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The right mattress can help you get quality sleep and wake up refreshed. But if you’re looking for a new mattress, you’ll want to consider your sleeping position, body type, and the features most important to you. Even if a mattress meets your requirements, cost is a big factor. Mattresses are an expensive purchase, but you can still find a quality mattress on a budget that caters to your needs.
“You spend about one-third of your life sleeping, so choosing the right mattress is paramount. Take your time and ‘test drive’ mattresses before you purchase one,” said Chelsea Perry, a doctor of dental medicine who specializes in sleep apnea and owner of Sleep Solutions in Westborough, Massachusetts. “Spending about 20 minutes testing a mattress out, in the position you sleep in, should give you a good indication if it’s a good fit for your sleeping style.”
Fortunately, all the mattresses on this list offer trial periods of at least 100 days. To help you find a mattress on a budget, we chose the top mattresses we’ve tested that can often be purchased for under $1,000. Mattress companies run discounts and sales frequently throughout the year, so check websites regularly to find the best deals. Keep in mind prices may fluctuate.
While price may be the focus if you’re on a budget, quality is critical to a good night’s rest. Here are some features to consider when shopping for a mattress under $1,000.
Mattress brands use a firmness scale to indicate how soft or firm a mattress is. Look for a mattress that provides the right amount of firmness for your body type and preferred sleeping position.
Depending on your sleeping position, the hips, shoulders, and back can all be potentially painful pressure points. Choose a mattress that will relieve those achy areas.
Your spine needs support while you sleep. Ideally, you want a mattress that will keep your spine in its most natural, neutral position.
Check trial periods to ensure a mattress is right for you. The industry-standard 100 nights give you at least three months, and some companies offer longer trial periods.
| Mattress type | Hybrid | Memory foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Memory foam | Memory foam |
| Sleep position | Back and side sleepers | Some back and side sleepers | Back, stomach, and combination sleepers | Back, side, and combination sleepers | Higher-weight back, stomach, and combination sleepers | Stomach sleepers, higher-weight sleepers, average-weight sleepers | All stomach sleepers and higher-weight back and combination sleepers |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime | 10 years | 10 years | 10 years | 10 years | Lifetime |
| White-glove delivery* | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | Yes |
*Free shipping and setup of new mattress and removal of old mattress
The DreamCloud Memory Foam mattress has three foam layers designed to support you while you sleep. The 8-inch base foam layer provides stability, while the 1-inch dynamic transition layer keeps your spine in a neutral position. The 2-inch therapeutic gel memory foam layer provides adaptive support. All of the layers are topped off with a cover made of a breathable cashmere blend. Our testers said their lower back was well supported while laying on their back, and their spine stayed neutral, while the foam layers provided a gentle cushion. We also liked this mattress for side sleepers of all body types, finding the mattress created little pressure in the hip and shoulder and was comfortable to lay on. While lighter-weight (less than 130 pounds) stomach sleepers should get the support they need on this mattress, we think average-weight (130–250 pounds) and higher-weight (more than 250 pounds) stomach sleepers need something firmer.
This mattress also provides great edge supportⓘ This refers to the bed’s stability along the edges which allows you to maximize the surface of your mattress while also providing extra stability for getting in and out of bed. It’s also great if you like to sit on the edge of the mattress to put on your socks or shoes or get ready for the day. We also liked that this mattress provided a balance of bouncy responsivenessⓘ Responsiveness describes how much surface bounce a mattress has and how it responds to pressure or the sleeper’s movements, making it easier to move around and change sleeping positions and motion isolationⓘ The ability of a mattress to keep movement on one side of the bed from affecting the other side , which is rare in a hybrid. This makes it a good mattress for adults who change positions or need a mobility boost, as well as adults who sleep with partners.
This DreamCloud mattress comes in a box. Once you lay it out, it can take up to 72 hours to expand. You can also pay for Premium In-Home SetUp, where a local provider will remove your old mattress and deliver and set up your new one.
