When you’re on a tight budget it can be hard to know which is the best affordable mattress. In this guide, we set out to answer that question for you. We use our testing data, analysis, and a decade of mattress testing experience to showcase the 9 best mattresses under $1,000.
Top Pick
Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite
The Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite is our top pick for best affordable mattress. Coming in under $1000, the Emma strikes a fantastic balance between price and performance. It has a medium-firm feel (6 out of 10), making it a good choice for a wide range of sleeper preferences.
9 Best Affordable Mattresses Under $1000
- Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite – Best Affordable Mattress Overall
- Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best Affordable Hybrid Mattress
- Zoma Hybrid – Best Affordable Hybrid Mattress
- Silk & Snow Hybrid – Best Affordable Hybrid Mattress
- GhostBed Classic – Best Affordable Foam Mattress
- Siena – Best Affordable Foam Mattress
- Novosbed – Best Affordable Memory Foam Mattress
- BedInABox Original – Best Affordable Memory Foam Mattress
- Awara – Best Affordable Natural & Organic Mattress Mattress
| Mattress Name | Overall Score | Type | Firmness | Price | Read Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite | 9.20 | Hybrid | Medium-Firm (6) | $995 | Review |
| Brooklyn Bedding Signature | 8.88 | Hybrid | Soft (4), Medium-Firm (6), Firm (8) | $999 | Review |
| Zoma Hybrid | 8.81 | Hybrid | Medium (5) | $974 | Review |
| Silk & Snow Hybrid | 8.78 | Hybrid | Medium-Firm (6) | $700 | Review |
| GhostBed Classic | 8.76 | Foam | Medium-Firm (6.5) | $897 | Review |
| Siena | 8.54 | Foam | Medium-Firm (6) | $399 | Review |
| Novosbed | 8.87 | Memory Foam | Soft (4), Medium-Firm (6), or Firm (8) | $999 | Review |
| BedInABox Original | 8.79 | Memory Foam | Medium-Firm (6) | $787 | Review |
| Awara | 8.59 | Memory Foam | Medium-Firm (6) | $999 | Review |
Our Testing & Selection Process
300+
Mattresses Tested
43
Data Points Tested
On Each Mattress
96
Mattress Brands Tested To Date
Each best list is put through a customized performance analysis with specialized consideration given to our objective & data-driven performance tests. In addition, we consider mattress type, design, materials, value, price, and more.
For our Best Affordable Mattress list, we based our selections on the best-scoring mattresses, according to our battery of testing and formulaic-driven scoring. In addition, all mattresses we considered had to be under $1,000 for a Queen.
Our tests analyze performance across 8 critical factors, including cooling, motion transfer, response time, edge support, sex, pressure relief, off-gassing, and company. In addition, we also test sinkage and bounce (though these are not scoring factors).
Our tests include objective and quantifiable data whenever possible. In addition, we use subjective assessment supported by data to round out our testing process.
Our scores are based on mathematical formulas and equations that utilize inputs from our data-driven testing.
In choosing the best affordable mattress we looked at the totality of all of our tests, scores, data, and reviews to date. We analyzed this data alongside our established best mattress framework here.
When selecting the best affordable mattress winners, we’re looking at a combination of overall scoring performance, price, firmness, and US availability.
To be included within our best affordable mattress list each mattress needed to:
- Earn a score of 8.51 or higher
- Have a firmness of 4-7 out of 10, where 10 is the most firm. This ranges from soft to slightly firm.
- Be priced at less than $1,000 for a Queen
- Be available within the USA
We’re also thinking about mattress type, as different mattress types have different average price points. For reference, here is the average price for a queen mattress on some of the most popular mattress types:
- Average coil mattress: $1,057
- Average memory foam mattress: $1,108
- Average foam mattress: $1,156
- Average hybrid mattress: $1,339
- Average memory foam hybrid mattress: $1,555
- Average latex hybrid mattress: $1,579
- Average plus-sized mattress: $1,665
- Average adjustable mattress: $2,156
- Average specialty mattress: $2,167
Considering our price cap of only $1000, every mattress featured in our best affordable mattress list has a price point that is less than average for its respective mattress type.
Our Testing Team
Derek
Lead Tester
Kayla
Writer
Kyle
Tester
Nathan
Tester
Samantha
Data Analyst
Best Affordable Mattress – Overall
To earn our #1 pick for best affordable mattress, the mattress needed to be the best-scoring mattress based on our battery of objective and data-driven tests, while also being less than $1,000 for a Queen. The mattress that met that qualification did so with a fantastically well-rounded performance across the board.
The Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite is a hybrid mattress with low motion, good pressure relief, good cooling, and fantastic sex performance. It has a medium-firm feel, which makes it a good choice for most body types and sleeping positions. The mix of poly foam, memory foam, and pocketed coils creates a balanced feel that can be enjoyed by a wide range of sleepers.
Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite
Best For
- Surprisingly low levels of motion, especially considering the hybrid design
- Excellent sex performance due to the higher-than-average level of bounce and good edge support
- Well-rounded performance with a balanced, medium-firm feel
Considerations
- Strong smell lasted 8 days
- Only has a minimal level of sinkage, which isn’t ideal for all preferences
- Good cooling and pressure relief, but it’s not incredible
Our Verdict
The Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite is built with layers of poly foam, memory foam, and pocketed coils. The hybrid mattress has a total profile height of 14″. The taller-than-average total height gives the mattress a more substantial presence in your bedroom.
The mattress is available in a single firmness, which we rate a 6 out of 10 on our firmness scale. This gives the mattress a medium-firm feel.
While the mattress has a balanced performance overall, the minimal level of sinkage is the one area that could be more polarizing. Some sleepers (especially side sleepers) simply prefer a more moderate to deep sinkage level and may find the more floating feel of the mattress just isn’t a good fit.
In addition, the mattress has a very high level of bounce. This makes it easier to move around on the mattress and greatly positively impacts sex performance.
The Cooling Elite earned an overall score of 9.20. This score placed it within the top 11% of all mattresses we’ve tested to date.
Lastly, the mattress is priced at just $995 for a Queen size. This is $378 less expensive than the average price of $1,373, based on all of our tests to date. When we consider the price-to-performance ratio, there is no question that the Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite is among the best value mattresses and absolutely the best affordable mattress on our list.
Click here to read our full Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite review.
Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Medium-Firm (6)
Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite Performance
Cooling Test
Sinkage Test
Motion Transfer Test
Response Test
Bounce Test
Edge Support Test
| Factor | Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 9.20 |
| Price (Queen) | $995 |
| Cooling – Score | 9.0 |
| Sinkage – Depth | 1.88″ |
| Sinkage – Feel | Minimal |
| Motion Transfer – Score | 9.9 |
| Motion Transfer – Acceleration | 5.32 m/s² |
| Response Time – Score | 9.6 |
| Response Time – Mostly Recovered | 0.2 sec. |
| Response Time – Fully Recovered | 0.7 sec. |
| Bounce – Height | 12.28″ |
| Bounce – Feel | Very High |
| Edge Support – Score | 9.1 |
| Edge Support – Sitting | 3.75″ |
| Edge Support – Lying | Excellent |
| Sex – Score | 9.7 |
| Pressure Relief – Score | 9.0 |
| Comfort Layer Thickness | 2.5″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 14″ |
| Off-Gassing – Score | 7.8 |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | Strong |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 8 days |
| Company – Score | 8.8 |
| Trial | 365 nights |
| Warranty | 10 years |
Best Affordable Mattress – Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses are built from one or more layers of foam that sit atop a coil unit. As mattress materials have advanced in recent years the hybrid design has become arguably the most popular due to its balanced feel, high performance, and affordable price point.
The best affordable mattress choices within the hybrid category use multiple layers of foam within the comfort layers to achieve fantastic pressure relief and comfort. At the same time, the foam formulations, material choices, and coil unit have been tuned to deliver the best performance at the least expensive price point.
If you’re unsure of what mattress type will work best for you then it’s easy to go with a hybrid. Among all mattress types, hybrids have the most balanced feel and are well-liked by most sleepers.
Brooklyn Bedding Signature
Best For
- Good cooling with coil and foam materials
- Excellent edge support
- High levels of bounce, good for sex performance
Considerations
- Has more motion transfer than the average mattress
- Slower off-gassing (8-day off-gassing period)
- $99 return fee if the mattress ends up not working out
Our Verdict
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is a budget-friendly hybrid made of poly foam and pocketed coils, with wide appeal for many different sleeper profiles.
It comes in three different firmness options—soft, medium-firm, and firm.
It has a balanced feel with moderate sinkage and high bounce. This mattress would be a good pick for sleepers who like an active feel and not too much sinkage or contour.
