.
Understanding Mattress Types
To begin your search for the best inexpensive mattress, start with the basics. There are four mattress types, each with their own pros and cons (and price points).
Innerspring
This is the traditional mattress you may have grown up sleeping on. Innerspring mattresses use a system of metal coils to provide support.
Pros: Bouncy, doesn’t retain heat
Cons: Doesn’t dampen/absorb motion well (motion isolation), heavy
Average price: $500-$1,200 depending on size and quality
Memory foam
This mattress is made with layers of foam instead of springs. They’re not bouncy and provide support by cradling the body. The Copperflex® mattress is a high-quality memory foam mattress.
Pros: Good motion isolation, conforms to body
Cons: Retain heat, not always supportive for heavier bodies
Average price: $300-$1,500
Latex
This mattress is made from layers of natural latex rubber. It’s less bouncy than an innerspring but springier than memory foam. Both our Ecosleep and Ecosleep Luxe mattresses include layers of latex.
Pros: Durable, hypoallergenic
Cons: Heavy, costly
Average price: $1,000-$2,500
Hybrid
A hybrid mattress like our Aurora Luxe, Signature Hybrid and Sedona contains both innerspring and foam layers. It can be a “best of both worlds” option.
Pros: Offers bounce of innerspring and support of foam, good for all body types
Cons: Less movement isolation than memory foam, relatively higher cost
Average price: $600-$2,000
It’s worth noting that just because a mattress is inexpensive doesn’t mean it’s low quality. That said, price alone shouldn’t determine your choice—you should also consider your personal needs and preferences when seeking the best inexpensive mattress. Brooklyn Bedding offers high quality mattresses in a variety of price ranges to fit your budget and sleep preferences.
Considering Your Sleep Needs
Which mattress is right for you depends on who you are and how you sleep. People with a smaller body type generally find that a less firm mattress offers the best support, for example, while heavier bodies may need something firmer. Our Titan mattresses are designed for larger bodies.
Sleeping position is important, too. Experts typically suggest a more supportive mattress for back and stomach sleepers, while side sleepers may benefit from the cushioning and pressure relief of memory foam.
Decoding Mattress Terminology
Confused by industry lingo? Here are some definitions:
Coil count is the number of springs in a mattress.
Density is the weight of one cubic foot of foam.
ILD (indentation load deflection) measures foam’s firmness.
CertiPUR-US is a certification for foam that meets safety/environmental standards.
Our mattresses are GREENGUARD Gold Certified and made with CertiPUR-US certified foams, which guarantees they are made without any harmful chemicals including ozone depletes, PBDE flame retardants, mercury, lead, heavy metals, formaldehyde and have an extremely low impact on indoor air quality.
Generally speaking, mattresses with higher coil counts, density and ILD (along with certiPUR-US certification) are considered higher quality. This doesn’t automatically make them more expensive, but it may impact price. Our mattresses have 6 and 8 inch coils, many types of foam density, ILD and are crafted with high quality materials.
Setting a Realistic Budget
With so many mattresses on the market, setting a budget is the best way to avoid overspending. Once you’ve decided how much you’re willing to spend, you can divide the many options into “low end,” “mid range” and high end” pricing categories—and set expectations accordingly.
Remember that it’s not just about the price tag. You’ll also want to weigh durability and comfort when choosing the best inexpensive mattress for your budget.
Finding Hidden Value
The keys to unlocking the best deal on a mattress may be hiding in plain sight. You may be able to save by investigating:
- Warranties
- Delivery methods
- Set-up options
Case in point: Brooklyn Bedding offers a 120-night sleep trial, limited lifetime warranty, free shipping, and bed-in-a-box delivery for easy setup.
Comfort and Support at Any Price
You don’t have to spend a ton of money to get a great mattress. Once you understand mattress types and decode terminology, you can research options within your budget.