“The top layer provides a lot of sinkage, and it fills in my lumbar region really nicely.”
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The DreamCloud Memory Foam mattress has a 4.6-star rating out of five, with more than 8,900 reviews on the brand’s website. Many reviewers praised this mattress’s comfort and price.
“The pillow top provides a luxurious soft feel, and the mattress itself is medium-firm which fits a side or back sleeping style. Very pleased with the purchase of a Queen hybrid.”
— Francisco D., verified buyer on 1/5/2024
“We just got this mattress a couple months ago. I’ve been having lower back pain when I wake up, and literally the day after using this mattress for the first time I felt a noticeable difference. I’m a heavy set guy who sleeps on my stomach, so this was perfect for me. It’s also great for couples—my wife is petite and sleeps on her side, but she also loves the mattress, and the bed is designed nicely so my weight doesn’t pull her down like our old one used to.”
— Andrew E., verified buyer on 10/11/2023
Although most reviews were positive, there were some negative reviews. Some reviewers complained that the bed wasn’t firm enough for them.
For more information, see our DreamCloud mattress review.
The Nectar Memory Foam mattress has five layers of foam: the shift-resistant lower cover, stability base layer, dynamic response layer, therapeutic gel-infused memory foam, and breathable cooling cover. These soft, contouring foam layers are why this mattress scored so high for pressure relief.
The mattress does well for certain sleeping positions and body types, but we don’t recommend it for higher-weight sleepers who need more support than this mattress can offer. While our back sleepers said there was lots of sinkage, it still supported their spine in neutral positions. Average-weight and lower-weight side sleepers should find this mattress also provides a cradle that relieves pressure from the hip and shoulder while supporting the midsection and torso.
Our testers noted that this mattress handles motion transfer well due to its 3-inch transition layer, meaning it could be a good option for couples who are easily disturbed. But we found the mattress hard to move around on, so if you need a mobility boost, you might want to try a more responsive mattress.
Surprisingly, this mattress scored well for cooling. Memory foam mattresses are known for holding onto heat, but when our team tested how many degrees the surface of the mattress went up after laying on it, they recorded only an 8.3-degree difference. For context, anything below 10 degrees is considered good.
We don’t like that this mattress offers poor edge support and overall support and have concerns it will sag. If you have mobility issues, we don’t recommend it, but if you’re looking for high pressure relief and a budget-friendly price, this may work for you.
The Nectar Memory Foam mattress comes in a box. After you roll it out, it takes up to 72 hours to expand to its full size. For an additional fee, you can have your mattress installed through Premium In-Home Setup. The service will remove your old mattress and set up your new one.
“This mattress sinks quite a bit for average weight, making it good for side sleeping. I felt enough support in that position for comfort.”
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The Nectar Memory Foam mattress has a 4.7-star rating out of five, with more than 51,000 reviews on the brand’s website. Reviewers liked how comfortable their mattress felt and said it provided the necessary support, particularly for side sleepers.
“Think I answered it all in my response about the frame and bed in general. I am almost 81 and my hip no longer hurts as I’m mostly a side sleeper. Thank you, thank you.”
— Patricia R., verified buyer on 6/10/2024
“The mattress came vacuum sealed and fluffed up quickly. We were surprised that the mattress was so comfortable! I will never buy a ‘regular’ mattress again.”
— Tanja S., verified buyer on 6/10/2024
While most reviews were positive, some reviewers complained that it was too firm or too soft, creating an uncomfortable experience.
For more information, see our Nectar mattress review.
The Emma Hybrid Comfort mattress’s five ergonomic zones made up of springs and foam offer a responsive, pressure-relieving surface with above-average cooling capabilities.
