Top 10 Mattresses under $300 – Get the Best Value for Your Money!

By
Romeo Vitelli
Romeo Vitelli
Expert Writer
Received his doctorate in Psychology in 1987, spent fifteen years as a staff psychologist in Millbrook Correctional Centre. In 2003 went into full-time private practice. read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Medical Advisory Team
Medical Advisory Team
Includes well-known professionals, who together provide decades of sleep medicine experience that enables Talk About Sleep to fulfill its mission of creating access to high- read more
Last updated: August 10, 2023
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When it comes to getting a good night’s sleep, there are few things that can help more than upgrading your mattress. Thankfully, upgrading your bed to find one that is more comfortable for your sleeping style and that helps you to fall asleep and stay asleep doesn’t mean you have to break the bank – there are a number of high-quality mattresses available for under $300.

In order to help you find the best mattresses under $300 and avoid the low-quality imposters that flood the market at this low price point, we considered a number of important features. The primary features were the type of mattress – whether foam, memory foam, or a hybrid foam and spring mattress – and how firm each mattress is when you lay down on it since these are hugely important for the lifetime of the mattress and your comfort sleeping on it. In addition, we considered whether each mattress is certified and whether it comes with a warranty to provide peace of mind for your purchase.

After tens of hours of researching the best sleeping mattresses under $300, poring over technical specifications and customer reviews, we came up with our 10 favorites listed in the table below. Continue reading for detailed reviews of each mattress, complete with pros and cons. Our buying guide covers everything you need to know about what differentiates great mattresses at this price point from low-quality mattresses and how to find the right mattress for you. Finally, we announce our top three overall favorite mattresses under $300.

Quick Summary

Top 10 Mattresses under $300 Review 2024

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Features
  • Type: memory foam
  • Thickness: 12 in
  • Firmness: medium
  • Number of layers: 3
  • Certification: CertiPUR-US
  • Warranty: 10-year limited

More features: infused with green tea extract

When it comes to finding a terrific mattress under $300, it’s hard to beat this memory foam mattress from Zinus.

There are a few features that set this mattress apart from the competition. First, the memory foam is infused with green tea extract and castor seed oil, both of which help to counteract bacterial growth and mildew that can lead to foul odors developing in your mattress.

Second, the mattress has a two-inch thick layer of comfort foam sandwiched in between the top memory foam layer and the base high-density foam layer. This added layer of foam provides a ton of support, so that lightweight users will barely be relying on the harder, less comfortable high-density foam layer for support at all. At the same time, heavyset users receive added cushioning to help make the mattress far more comfortable than comparable options. Even users who were initially wary of making the jump away from a traditional innerspring mattress rave about the support this bed provides.

The mattress is designed to be medium firm, which also makes it a good option for the widest number of users possible as well as a great compromise bed for couples. Although the mattress is not topped with a gel-infused foam, users did not report any issues with overheating in the night and sensitive users were able to add a gel mattress topper to this mattress for a small added cost.

The most popular mattress is 12 inches thick, although options range from 6 to 12 inches depending on your needs. In addition, Zinus offers a 10-year limited warranty to provide peace of mind that this mattress will last for years to come.

    What are its best features?
  • Foam infused with green tea and castor oil
  • Two-inch layer of comfort foam
  • Medium firm
  • 10-year warranty
    What could be improved?
  • No gel infused foam layer for cooling
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6035 people in the past 30 days
9.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.3
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.5
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.7
9.8
2
Best Hybrid Foam Mattress under $300

Olee Sleep Galaxy

Features
  • Type: hybrid, gel infused memory foam and pocket spring mattress
  • Thickness: 13 in
  • Firmness: firm
  • Number of layers: 5
  • Certification: not specified
  • Warranty: 10-year limited

More features: independently-encased coils and four foam layers above them for extra comfort

Users rave about this hybrid mattress from Olee Sleep, which is one of the thickest mattresses we reviewed for under $300. This mattress has a lot going on under the cover – it is comprised on five individual layers, including multiple memory foam layers, a gel-infused foam layer, and a set of innersprings to provide serious support. Users found that the top memory foam layer indents just enough to make this mattress comfortable, but it is firm enough for back and stomach sleepers to feel at home. Olee Sleep added a gel-infused foam layer just below the top layer so as to add breathability and cooling to the mattress, which users found was quite effective at preventing overheating on hot summer nights.