This mattress has a solid performance score of 8.88 overall, which ranks it in the top 27% among all mattresses tested to date. But what it lacks in score, it makes up for in value.
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress costs only $999 for a queen, which is 28% less than the average hybrid ($1,373). For a hybrid under $1K, it’s hard to beat the Brooklyn Bedding Signature.
Click here to read our full Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid review.
Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Soft (4), Medium-Firm (6), Firm (8)
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Performance
Cooling Test
Sinkage Test
Motion Transfer Test
Response Test
Bounce Test
Edge Support Test
| Factor | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.88 |
| Price (Queen) | $999 |
| Cooling – Score | 9.0 |
| Sinkage – Depth | 1.92″ |
| Sinkage – Feel | Minimal |
| Motion Transfer – Score | 7.7 |
| Motion Transfer – Acceleration | 10.17 m/s² |
| Response Time – Score | 9.8 |
| Response Time – Mostly Recovered | 0.2 sec. |
| Response Time – Fully Recovered | 0.5 sec. |
| Bounce – Height | 10.63″ |
| Bounce – Feel | High |
| Edge Support – Score | 9.2 |
| Edge Support – Sitting | 3.50″ |
| Edge Support – Lying | Excellent |
| Sex – Score | 9.2 |
| Pressure Relief – Score | 9.0 |
| Comfort Layer Thickness | 4.0″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 12″ |
| Off-Gassing – Score | 7.8 |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | Strong |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 8 days |
| Company – Score | 9.1 |
| Trial | 120 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Zoma Hybrid
Best For
- Exceptional pressure relief, despite only having a 3.0″ comfort layer
- Very low levels of motion transfer, only 4.02 m/s²
- $974 for a queen—30% less than average
Considerations
- Very slow material response time (1.2 seconds)
- Deep sinkage may not be ideal for back or stomach sleepers
- Slightly less bounce than average hurts the sex score a bit
Our Verdict
The Zoma Hybrid makes the list for best affordable mattress thanks to its budget price and above-average performance. This mattress is a 12″ hybrid mattress with a mix of memory foam, poly foam, and pocketed coils for support.
This mattress comes in one firmness, 5 out of 10, which gives the mattress a medium feel. This feel is suitable for a wide range of sleepers, being especially beneficial for side sleepers.
The Zoma Hybrid has a moderate level of bounce (9.01″, slightly less than average) and deep sinkage. A top layer of gel memory foam provides good contour to sleepers of any sleeping position.
The overall performance score of the Zoma Hybrid is 8.81. Looking at the 270+ mattresses tested to date, the Zoma performs in the top 35% of all mattresses tested to date. Among hybrids, the Zoma ranks in the top 31%. When we consider the mattresses that outrank the Zoma, there is not a single mattress that does so at a lower price point.
The Zoma Hybrid mattress costs $974 for a queen, which is 30% less than the average hybrid ($1,386), a savings of over $400. If you’re on a very tight budget, but want the performance and feel of a hybrid, the Zoma does not disappoint.
Click here to read our full Zoma Hybrid review.
Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Medium (5)
Zoma Hybrid Performance
Cooling Test
Sinkage Test
Motion Transfer Test
Response Test
Bounce Test
Edge Support Test
| Factor | Zoma Hybrid |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.81 |
| Price (Queen) | $974 |
| Cooling – Score | 9.0 |
| Sinkage – Depth | 2.51″ |
| Sinkage – Feel | Deep |
| Motion Transfer – Score | 10 |
| Motion Transfer – Acceleration | 4.02 m/s² |
| Response Time – Score | 5.2 |
| Response Time – Mostly Recovered | 1.2 sec. |
| Response Time – Fully Recovered | 1.8 sec. |
| Bounce – Height | 9.01″ |
| Bounce – Feel | Moderate |
| Edge Support – Score | 8.9 |
| Edge Support – Sitting | 4.75″ |
| Edge Support – Lying | Outstanding |
| Sex – Score | 8.2 |
| Pressure Relief – Score | 10 |
| Comfort Layer Thickness | 3.0″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 12″ |
| Off-Gassing – Score | 8.6 |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | Strong |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 5 days |
| Company – Score | 8.5 |
| Trial | 100 nights |
| Warranty | 10 years |
Silk & Snow Hybrid
Best For
- Extremely budget-friendly, only $700 for a queen
- Great edge support for sitting or lying
- Fantastic pressure relief, considering the low price point
Considerations
- Cooling is good, but not great—moderate levels of heat retention
- Higher levels of bounce, may not be ideal for all sleepers
- Average material response time
Our Verdict
The Silk & Snow is an 11.5″ hybrid with a very budget-friendly price and one of the best affordable mattresses we’ve tested to date. This mattress is made of poly foam and pocketed coils, with a 1.0″ quilted cover.