Our testers noted the springs create a bounciness and give a fluid movement to the mattress, making it easy to change positions. While the Emma brand gave the mattress a firmness rating of five out of 10, we found it firmer and rated it 7.5 out of 10. This firmness helps create stability, especially for stomach sleepers, but may not offer as much cushioned comfort that some sleepers are looking for. Our testers said that while it provided great pressure relief on their back, it didn’t provide enough support for the lower back to get full marks.
This mattress offers average motion isolation and edge support, so couples may find it suitable. While the mattress sagged under their weight while they sat on it, they felt secure laying near the edge of the bed. They also said that when their testing partner bounced around on the other side, they felt some movement but weren’t overly disturbed.
The Emma Hybrid Comfort mattress comes in a box. Once you remove the mattress from the box and lay it flat, it can take up to 72 hours to fully expand.
“My hips are supported in the stomach sleeping position, which I think is the most comfortable.”
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The Emma Hybrid Comfort mattress has a 4.5-star rating out of five, with more than 106 reviews on the brand’s website. Reviewers were excited about the comfort the mattress provided and also felt like they received a good bargain.
“Arrived right on time: and have loved sleeping on this ever since. If you’re a side sleeper as I am this mattress is the perfect mix of firmness and softness.”
— Ed, verified buyer on 5/9/2024
“This mattress is extremely comfortable and not to mention half the price as most other mattresses of this quality”
— Ray, verified buyer on 6/4/2024
While this mattress has mostly good reviews, some reviewers complained about delivery issues and customer service.
For more information see our Emma mattress review.
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress is constructed of two memory foam layers and a layer of individually encased coils supported by a flex base. The coils add to the breathability of the mattress and are designed to help with support and responsiveness. The final component is the premium quilted mattress top.
While we rated this as medium (six out of 10) on the firmness scale, our reviewers liked its slightly softer feel. They noted that it felt comfortable on the back and side for all body types and is suitable for lighter-weight and average-weight stomach sleepers.
The softness does have a drawback—it isn’t quite firm enough to keep all stomach sleepers from sinking. Higher-weight adults may perceive it as too soft for stomach sleeping and should look for something more supportive.
Our testers found plenty of other features to like in this mattress. They rated it high for cooling and found it highly responsive, making it a good option for adults who need a boost in mobility. The mattress also does a good job of providing pressure relief and preventing pain in key pressure points. Due to feeling some movement during our tests, we gave this mattress a moderate score for motion isolation. But we were ultimately impressed at how well it did because of how bouncy it is, meaning this mattress may work for couples if they’re not too easily disturbed by movement.
Brooklyn Bedding’s Signature Hybrid mattress comes in a box. The website notes that you should wait three to five hours before lying on it. It can take up to 24 hours for the mattress to fully take shape.
“My hips are supported in the stomach sleeping position, which I think is the most comfortable.”
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress has a 4.7-star rating out of five, with more than 10,100 reviews on the brand’s website. Comfort, convenience, and support were key factors that reviewers said they liked.
“It is the most comfortable bed I have ever slept on. I am a side sleeper and it is supportive without creating pressure point aches.”
— Eleanor M., verified buyer on 6/9/2024
“This is an awesome mattress; bought it for our RV and is so very comfortable. Highly recommended to anyone looking to upgrade; wife and I both really loved it. Just used it for 5 night trip and slept better than we have on a camping trip.”
— Damon R., verified buyer on 6/10/2024
On Google, the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress has a 4.4-star rating out of five, with more than 11,800 reviews. While many reviewers said they enjoyed the mattress’s soft comfort, some complained that it wasn’t durable and started to sag.
For more information, see our Brooklyn Bedding mattress review.
The Titan Plus mattress was created with the higher-weight sleeper in mind, providing support, stability, and comfort. It has four layers, including one layer with up to 900 encased coils for durability and comfort, two foam layers, and a flex-foam base.
The appeal of this mattress lies in its ability to provide the firmness and stability that higher-weight sleepers may have difficulty finding. The mattress also offers contour to relieve key pressure points, like the hip and shoulder.