The key to this mattress is the innerspring layer, which is sandwiched between two high-density foam layers to temper the discomfort that heavyset users might feel from sinking against the springs. Users found that the springs are relatively quiet and make it much easier to get in and out of this bed. Plus, they prevent the entire bed from sagging – heavy users reported that this bed was significantly more durable than fully foam beds that they have used in the past. When it comes to durability more generally, users were extremely pleased with this bed and many reported no issues with the foam compressing after several years of use.

The mattress does not come in any additional thicknesses and has a limited range of sizes available. In addition, it is worth noting that this mattress is not CertiPur-US certified, although users did not report any health issues from using this mattress. Olee Sleep offers a 10-year warranty to provide peace of mind.

    Why is it special?
  • Hybrid with memory foam and gel-infused foam
  • Firm enough for back and stomach sleepers
  • Extremely durable10-year warranty
    What are the flaws?
  • No CertiPUR-US certification info
  • Limited size availability
Also Product Ranking:
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6347 people in the past 30 days
9.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.2
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.5
9.7
3
Best Plush Mattress under $300

Modway Aveline Gel Infused Memory Foam Mattress

Features
  • Type: foam
  • Thickness: 10 in
  • Firmness: medium
  • Number of layers: 2
  • Certification: CertiPUR-US
  • Warranty: 10-year

More features: gel-infused memory foam upper layer and dense base foam

Users love this memory foam mattress from Modway, which is perfect for side and back sleepers alike.

The mattress is comprised of two layers: a three-inch gel-infused memory foam layer on top and a seven-inch high-density foam layer for support underneath. Users report that the memory foam is on the soft side and that the three-inch-thick foam layer on top will allow your body to sink into the mattress and helps to eliminate pressure points. This made this mattress a favorite among side sleepers, although stomach sleepers might take issue with the manufacturer describing this mattress as “firm.” In addition, the open cell design of the memory foam allows it to cradle your head and back so that there is little pressure on your back, which back sleepers found greatly reduced back issues that they have had with other mattresses.

Users found that the thick gel-infused layer on the top of the mattress does an excellent job of dissipating heat so that you won’t wake up in the middle of a warm summer night in a sweat. However, heavier users wished for more support in the upper layer of this mattress since much of their weight is supported by the much stiffer high-density foam layer underneath, which can cause some uncomfortable pressure against the shoulders and hips.

The mattress is certified by CertiPur-US and comes with a 10-year warranty to protect your purchase, although users found that the mattress lasts for at least five years before exhibiting compression if it is rotated frequently. The mattress is also available in multiple sizes to suit your needs.

    What makes it special?
  • Gel-infused foam for cooling
  • Plush to allow body to sink
  • Supports back sleepers
  • 10-year warranty
    What cons did we find?
  • Heavyset users wished for more support in top layer
  • Not good for stomach sleepers
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4287 people in the past 30 days
9.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.4
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.2
Features & Benefits
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9.4
9.7
4
Best Cooling Mattress under $300

LUCID 10 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress

Features
  • Type: gel memory foam
  • Thickness: 10 in
  • Firmness: medium firm
  • Number of layers: 2
  • Certification: CertiPUR-US
  • Warranty: 25-year

More features: ventilated memory foam and moisture-controlling TENCEL blend fabric cover

If overheating on your current mattress is keeping you from a good night’s sleep, this gel-infused memory foam mattress from Lucid offers a solution to your problem. This mattress is topped with a 2.5-inch gel-infused memory foam layer that facilitates air circulation and helps dissipate heat away from your body so you won’t wake up in a sweat on hot and humid summer nights. Even better, the fabric cover is highly breathable and is made from TENCEL fabric that helps to wick moisture away from your body to further help your body’s natural cooling processes. The fabric cover also preserves a layer of air at the mattress’s surface, which further contributes to circulation through the mattress.

Users found that this mattress is medium firm, making it a good choice primarily for back sleepers and stomach sleepers. The memory foam does not provide the same sinking feeling that other foam tops do, which can be an issue for people who want their back and neck cradled but is perfect for people who dislike the sinking feeling of memory foam. Although subjective, users rated it a seven to eight on a scale of 10 for firmness.

One of the major advantages to this mattress is the incredibly long 25-year warranty, which vies with the mattress from Classic Brands for the longest policy on mattresses under $300. It is available in a huge range of sizes, including a short queen size that is good for couples who need a bed between the standard full and queen sizes to fit a small room. Plus, Lucid sells an optional mattress protector so that you can keep your mattress safe from smells and stains.