With a medium-firm feel, the Silk & Snow has a firmness rating of 6 out of 10. Among all mattresses tested to date, this is the most popular firmness and is well-suited to a variety of sleeper body types and sleeping positions.
Silk & Snow offers a deeper level of sinkage and high bounce. This kind of feel is best suited for sleepers looking for deeper contour, which is especially beneficial for side sleepers.
In our performance tests, the Silk & Snow Hybrid had a score of 8.78, which ranks it in the top 33% of all hybrids tested and in the top 37% if we compare all mattress types (over 270+ mattresses tested to date).
One of the biggest advantages of the Silk & Snow is the price. This mattress comes in at only $700 for a queen, making it an exceptional value, $673 less than the average hybrid ($1,373). Looking at the mattresses that outperform Silk & Snow, not one of them does so with a lower price tag.
In my view, Silk & Snow Hybrid is the best affordable mattress you can buy, while spending the least money and still getting a reasonably good performing mattress.
Click here to read the full Silk & Snow Hybrid review.
Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Medium-Firm (6)
Silk & Snow Hybrid Performance
Cooling Test
Sinkage Test
Motion Transfer Test
Response Test
Bounce Test
Edge Support Test
| Factor | Silk & Snow Hybrid |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.78 |
| Price (Queen) | $700 |
| Cooling – Score | 8.0 |
| Sinkage – Depth | 2.34″ |
| Sinkage – Feel | Deep |
| Motion Transfer – Score | 8.9 |
| Motion Transfer – Acceleration | 7.42 m/s² |
| Response Time – Score | 9.1 |
| Response Time – Mostly Recovered | 0.3 sec. |
| Response Time – Fully Recovered | 0.8 sec. |
| Bounce – Height | 10.54″ |
| Bounce – Feel | High |
| Edge Support – Score | 9.4 |
| Edge Support – Sitting | 3.25″ |
| Edge Support – Lying | Excellent |
| Sex – Score | 9.1 |
| Pressure Relief – Score | 9.0 |
| Comfort Layer Thickness | 3.0″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 11.5″ |
| Off-Gassing – Score | 8.1 |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | Strong |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 7 days |
| Company – Score | 8.8 |
| Trial | 365 nights |
| Warranty | 15 years |
Best Affordable Mattress – Foam
If you’re looking for the best affordable mattress, there are many options to pick from within the foam category. Foam mattresses are arguably less expensive than almost any other mattress type.
For reference, the average hybrid is $1,373 and the average foam mattress is only $1,156.
Foam mattresses can generate a variety of feels depending on what type of foam is used and how thick each layer is. This allows sleepers to experience the feel they want and stay at a price point they can afford.
Below, we have featured two of the best affordable foam mattresses, considering the 270+ mattresses tested to date.
GhostBed Classic
Best For
- Extremely low levels of motion transfer, only 4.80 m/s²—46% less than average
- Excellent pressure relief, with 3.5″ of comfort material
- Fast off-gassing within 2 days
Considerations
- Low bounce may not be ideal for sex performance for couples
- Cooling is good, but not great
- Below average edge support, 4.5″ of sinkage when seated at the edge
Our Verdict
The GhostBed Classic is our top pick for the best affordable mattress within the foam category. This mattress is a strong performer, with an 11″ profile and a budget price under $900 (for a queen).
Being made of latex foam, gel memory foam, and support foam, the GhostBed offers a balanced feel and supports sleepers of all body weights and sleeping positions.
It comes in a single firmness (6.5 out of 10) with a medium-firm feel.
This mattress has deep sinkage and low levels of bounce. If you like the feel of memory foam, but are worried about heat retention, too much sinkage and contour, or slow response, the GhostBed may be a good option to consider.
In our performance tests, the GhostBed earns an 8.76, ranking in the top 38% of all mattresses tested to date. Looking exclusively at foam mattresses, the GhostBed ranks in the top 32%. Although the scores aren’t at the very top, this mattress still provides an exceptional value.