On the downside, lighter- and average-weight adults in most categories may find the eight out of 10 firmness rating we gave it too unyielding. Lighter-weight back and side sleepers and average-weight side sleepers may experience buildup of pressure, so they should look for a softer mattress.
This mattress offers a responsive bounce and good support, which is good for adults who don’t want to feel stuck in the mattress. We also found that it provided a cool sleeping experience for those who sleep hot. You can also purchase an optional GlacioTex cooling cover for extra chill.
The Titan Plus mattress is sent to you in a box. Once you unwrap the mattress and lay it out, Titan advises giving it a few minutes to decompress. The full decompression process can take up to 24 hours.
“I found it easy to move around on since there isn’t much sinkage.”
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The Titan Plus mattress has a 4.7-star rating out of five, with 2,587 reviews on its website. Though some reviewers were concerned about the firmness, many were grateful for a mattress geared toward higher-weight adults that is comfortable and helps relieve pain.
“It’s been great so far! It hasn’t magically fixed all my back and neck issues (yet, at least!), but I’m certainly sleeping better than in a long time. Keeping my fingers crossed that that remains true, too!”
— Nicolas C., verified buyer on 6/8/2024
“This is perfect for overweight people. I put a pillow topper on my mattress for my arthritis. Oh my, it’s even better. I slept better. Thank you!!”
— Mary M., verified buyer on 5/25/2024
On Google, the Titan Plus mattress has a 4.2-star rating out of five with 372 reviews. Some reviewers expressed concerns about the mattress being heavy and too firm, but many others noted that the firmness and support have been beneficial in helping them address issues with chronic pain while sleeping.
For more information, see our Titan mattress review.
If you’re looking for a mattress with a high level of firmness, great edge support, and good pressure relief, the Plank Firm mattress may be a good option for you. This mattress has a layer of supreme response comfort foam, a layer of high-density support foam, and a quilted top and bottom. The mattress’s construction is designed to provide both durability and stability. You can also add a GlacioTex cover for added cooling capabilities.
For this lineup, we reviewed the firm side, which we gave a nine out of 10. Our testers noted they felt very little sinkage with the mattress, making it more ideal for average-weight and higher-weight sleepers. While we think lighter-weight stomach sleepers may get the support they need, any other lighter-weight sleeper will probably want to find something softer.
Anyone who sleeps close to the side or uses the edge of the bed to stand up in the morning should appreciate the edge support that the Plank Firm mattress provides.
While the mattress only provides moderate bounce, we still found it responsive and easy to move around on. It also scored above average for motion isolation, making it suitable for couples who aren’t too easily disturbed by each other’s movements.
The Plank Firm mattress arrives at your home in a box. Once you unwrap the mattress, the decompression process may take up to 24 hours.
“Anyone who needs help moving around on this mattress will not have any issues rolling around.”
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The Plank Firm mattress has a 4.7-star rating out of five, with 3,162 reviews on the brand’s website. Reviewers were pleased with the firmness of the mattress, with some noting they found pain and pressure relief.
“Fantastic. Boy is it firm! But if that’s what you’re looking for with great bounce-back and edge support in a quality mattress then look no further.”
— John M., verified buyer on 11/26/23
“Sleep quality is much better. I can already see results. Joint/back pain improved. Using the extra firm side for back/side-sleeping. It is the perfect blend of support and comfort. Excited to see the long-term effects. Excellent mattress! 5 stars!”
— John C., verified buyer on 6/15/2024
While most of the reviews were positive, some reviewers complained that the mattress wasn’t firm enough.
For more information, see our Plank mattress review.
While the brand gave the Bear Original a seven out of 10, we found it a little firmer and rated it eight out of 10. This level of firmness gives stomach sleepers the support they need to keep their hips elevated and spine aligned. But while this mattress is ideal for stomach sleepers of all body types, lighter-weight and average-weight side sleepers will likely need something softer and more contouring.