    Why did it make our list?
  • Gel-infused memory foam for cooling
  • TENCEL fabric promotes breathability
  • Firm feeling
  • 25-year warranty
    What is not ideal about it?
  • Side sleepers may experience pressure points
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5774 people in the past 30 days
9.6
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.1
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.5
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.3
9.6
5
est Spring Mattress under $300

Linenspa 10-inch Hybrid Mattress

Features
  • Type: hybrid
  • Thickness: 10 in
  • Firmness: medium
  • Number of layers: 3
  • Certification: CertiPUR-US
  • Warranty: 10-year

More features: a combination of memory foam, support foam, and tempered steel springs

For users who aren’t willing to make the jump to a fully foam mattress, this hybrid mattress from Linenspa offers a terrific combination of comfort and affordability.

The mattress is described as medium firm, but users ranging from back sleepers to side sleepers appreciated the feel of this mattress thanks to the comfortable combination of memory foam, support foam, and innersprings. In fact, many users were pleasantly surprised by how comfortable they found this mattress given that the memory foam layer at the top is relatively thin – only about one inch thick. The key is the thicker layer of comfort support foam sandwiched between the memory foam and the innersprings, which helps to temper the influence of the springs. In effect, the comfort foam provides all the support that lightweight users need while cushioning heavier users from the springs.

Since the memory foam layer is relatively thin, users did not experience any issues with overheating on this mattress. Many people appreciated the springs for adding bounce to the mattress, making it easier to get in and out of. In addition, they found that the springs are relatively quiet and can only be heard when bouncing around on the bed. Users found that the memory foam can compress over time, but the comfort foam and the innerspring layers hold up to years of use if the mattress is properly rotated.

The mattress is available in the full range of sizes from twin to California king and is available in either eight- or 10-inch thicknesses, with the difference between the two coming in the thickness of the innerspring layer. Linenspa offers a 10-year warranty on the mattress.

    Why are we impressed?
  • Hybrid mattress
  • Thick comfort foam layer for support
  • Springs are quiet
  • 10-year warranty
    What negatives must you be aware of?
  • Memory foam layer is thin and compresses over time
Also Product Ranking:
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4932 people in the past 30 days
9.3
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.8
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.0
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.9
9.3
Features
  • Type: hybrid
  • Thickness: 10 in
  • Firmness: medium
  • Number of layers: 3
  • Certification: CertiPUR-US
  • Warranty: 1 year limited

More features: individual power packed wrapped coils and gel memory foam top layer

Users were extremely pleased with this hybrid mattress from vaunted home furniture company Ashley Furniture. The mattress is 10 inches thick, although a 12-inch version is also available for users who like a more plush mattress or for heavier users who need more support. The 10-inch version is described as medium firmness, which users felt was accurate – back and stomach sleepers found this mattress to be quite comfortable, but side sleepers felt like they were lying on a block of concrete.

The mattress has three layers, although somewhat surprisingly only one inch of the top is made of foam – including a ¼-inch layer of gel-infused memory foam and a ¾-inch layer of support foam. Compared to the other hybrid mattresses we reviewed, this means that there is very little support foam surrounding the springs and tempering their influence on the mattress. As a result, users felt like this was more similar to a traditional innerspring mattress than to any foam mattress and many reported that the mattress relieved hip and shoulder pain that they could not shake on their past mattresses.

Users found that the springs are quiet and the bed provides plenty of bounce. Plus, an advantage to the minimal foam layers is that there is little worry about permanently compressing the foam and needing to replace the bed. Surprisingly, Ashely Furniture only offers a one-year warranty on this mattress – the shortest warranty among mattresses we reviewed – so this durability is important. The bed is available in sizes ranging from twin to California king to fit your needs.

    What do we love it for?
  • Hybrid mattress with thick innerspring layer
  • Good for back and stomach sleepers
  • Durable
    What were we disappointed with?
  • Only one-year warranty
  • Some users felt it was extremely firm
  • Memory foam layer is very thin
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6290 people in the past 30 days
9.0
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.7
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.7
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.5
9.0
7
Best Mattress for Back Pain under $300

Best Price Mattress 10-inch Memory Foam Mattress

Features
  • Type: memory foam
  • Thickness: 10 in
  • Firmness: firm
  • Number of layers: 3
  • Certification: CertiPUR-US
  • Warranty: 10-year

More features: Super Soft Foam layer for pressure relief

This 10-inch thick mattress from Best Price is hard to beat when it comes to support. The mattress features fully five inches of foam above the five-inch-thick high-density support foam layer, in the form of a three-inch thick memory foam layer and a two-inch thick support foam layer. This is great news for heavyset sleepers who experience discomfort on other mattresses from pressing down to the high-density foam layer. Plus, the combination of the memory foam and comfort foam layers offers terrific back and neck support that makes this mattress a great choice for back and side sleepers. Stomach sleepers may face some issues with this mattress since the memory foam tends to sink quite a bit when pressured, although users reported that the mattress gets firmer after several weeks of decompressing out of the box.