The GhostBed Classic is listed at only $897 for a queen, 22% less than the average foam mattress and 35% less than the average mattress (comparing all mattress types). This is an exceptional value for a foam mattress with great performance.
Click here to read our full GhostBed Classic review.
Type: Foam
Firmness: Medium-Firm (6.5)
GhostBed Classic Performance
Cooling Test
Sinkage Test
Motion Transfer Test
Response Test
Bounce Test
Edge Support Test
| Factor | Ghostbed Classic |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.76 |
| Price (Queen) | $897 |
| Cooling – Score | 8.0 |
| Sinkage – Depth | 2.34″ |
| Sinkage – Feel | Deep |
| Motion Transfer – Score | 10 |
| Motion Transfer – Acceleration | 4.80 m/s² |
| Response Time – Score | 8.5 |
| Response Time – Mostly Recovered | 0.4 sec. |
| Response Time – Fully Recovered | 1.0 sec. |
| Bounce – Height | 8.00″ |
| Bounce – Feel | Low |
| Edge Support – Score | 8.6 |
| Edge Support – Sitting | 4.50″ |
| Edge Support – Lying | Excellent |
| Sex – Score | 7.8 |
| Pressure Relief – Score | 9.0 |
| Comfort Layer Thickness | 3.5″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 11″ |
| Off-Gassing – Score | 9.4 |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | Strong |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 2 days |
| Company – Score | 9.0 |
| Trial | 101 nights |
| Warranty | 20 years |
Siena
Best For
- A queen mattress under $500
- Extremely low levels of motion transfer (1.79 m/s²)
- Deep sinkage and contour
Considerations
- Slower material response time (1.5 seconds)
- Not ideal for sex performance, 31% less bounce than average
- Lying edge support struggles
Our Verdict
The Siena is a 10″ thick foam mattress composed of memory foam, poly foam, and support foam. It has a balanced feel and despite its thinner profile, it still maintains fantastic pressure relief and overall support.
The Siena comes in a single firmness, rating 6 out of 10 on the firmness scale, which gives it a medium-firm feel.
This mattress has deep sinkage and low levels of bounce. It has contour and engagement into the mattress, without providing any type of sinking feeling.
In our performance tests, Siena scored an 8.54 overall, which ranks it in the bottom 42% by score alone. But don’t let that make you skip this mattress because price and value are where Siena really shines.
The Siena is priced at only $399 for a queen, making it among the lowest-priced foam mattresses we’ve tested to date and 65% less than the average foam mattress. This means a savings of $757 compared to the average foam mattress and $974 less than the average of all mattresses tested to date.
When you need a reasonably good mattress for as little money as possible, this is it.
Click here to read the full Siena review.
Type: Foam
Firmness: Medium-Firm (6)
Siena Performance
Cooling Test
Sinkage Test
Motion Transfer Test
Response Test
Bounce Test
Edge Support Test
| Factor | Siena |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.54 |
| Price (Queen) | $399 |
| Cooling – Score | 8.0 |
| Sinkage – Depth | 2.34″ |
| Sinkage – Feel | Deep |
| Motion Transfer – Score | 10 |
| Motion Transfer – Acceleration | 1.79 m/s² |
| Response Time – Score | 7.6 |
| Response Time – Mostly Recovered | 0.5 sec. |
| Response Time – Fully Recovered | 1.5 sec. |
| Bounce – Height | 6.49″ |
| Bounce – Feel | Low |
| Edge Support – Score | 8.1 |
| Edge Support – Sitting | 4.50″ |
| Edge Support – Lying | Good |
| Sex – Score | 7.2 |
| Pressure Relief – Score | 9.0 |
| Comfort Layer Thickness | 5.0″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 10″ |
| Off-Gassing – Score | 9.4 |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | Strong |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 2 days |
| Company – Score | 8.8 |
| Trial | 180 nights |
| Warranty | 10 years |
Best Affordable Mattress – Memory Foam
Memory foam mattresses offer a more distinct feel compared to other more general foam mattresses. They are known for deeper contour, more hug, and oftentimes a slower material response time.
When it comes to the best affordable mattress for memory foam, we’re looking for good performance at a below-average price. For reference, the average memory foam mattress is $1,108 for a queen mattress.
Both memory foam mattresses featured on this list are considered to be a modern memory foam. They both have minimal sinkage and low levels of bounce. They also have faster material responsiveness than more traditional memory foam, which helps make it easier to move around on the mattress. Combine this feel with a lower-than-average price point and we have a recipe for the best affordable memory foam mattress.