The mattress comes with three layers of memory foam: cooling gel memory foam, dynamic foam, and high-density support foam. While we found this mattress provided above-average cooling, hot sleepers may want to add Celliantⓘ Celliant contains naturally occurring minerals and elements woven into fiber, making a product that’s able to capture a body’s heat and convert it into infrared energy that goes back into the body cooling cover for even more coolness.
This mattress also tested high for motion isolation and edge support, making it a good option for couples who want to maximize the whole use of the bed and not be disturbed by each other’s movements.
The Bear Original mattress is shipped to you in a box. The website recommends that after laying out the mattress, you give it 24–48 hours to decompress.
“If you want a memory foam mattress that’s good for stomach sleeping, I’d say go with this one.”
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The Bear Original mattress has a 4.7-star rating out of five, with more than 10,600 reviews on the brand’s website. The firmness, price, and pain relief were positive points with reviewers.
“LOVE this mattress, so comfortable! Terrific for my growing teenage boy, who is also an athlete and looking at sore muscle and bones. :).”
— Jodi L., verified buyer on 5/22/24
“The best mattress for belly sleepers hands down!!!”
— Ravi S., verified buyer on 1/20/2024
While this mattress has mainly good reviews, some reviewers complained that it was too hard or too soft.
For more information, see our Bear mattress review.
Our Reviews Team has dedicated more than 1,000 hours to researching the mattress industry, consulting at least 10 health care professionals, and testing roughly 40 brands and 130 unique mattress models for quality and comfort. We’ve also interviewed 16 older adults who recently purchased a mattress and surveyed more than 3,200 recent mattress customers to understand their experiences shopping for a new bed.
Each mattress undergoes a rigorous 36-page testing procedure to score its different characteristics, including firmness, support, and other aspects most shoppers consider. We choose the best mattresses under $1,000 based on the scores of the relevant criteria. See how we tested the most important considerations for this review below.
Firmness
Like most mattress brands in the industry, we use a one-to-10 scoring method when testing firmness, with 6.5 being the true medium firm. Our testers rate this by lying on the surface and comparing the feel to other mattresses we’ve tested. Material density and coil strength influence firmness the most.
This review includes mattresses under $1,000 with a variety of firmness options so you can find what you prefer.
Pressure relief
We rate pressure relief on a scale of one to five, with five being the most pressure-relieving. We consider how it feels and use a pressure map with sensors to visualize pressure points around the body accurately. Blue and green pressure map results show great pressure relief, while yellows, oranges, and reds indicate pressure buildup.
This review of the best mattresses under $1,000 only includes options with above-average pressure relief to help you find the most comfortable options.
Functional support
Our team developed this unique score to understand how well a mattress accommodates moving around in or getting up from the bed. We combined firmness (30%), support (30%), bounce (10%), and edge support (30%) to create a score between one and five, with five being the most helpful for movement in bed.
Features that help sleepers move around in bed more easily are often overlooked when shopping for mattresses, especially on a budget. Most options in our roundup score above-average in functional support for this reason.
To learn more about our testing and scoring methods, review our sleep methodology.
Our research and testing are ongoing, so our reviews evolve over time. We test new mattresses monthly to give you the most up-to-date information possible. Check back regularly for updates.
With the abundance of mattress features and firmness levels available, there is a mattress to appeal to the needs of every sleeper. The challenge is finding the one that’s right for you and works for your budget. Here are a few details to consider when shopping for a mattress under $1,000:
Firmness always matters. A mattress that feels too hard can cause aches and pains, just as a mattress that is too soft can leave you feeling uncomfortable.
Your position while sleeping, whether you deal with back pain, and even your physical body type can all factor into choosing the mattress firmness. “Ensure it provides adequate support for your spine and joints,” said Perry.