Unfortunately, there is a major flaw to this mattress – the fire protective cover inside the outer cover is made entirely from fiberglass. Users who removed the outer cover in order to clean it found that their entire room became covered in itchy fiberglass particles, which can be nearly impossible to clean up. This means that the mattress cover essentially cannot be cleaned and that a rip in the cover could lead to major problems.

This mattress is available in additional thicknesses ranging from six inches to 12 inches, although most users will want to opt for the 10-inch thickness since this provides the optimal balance of memory foam and comfort foam to high-density support foam. The bed is also available in a range of sizes and comes with a 10-year warranty.

    What are our favorite features?
  • Support foam layer below memory foam
  • Excellent back and neck support
  • 10-year warranty
    What could be better?
  • Fiberglass fire protectant can leave fiberglass particles everywhere
  • Cannot clean mattress cover
Also Product Ranking:
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 3897 people in the past 30 days
9.0
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.8
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.8
9.0
Features
  • Type: memory foam
  • Thickness: 6 in
  • Firmness: firm
  • Number of layers: 2
  • Certification: CertiPUR-US
  • Warranty: 10-year limited

More features: BioFoam with natural plant oil

This inexpensive memory foam mattress from Zinus is perfect for people on a budget or for filling a bed frame in a guest room. The mattress is relatively thin at only six inches, so it is best used as a short-term sleeping solution – heavyset users, in particular, will want to beware that the mattress does not provide enough support for long-term back health. On the other hand, the mattress provides plenty of support for kids if you are planning on putting it in a child’s room.

The mattress is comprised of two layers, a 1.5-inch thick layer of memory foam and a 4.5-inch thick layer of high-density support foam. Users described the memory foam as relatively firm but felt that it was overall comfortable for a few nights of sleep. Users also noted that adding a box spring below the mattress can provide additional support and comfort, although this increases the overall price of the mattress.

One of the advantages of this mattress is that the memory foam uses BioFoam, which is made with natural plant oils to reduce odors from the mattress. However, it is worth noting that some users found the factory smell from this mattress to be quite strong and felt that it never fully dissipated.

The mattress is available in a range of sizes, including twin and narrow twin sizes if you are planning to purchase this mattress for a child’s room. Zinus offers a 10-year warranty to cover the mattress, although users found that it was plenty durable if slept in by a child or only used for occasional guest room stays.

    What makes it special?
  • Inexpensive
  • BioFoam memory foam
    What cons did we find?
  • Only six inches thick, very little support
  • Factory smell takes a long time to dissipate
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4093 people in the past 30 days
8.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.6
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.7
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.6
8.8
Features
  • Type: memory foam
  • Thickness: 10 in
  • Firmness: plush
  • Number of layers: 2
  • Certification: CertiPUR-US
  • Warranty: 10-year limited

More features: movement isolation properties

Users had mixed feeling about this bare-bones mattress from Signature Sleep, but for side sleepers who need a plush surface to sleep on it is hard to beat. The mattress is relatively simple in construction, with just a two-inch layer of memory foam at the top with an eight-inch-thick layer of high-density support foam underneath. The memory foam layer is extremely compressive and conforms around your body as you sink into it, which side sleepers loved but many back and stomach sleepers did not. One advantage to this, however, is that the mattress does an extremely good job of isolating movement, so that you won’t wake up your partner if you are rolling around in the night.

The disadvantage to this simple construction is that the mattress has very little heat dissipation capacity, so it can get quite warm during summer nights. Having the memory foam conformed around your body makes this worse since it spreads the area of insulation around you. In addition, some users had issues with this mattress not inflating properly out of the box, which led to inconsistent thicknesses across the mattress as well as lumps. While this is covered by the 10-year limited warranty, returning the mattress can be a significant hassle.

Another issue that users reported with this mattress is that the inner cover is made of fiberglass for fire protection, and that removing the outer cover for cleaning will result in fiberglass particles getting everywhere. This means that you cannot remove the outer cover, so it can be quite difficult to clean this mattress.