Novosbed
Best For
- Very low motion transfer levels, 2.66 m/s² total
- Extremely fast response time
- Three optional firmness levels
Considerations
- Slow levels of bounce may not be ideal for couples
- Slower material response time
- Edge support when sitting is good, but not great (4.25″ sinkage)
Our Verdict
The Novosbed mattress is a memory foam mattress with a 4″ comfort layer and 7″ support layer. It has three layers of memory foam that make up the complete comfort layer and has great pressure relief.
The Novosbed mattress comes in three firmness levels—Soft (4), Medium-Firm (6), or Firm (8). In most cases, this gives something for everyone.
This mattress has minimal sinkage and low levels of bounce, maintaining that classic memory foam feel. It won’t leave you feeling stuck, but does offer high hug and contour.
In our performance tests, Novosbed had an overall score of 8.87, ranking it in the top 29% of all mattresses tested to date and the top 12% if we look exclusively at memory foam mattresses.
For a queen Novosbed, this mattress is only $999—10% less than the average memory foam mattress. And considering all mattress types, the Novosbed is 27% less than average. This can mean significant price savings across the board without any notable performance disadvantages.
Click here to read our full Novosbed review.
Type: Memory Foam
Firmness: Soft (4), Medium-Firm (6), or Firm (8)
Novosbed Performance
Cooling Test
Sinkage Test
Motion Transfer Test
Response Test
Bounce Test
Edge Support Test
| Factor | Novosbed |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.87 |
| Price (Queen) | $999 |
| Cooling – Score | 9.0 |
| Sinkage – Depth | 1.88″ |
| Sinkage – Feel | Minimal |
| Motion Transfer – Score | 10 |
| Motion Transfer – Acceleration | 2.66 m/s² |
| Response Time – Score | 8.0 |
| Response Time – Mostly Recovered | 0.5 sec. |
| Response Time – Fully Recovered | 1.0 sec. |
| Bounce – Height | 6.89″ |
| Bounce – Feel | Low |
| Edge Support – Score | 8.7 |
| Edge Support – Sitting | 4.25″ |
| Edge Support – Lying | Excellent |
| Sex – Score | 7.5 |
| Pressure Relief – Score | 9.0 |
| Comfort Layer Thickness | 4.0″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 11″ |
| Off-Gassing – Score | 8.9 |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | Strong |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 4 days |
| Company – Score | 9.0 |
| Trial | 120 nights |
| Warranty | 15 years |
BedInABox Original
Best For
- Exceptional cooling performance, especially for memory foam
- Great pressure relief, despite only having 3.0″ of comfort material
- Extremely low levels of motion transfer—2.85 m/s² total
Considerations
- Very low level of bounce, only 5.40″ total, which makes it harder to move around on
- Slightly slower response time than average
- Low bounce means that sex performance is well below average
Our Verdict
The BedInABox Original is an 11″ memory foam mattress that has a basic 2-layer construction of 3.0″ gel memory foam and an 8.0″ support foam, giving it a modern memory foam feel.
This mattress is available in a single firmness, 6 out of 10, and with a medium-firm feel. This firmness level is suitable for a wide range of sleepers, being soft enough to avoid pressure points on lighter-weighted sleepers, but also firm enough to support heavier sleepers.
It has minimal sinkage and very low levels of bounce. You’re not going to feel deep engagement or a huge amount of hug on this mattress, given the more minimal sinkage. But the gel memory foam still provides good contour and cooling.
In our performance tests, the BedInABox Original scored an 8.79, which is in the top 36% of all mattresses tested to date. Looking exclusively at memory foam mattress, this mattress ranks within the top 20%.
For a queen-sized BedInABox, it costs only $787, 29% less than the average memory foam mattress. This provides savings of $321 from the average memory foam and $586 less than the average of all mattresses we’ve tested to date.
Click here to read the full BedInABox Original review.