According to research, certain mattress firmness levels address back pain issues better than others, with the study showing that a medium-firm mattress promotes comfort and sleep quality, and spinal alignment.
Mattress firmness can also impact the amount of spinal support it offers. A mattress that helps keep your spine in its natural, neutral position is ideal. A lack of support can lead to strained muscles and lower back pain.
Knowing back pain can be common among older sleepers, we take the time to examine this feature on the mattresses we review. While it’s not a necessity to have perfect spinal alignment, a little support can go a long way in pressure and pain relief.
The back, hips, and neck are common pressure points where sleepers experience pain. The mattress you choose should not only cater to your sleep position, but relieve pain in those key areas.
Your body type and weight can also factor into whether the mattress provides the right amount of pressure relief. Look for mattresses that cater to your category, whether you’re a lighter-weight, average-weight, or higher-weight sleeper.
Knowing you have a significant amount of time to try your mattress out can put your mind at ease, while also allowing you to decide if it’s right for you. Most mattress brands offer at least a 100-night trial period, while some others offer ones that last an entire year.
Companies also offer different warranties, typically 10- or 15-year warranties or lifetime warranties. Review the options and determine what works best for you.
How long does a $1,000 mattress last?
“A well-made $1,000 mattress should last around seven to 10 years, depending on usage and maintenance. Rotating your mattress more frequently could help it last even longer,” Perry said.
After that time frame, you should expect to buy a new mattress. Mattresses can wane in support and durability, and key features can fade after extensive usage. You may also notice more aches and pains if you keep using an older mattress.
“The most you should pay for a mattress is subjective and depends on your budget and needs. Generally, spending $1,000–$2,000 can get you a high-quality mattress,” noted Perry. In that price range, a mattress can last up to 10 years before you should consider investing in a new one.
More expensive mattresses that cost $2,500 or more typically also have a lifespan of up to 10 years. The materials the mattress is made from can impact its longevity. For example, latex mattresses can last anywhere from 15–25 years, but they often come at a higher price.
Ideal mattress height comes down to personal preference, mobility, and pressure relief needs. Higher mattresses tend to have a thicker base layer, which can help prevent sagging while sleeping. This is important for stomach sleepers. Some top layers can be plush or cushioned, which may bring relief for aching shoulders. If you sleep on your side, you may find this beneficial. Being mindful of whether you sleep in one position or move around can give you insight into the mattress height that works for you. Your height should also be a factor. If a mattress is too tall or short and you have mobility issues, you may have a harder time getting in and out of bed.
Side sleepers often need a mattress that has solid support for their lower backs, but they also need pressure relief in their shoulders and hips.
For back sleepers, a medium-firm mattress helps the spine feel in a natural position while providing the contour needed to support the lower back. It’s also important that back sleepers don’t feel their hips sinking into the mattress.
Stomach sleepers generally need a firm mattress to keep their hips supported and spine aligned.
Finding the best mattress under $1,000 is about more than just price. Considering your sleep style, body type, preferred firmness levels, whether you want a cool sleeping experience, and the edge support you need can help you find the right mattress.
While the DreamCloud Hybrid mattress is our top pick, we’ve reviewed other budget-friendly, quality mattresses for you to consider.
A $1,000 mattress is good if it provides the support and features you need to get a good night’s sleep. Finding the right mattress is less about price alone and more about looking at how other features, like support, firmness, and pressure relief, also factor into the decision.
Whether or not you need a box spring depends on the type of mattress you have.
Perry noted you only need a box spring “You need a box spring if you have a traditional innerspring mattress, if you prefer the added height and easier accessibility, [or] if you need the shock absorption it provides,” Perry said.
Setting your maximum budget for a mattress is a personal decision. You can buy a good quality mattress for less than $1,000 or get one for $5,000 or more. Determine what you need in a mattress, your preferences, like firmness and pressure relief, and look for options that meet your needs within your price range.
Have questions about this review? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.