    What are its best features?
  • Plush and supportive
  • Isolates movement
  • Good pressure points relief
    What could be improved?
  • Fiberglass inner cover prevents cleaning outer cover
  • Issues with inflation out of box
  • Foam does not dissipate heat well
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6458 people in the past 30 days
8.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.5
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.3
8.7
10
Best Mattress for Couples under $300

Classic Brands 12-inch Mattress

Features
  • Type: foam
  • Thickness: 12 in
  • Firmness: medium-firm
  • Number of layers: 3
  • Certification: CertiPUR-US
  • Warranty: 25-year

More features: self-ventilating, breathable Cool Gel memory foam top layer

Users loved this highly breathable and extremely inexpensive three-layer mattress from Classic Brands. The mattress is set apart from the competition with its thick 2.5-inch gel-infused memory foam top and underlying 3-inch poly gel support foam underneath. Together, these two layers provide a mix of support and conformity that users appreciated – they described it as feeling soft compared to a traditional innerspring mattress, but more firm than a standard foam mattress thanks to the support foam layer. Heavy users, in particular, liked the support of the double foam layer on top of the 6.5-inch high-density foam base. As a result, this mattress has a potential for back, side, and stomach sleepers and can be a great choice for couples with different sleeping styles.

The gel-infused memory foam on the top also offers a serious advantage when it comes to cooling. Users report that this bed won’t leave you overheating during hot summer nights, or if you cozy up to your partner. Even the poly gel support foam is breathable, which makes a big difference in helping to keep the bed cool. The foam top also helps to isolate motion in this bed, so you can get out of bed without waking your partner.

Classic Brands offers this bed in sizes ranging from twin to California king, as well as includes an impressive 25-year warranty with the mattress. Users report that, at least several years out, the mattress retains its elasticity and support, so you can expect to get many years of use out of this mattress.

    Why is it special?
  • More firm than most foam mattresses
  • Gel-infused foam for cooling
  • 25-year warranty
    What are the flaws?
  • Does not conform to your body as much as other memory foam mattresses


Things to Consider

Now that you’ve learned more about our 10 favorite mattresses on the market today for under $300, how do you choose between them to find the mattress that is right for your sleeping style and needs? Furthermore, how do you tell these high-quality and low-priced mattresses apart from the cheap imposters that are common under the $300 price point? Our buying guide will cover everything you need to know about choosing a mattress under $300, from what to expect at this price point to the features you should examine when choosing a mattress.

What to expect from a mattress under $300?

Zinus-10-Inch-Gel-Infused-Green-Tea-Memory-Foam-Mattress-KingOne of the most common concerns we hear is that a mattress under $300 can’t possibly help you get a good night’s sleep because it just doesn’t cost enough compared to most mattresses on the market today. However, when it comes to mattresses, the price can be misleading. But when does the price difference really make a difference? Here, we’ll help you know what to expect when shopping for a mattress under $300.

The truth is, many expensive mattresses are expensive not because they are constructed with high-end, expensive materials, but because consumers are willing to pay the sticker price for them simply because they reason that a more expensive mattress will offer a better night’s sleep. However, in many cases there are few differences between mattresses that cost under $300 and those that cost over $1,000 other than the brand name and the advertising budget – especially if they are using the same materials at the heart of the mattress. For this reason, many people report finding a low-priced mattress just as comfortable, or even more comfortable, than premium mattresses at exorbitant prices.

That said, there are some important differences you are likely to run into when looking at mattresses under $300. First, the materials mattresses at this price point are made from are likely to be more limited. Many of the mattresses we reviewed are constructed from foam or memory foam rather than traditional box springs or from a soft, dense material like latex or cotton that is commonly used in high-end mattresses. Part of the reason for this is that foam can be compressed for shipping – which reduces the price because it saves a brand from maintaining a brick-and-mortar location – but another part of the reason is that foam is a cheaper material. While a cheaper material doesn’t necessarily mean less comfortable, it is important to remember that having a foam core in your current mattress might be part of the reason that you are having trouble sleeping and that upgrading to a more expensive material could make a big difference.

ghostbed price Awesome Guide Best Cooling Mattress for Hot SleepersAnother thing to look out for in a mattress under $300 is durability. Many mattresses under $300 are designed to be one-sided, meaning that they have a top and bottom that are different. This means that the mattress cannot be flipped, which will reduce its lifespan from potentially a decade or more of use to around five to seven years of use.

While buying a new mattress at this low price point in several years may still be worth it, be sure to consider the added cost of replacing your mattress more frequently when comparing to a more expensive mattress.

Finally, one of the major differences between low-priced mattresses and high-priced mattresses is where they are made. Simply put, mattresses made in the USA cost more – so if keeping local businesses is something you care about, expect to pay more than $300 when shopping for a new mattress.