Type: Memory Foam
Firmness: Medium-Firm (6)
BedInABox Performance
Cooling Test
Sinkage Test
Motion Transfer Test
Response Test
Bounce Test
Edge Support Test
| Factor | Bedinabox Original |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.79 |
| Price (Queen) | $787 |
| Cooling – Score | 9.0 |
| Sinkage – Depth | 1.86″ |
| Sinkage – Feel | Minimal |
| Motion Transfer – Score | 10 |
| Motion Transfer – Acceleration | 2.85 m/s² |
| Response Time – Score | 8.4 |
| Response Time – Mostly Recovered | 0.5 sec. |
| Response Time – Fully Recovered | 0.6 sec. |
| Bounce – Height | 5.40″ |
| Bounce – Feel | Very Low |
| Edge Support – Score | 8.6 |
| Edge Support – Sitting | 4.50″ |
| Edge Support – Lying | Excellent |
| Sex – Score | 6.8 |
| Pressure Relief – Score | 9.0 |
| Comfort Layer Thickness | 3.0″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 11″ |
| Off-Gassing – Score | 9.2 |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | Moderate |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 3 days |
| Company – Score | 8.5 |
| Trial | 120 nights |
| Warranty | 20 years |
Best Affordable Mattress – Natural & Organic
The best affordable mattress with natural / organic materials can oftentimes be a harder category to hit that sub-$1000 price point. Latex hybrids, which remain the most popular natural / organic mattress type, have a higher mattress price than any other mattress type (excluding specialty or adjustable mattresses).
The average latex hybrid is $1,579—this is $400 more than the average foam mattress, just for reference. Natural mattresses tend to have a higher price due to more expensive fabrication, harder-to-source materials, and the costs of various certifications.
That being said, organic mattresses make a great choice for many sleepers and provide peace of mind against toxic materials.
Awara
Best For
- Extremely fast material response time, 0.2 seconds for be mostly recovered
- Great cooling with the use of hole-punched natural latex
- Slightly more bounce than average (9.94″)
Considerations
- More motion transfer than average, 10.17 m/s²—15% more than average
- 2.5″ thick comfort layer—average is 4.1″, may not be ideal for heavier weighted sleepers
- Fairly strong rubber smell for 7 days
Our Verdict
The Awara mattress is our top pick for the best affordable mattress with natural and organic materials. It is an 11.5″ latex hybrid with a quilted cover, natural latex comfort layer, and pocketed coil support base.
It is available in a single firmness, 6 out of 10, which gives it a medium-firm feel. This is the most common firmness among all mattresses we’ve tested and is widely preferred by a number of different types of sleepers.
This mattress has moderate levels of sinkage and moderate levels of bounce as well. Having latex within the comfort layer gives the Awara a more responsive and cooler feel compared to many memory foams and poly foams.
In our performance tests, the Awara earned an overall score of 8.59, ranking it in the bottom 47% of all mattresses tested to date. Looking exclusively at latex hybrids, the Awara falls to the bottom 25%.
Despite having slightly lower performance compared to other latex hybrids, it also has a lower price tag than average. The average latex hybrid is $1,577, but Awara comes in at $999, a 37% savings compared to the average.
Among all latex hybrids that had better performance than Awara, there are none that had a lower price point. Awara provides a solid value latex hybrid under $1000.
Click here to read our full Awara review.
Type: Latex Hybrid
Firmness: Medium-Firm (6)
Awara Performance
Cooling Test
Sinkage Test
Motion Transfer Test
Response Test
Bounce Test
Edge Support Test
| Factor | Awara |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.59 |
| Price (Queen) | $999 |
| Cooling – Score | 9.0 |
| Sinkage – Depth | 2.01″ |
| Sinkage – Feel | Moderate |
| Motion Transfer – Score | 7.7 |
| Motion Transfer – Acceleration | 10.17 m/s² |
| Response Time – Score | 10 |
| Response Time – Mostly Recovered | 0.2 sec. |
| Response Time – Fully Recovered | 0.3 sec. |
| Bounce – Height | 9.94″ |
| Bounce – Feel | Moderate |
| Edge Support – Score | 8.6 |
| Edge Support – Sitting | 3.75″ |
| Edge Support – Lying | Good |
| Sex – Score | 8.7 |
| Pressure Relief – Score | 8.0 |
| Comfort Layer Thickness | 2.5″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 11.5″ |
| Off-Gassing – Score | 8.1 |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | Strong |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 7 days |
| Company – Score | 9.0 |
| Trial | 365 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Best Mattress By Category
Have a specific mattress type, sleeping position, feature, or firmness in mind? At NapLab we’ve ranked the mattresses we’ve tested in 23 different specialized “best of” lists. These lists can help you identify the mattresses best suited to specific performance criteria.
You can also see our best mattress guide for our overall best-ranked mattresses.
Best by Features & Price
Best by Position & People