Features to consider while choosing a mattress

Now that you know more about what to expect from a mattress priced under $300, how do you determine which of the hundreds of different mattresses at this price point could be a fit for your sleeping habits? In this section, we’ll explain some of the most important features of mattresses so that you can better choose the mattress that suits your needs.

Modway-Aveline-6-Gel-Infused-Memory-Foam-Queen-.w710.h473.2xMattress type and construction

One of the most important things to look for in any mattress is what type of materials it is made from and how it is constructed.

To start, let’s look at the types of mattresses that are commonly found for under $300 – foam, memory foam, and hybrid mattresses.

Polyurethane foam, which forms the core of many of the mattresses we reviewed, is one of the least expensive materials for mattresses to be made from and has been a staple of mattresses for the past 100 years. However, viscoelastic foam, better known as memory foam, has skyrocketed in popularity in recent years such that nearly all of the foam mattresses we reviewed are now made partially with this type of foam on top.

When choosing a mattress under $300, though, it is important to recognize that almost no mattresses marketed as memory foam mattresses are made entirely of memory foam – instead, they typically have a few inches of memory foam at the top with the bulk of the mattress made up of less expensive high-density polyurethane foam to keep the price down. While this may not be an issue for many users, it is important to consider whether the two to three inches of memory foam found on low-priced mattresses is enough for you to feel supported and comfortable.

More broadly, this means that it is important to look at the layered construction of a mattress when examining what it is made of. In general, the top layer or two of the mattress will determine how soft or firm the mattress feels to you, while the upper half of the mattress will determine how supportive the mattress is. This also means that a thicker mattress is not necessarily more supportive if, as in the case of the 10-inch Signature Sleep mattress, the majority of the mattress’s thickness is simply high-density base foam. However, for heavyset users, having a thicker base of foam like that can be extremely important for feeling supported.

Another consideration when looking at foam mattresses is whether the memory foam layer is standard memory foam or gel-infused memory foam. Gel-infused memory foam, like that found in the Classic Brands and Lucid mattresses, is designed to be better at dissipating heat and circulating air than standard memory foam. This can be a major factor for people who live in warm climates and who have trouble sleeping because they overheat.

However, note that gel memory foam typically has a shorter lifespan than standard memory foam and will become irreversibly compressed over time.

While most non-foam mattress materials are too expensive to be priced under $300, there are some hybrid models – mattresses incorporating a combination of foam and traditional springs – available for under $300 like the mattresses from Ashley Furniture and Olee Sleep. Hybrid mattresses offer some of the supporting feel of traditional innerspring mattresses while also providing a soft foam top, which makes them beloved by many people and easy to adjust with a mattress topper to get the perfect level of softness and support. In general, hybrid mattresses are bouncier, which makes them easier to get out of in the morning, as well as better at moving heat away from your body in the night compared to memory foam mattresses. Unfortunately, these advantages also add to the price of hybrid mattresses so the selection under $300 is relatively limited.

БезымянныйSizes available

Once you’ve found a mattress that you are happy with, it’s important to see whether it is available in the size that you need. Most mattresses are available in a range of sizes, from a twin size to king or even California king sizes. However, note that our designation of prices under $300 is based on queen-sized mattresses – opting for a king or California king size may push the price of your mattress above this ceiling. In general, full- or twin-size mattresses are considered large enough for a single sleeper, while a queen size mattress or larger is considered enough for a couple to sleep in comfortably.

A queen size mattress is the most common mattress size since it is practical – it fits in most rooms – while also offering enough space for two people.

Mattress height

Mattresses come in a variety of thicknesses, ranging from just 6 inches for the Zinus Ultima mattress to as much as 13 inches for the Olee Sleep mattress. For the majority of people, mattress thickness is not an overwhelming concern when choosing a mattress – while six inches might be a little thin, the majority of mattresses we reviewed are 10 inches thick or more, which provides plenty of support for the average person. However, heavyset users will need a thicker mattress to provide support so that their weight is captured entirely in the mattress’s foam rather than supported in part by the hard floor. It is worth noting that many mattresses are available in multiple thicknesses, so heavy users can order a mattress that is right for them, although adding thickness will typically increase the price without altering the thickness of the top memory foam layers.

Mattress firmness and sleep positions

sleeping-positionsWhat’s your typical sleeping position? The answer may determine how firm you need your mattress to be. In general, particularly firm mattresses, like those from Modway and Best Price, are best suited for back and stomach sleepers, since your body needs to essentially float on the top of the mattress and your weight is spread out so that you are not as likely to develop pressure points. On the other hand, side sleepers tend to sleep better on plush mattresses, like the model from Signature Sleep, that allow them to sink in, since it is easy to develop painful pressure points when sleeping on your side on a hard mattress.

However, these are not hard and fast rules – back sleepers in particular often find themselves more comfortable on a plush mattress, while the level of firmness or plushness can vary a ton even between mattresses that market themselves as being extra firm or extra plush. In addition, you and your partner may have different sleeping styles and need to compromise on a mattress that works for both of you – in which case a medium firmness mattress like the one from Ashley Furniture can be a good option. It is always a good idea to try out mattresses at your local store to get an idea of whether you prefer a firm or plush mattress if you don’t already know your preference.

Materials used

The quality of the materials used in your mattress can make a big difference in your sleeping experience. First of all, the high-quality foam will ensure that your body has the support it needs for a good night’s sleep and that the top layer is soft enough for you to feel comfortable. The support aspect is particularly important for heavyset users who need more support from the same amount of foam in a mattress. In addition, the materials in your mattress can affect your overall health – mattresses under $300 are often not made with hypoallergenic materials like many more expensive mattresses are, which can cause problems both in the bed and beyond if you are prone to allergies.

The materials used in your mattress play a major role in how long your mattress will last.

For example, different qualities of foam have different lifespans, as do different types of foam – you can expect that the cooling effects of gel-infused foam come at a cost of this foam lasting for a shorter lifespan than standard memory foam.

BS_Florence_PL_cutTemperature regulation

When it comes to finding the culprit for why you may be tossing and turning in the night on your current mattress, poor temperature regulation is often to blame. Many people overheat in the middle of the night and wake up simply because their mattress does a poor job of dissipating heat and circulating air – which can be especially problematic during the summer months or if you sleep with a partner.

Temperature regulation is also where your choice of mattress materials can make a big difference. Most mattresses under $300, and all of the mattresses we reviewed, are topped with either memory foam or gel-infused foam, so we won’t dive into the heat dissipating capabilities of more expensive materials. However, gel-infused foam, such as is found topping the mattresses from Classic Brands and Lucid, is significantly better at dissipating heat away from your body and moving air through the foam cells than memory foam is. In fact, this is one of the major reasons that some people refuse to switch to a memory foam mattress.

Certification

One of the most common certifications that mattresses under $300 receive is the CertiPUR-US certification – all of the mattresses we reviewed, except for the Olee Sleep mattress, have this certification. The CertiPUR-US certification essentially states that the foam used in a mattress meets certain quality standards related to emissions, performance, and durability. In particular, this certification indicates that a mattress is free from volatile organic compounds, heavy metals, and other harmful substances that could impact your health over the course of years of sleeping on a mattress.

Durability and warranty

mattress-photo-for-blog-e1533716928623Even at a sub-$300 price point, you should expect your mattress to last for many years to come – foam mattresses have a minimum lifetime of about five years, and many can last for 10 or more if treated properly. The durability of your mattress depends on a few factors. First, the types of materials that the mattress is made from have a big impact. A high-density foam will keep its form nearly forever, but memory foam will eventually lose its elasticity and will begin to become permanently compressed. Gel-infused memory foam has the disadvantage that it begins to break down faster than standard memory foam, meaning that it will become permanently compressed even more quickly.

The innersprings found in hybrid mattresses have quite a long lifespan, especially if you are good about rotating your mattress over its lifetime, and will typically outlast the memory foam layers of these mattresses.

Even though you may not expect your mattress to be comfortable for 10 years or more, it is also a good idea to look for a long warranty when choosing a mattress to add peace of mind to your purchase. Many of the mattresses we reviewed offer limited warranties of 10 years, while the mattresses from Classic Brands and Lucid come with extraordinarily long 25-year warranties that ensure you can keep your mattress for as long as you stay in your home if you would like.

Sleep trial

Unfortunately, one of the important things you lose when shopping for a mattress under $300 is a sleep trial. While all mattresses that we reviewed offer a warranty, none of them offer a 30- or 60-day money back guarantee that would allow you to try out the mattress in your home for a month or two before fully committing to it. Instead, you may be able to find some of the mattresses that we reviewed at your local mattress store to give them a brief trial run, but in general, you will be responsible for the hassle and cost of working with the manufacturer to return any of these mattresses.

How to maintain your new mattress?

Jenna-10-inch-Queen-size-Innerspring-Mattress-a8589201-e758-4748-9fd1-e6b9f8baa111In order to keep your mattress feeling springy and your memory foam elastic as if it were new, it’s important to maintain your mattress with some frequency. The most important thing you can do to keep your mattress in tip-top shape is to rotate it from head to toe once per month – this ensures that your weight is distributed over the mattress evenly over its lifespan and allows the foam time to rebound in between rotations.

If your mattress is two-sided – which none of the mattresses we reviewed are – you can also flip it over when you rotate it to spread your weight over both sides of the mattress.

Another important maintenance task is simply vacuuming your mattress every once in a while to remove hair, dust, and any other debris that has gotten on your mattress. This will ensure that the foam pores do not become clogged, which would impede air circulation, as well as helps to prevent any unwanted bugs from taking up lodging in your mattress. If you find any stains while you are cleaning the mattress, you can use a mild detergent and sponge to clean them up. In addition, baking soda and water is a great combination to scrub out any odors that are coming from a particular spot on your mattress.

FAQ

Why foam mattresses consist of several layers?

Foam mattresses consist of several layers as a way to increase their comfort and support while also keeping their price relatively low. Having a memory foam or gel-infused top layer is perfect for adding comfort as well as adjusting the firmness or plushness of a mattress, but this type of foam is by itself not that supportive. Having a layer or two of high-density foam below the top layer allows the mattress to support one or two sleepers’ weight.

Do hybrid mattresses feel more firm than memory foam ones?

Not necessarily – firmness depends to a large extent on the top layer of the mattress, which is often memory foam even in a hybrid mattress. The firmness of the memory foam used in the mattress is thus a large determinant of how firm a particular mattress will feel. However, hybrid mattresses can also add firmness depending on how tightly wound the springs are – so the answer to whether hybrid mattresses are more firm than memory foam mattresses depends largely on the two specific mattresses being compared.

Do I need to switch my mattress from one side to another to prolong its life?

Yes! Rotating your mattress from head to toe once a month or so is one of the most important steps you can take to extend the life of your mattress. Doing so distributes your weight evenly on either end of the mattress and allows the memory foam on the foot end of the mattress to decompress in between rotations, which prolongs its lifespan before it becomes irreversibly compressed from your body weight.

When should I replace my mattress?

Foam mattresses are designed to last between five to 10 years, although the exact amount of time depends on the type of foam used in the mattress and how good you are about maintaining the mattress. In general, it is time to think about replacing your mattress when the top layer becomes irreversibly compressed – that is, the foam appears sunken in the area where you normally sleep even when given a few days to decompress. While this may remain comfortable enough for some people, it can also affect the quality of your sleep.

I’m a side sleeper. How firm the mattress should I choose?

Side sleepers are prone to developing pressure points since all their weight is concentrated on a small area of their body. That means that side sleepers usually – but not always – prefer a mattress that is on the plush side and that allows your body to sink into it.

I’m a back sleeper. What type of mattress is the best for me?

Back sleepers have the most options when it comes to choosing a type of mattress. Since your head is facing upwards, sinking into the mattress will not inhibit your breathing. At the same time, your weight is distributed around your whole body so pressure points are not a common issue. This means that some back sleepers will prefer plush mattresses, while others will prefer firm mattresses – for back sleepers, nearly any mattress type will work and the choice largely comes down to personal preference and comfort.

I like to sleep on my stomach. Is that a really unhealthy position to sleep in?

Unfortunately, sleeping on your stomach can lead to lower back problems since it distorts the natural curvature of your spine. One option to reduce the likelihood of back issues when sleeping on your stomach is to place a pillow underneath your body to mimic your natural spinal position. Stomach sleepers typically prefer extra firm mattresses since this allows them to float above the mattress without sinking into it.

Our verdict

Our three overall favorite mattresses under $300 on the market today are the Zinus Memory Foam 10-inch Green Tea Mattress, the Olee Sleep 13-inch Galaxy Hybrid Mattress, and the Modway Aveline 10-inch Gel Infused Memory Foam Mattress. Both the Olee Sleep and the Modway mattresses are designed with gel-infused memory foam layers to dissipate heat and improve air circulation so you don’t have to worry about waking up in a sweat in the middle of the night. Plus, users loved the hybrid design of the Olee Sleep mattress since it provides much of the comfort of memory foam without compromising on the incredible support offered by a traditional innerspring layer. We feel the Zinus mattress is the overall best mattress under $300 thanks to its extraordinarily comfortable support foam layer beneath the top layer of memory foam as well as the green tea and castor oil infusion that helps keep the mattress free of odor-producing bacteria.

9,9
Total Score
Zinus Memory Foam 12-inch Green Tea Mattress - Editor’s Choice
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