Our Highest Rated Beds Under $300

What to Consider When Buying a Mattress under $300

To make their products cheaper, companies have to take shortcuts to achieve a lower price point. If you think about it, the same principle applies to most products, whether it’s a car or a coffeemaker. The phrase “you get what you pay for” is famous for a reason, though there are a few exceptions for mattresses, which we outlined in the previous section.

If you’re thinking about buying a cheap mattress, consider the following:

Material

Memory vs. Poly Foam

Memory foam is a type of poly foam that has been altered with chemical compounds to affect how it feels. Poly foam (also called polyurethane foam) is soft and springy but doesn’t tend to last long. Most people are familiar with this material as what’s in couch cushions and (sometimes) cheaper “egg-crate” designs.

Polyfoam usually has a lower density than memory foam, which allows it to compress for shipping. A lot of mattress companies will use poly foam in at least one of their layers, partially because it is so easy to make compact.

Both poly and memory foam are petrochemical-based, so again, make sure at the very least that the bed you choose is CertiPUR-US certified.

There are some subtle differences in the feel of these two materials. Both provide a lot of softness, but there’s limited support with some polyfoam. Memory foam allows for more contoured support, but it also comes with a higher price tag.

Sleeping Position

Your preferred sleeping position is one of the most important things you should consider before buying a bed. This is because not all beds work for all sleeping positions. So, ask yourself, are you a back, stomach, or side sleeper? If you like several or all of these positions, you’re probably a combination sleeper. 

Some mattresses are on the softer side, designed to target pressure points and prevent pressure from building up in these areas. These are typically best for side sleepers. On the other hand, stomach sleepers need the firmest beds because only these offer sufficient support and don’t let the hips sink into the upper layers. Back sleepers are in the middle. Those who like sleeping on their back should go for a medium mattress that supports the spine and hips while allowing a bit of cradling for pressure relief. 

If you’re a combination sleeper, you need a versatile bed that can adapt to your body in different positions. 

Firmness

Mattresses are available in a range of firmness levels, so it’s easy to find one that suits your needs. As we said, you should consider bed firmness when thinking about your preferred sleeping position. If not, you may end up with an uncomfortable bed regardless of the price and quality. 

Softer mattresses are rated 4-5 out of 10, medium beds are rated 5-6 out of 10, and firm models are rated 7 or higher on our firmness scale. Although it’s best to have a mattress firmness that fits your specific needs, most sleepers should find a medium firmness comfortable enough. However, stomach sleepers and heavyweight folks often need firm beds to ensure they’re well-supported. On the opposite spectrum, many lightweight sleepers gravitate toward softer beds. 

Body Weight

Your body weight will also dictate the firmness level you should choose. Lightweight sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds should focus on soft mattresses that hug the body and deliver maximum pressure relief. This is because people weighing less than average may struggle to activate the layers of a firmer mattress. 

On the other hand, heavyweight sleepers need a firm mattress that can support the weight and keep the spine aligned. These sleepers would struggle to find a comfortable spot on a softer bed because their body would sink in too much. As a result, most people would wake up in pain due to improper sleep posture. 

Foam Density

Have you ever wondered why some memory foam brands are the price of a small car while others are less than 100 dollars? One of the price determinants is the quality and density of the foam. Density is a ratio that measures how much material is in something relative to the amount of air.

Since lower-density mattresses have less material and more air, they’re cheaper. The high ratio of air to material also means that the beds may be less durable because the material collapses under the weight of being slept on nightly.

While density is not the only predictor of quality, it’s a logical place to start and will give you a lot of information about the firmness and durability of the bed. Density is measured in a unit called PCF, or pounds per cubic foot.

Depending on the type of foam, the density standards vary. For lower-priced polyurethane polyfoam mattresses, an acceptable density range would be between 1.5 and 1.8 PCF. If you can find anything higher, that’s even better.

Learn More: Memory Foam Density Guide

Off-Gassing

All foam-based mattresses will have a bit of an odor when you open the box. The smell is referred to as off-gassing, and it’s the result of the release of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) into the atmosphere. Some of these are completely harmless, while others are linked to allergies and respiratory issues. Again, check for safety certifications to ensure that you’re not breathing harmful chemicals.

Depending on the mattress you choose, some have stronger off-gassing odors than others. We recommend letting it air out thoroughly before sleeping on it. In some cases, it can take up to two weeks for the smell to dissipate.

Toxic Materials

If you read the product descriptions of some of the cheaper offerings, they seem to say all the right things, but one thing that’s usually lacking is a CertiPUR-US certification¹. This certification is issued on foam products that meet safety standards for emissions, materials, and durability.

This has become a fairly standard certification, so if a brand doesn’t have it, you may need to research deeper. If the mattress doesn’t have this certification, it can mean that the bed is likely laden with toxic fire retardants, harmful glues, and dangerous chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). A bed that lacks this basic certification is potentially dangerous.

A bed with toxic foam can lead to a variety of health issues, including allergies, breathing problems, headaches, dizziness, and memory problems.

Get More Info: Toxic Materials in Foam Mattresses

Motion Isolation

Motion isolation is a major concern for most people, especially those who sleep with a partner. Motion isolation refers to the bed’s ability to isolate movement so that people tossing and turning don’t disturb their partner. However, not all mattresses have good motion isolation.

Memory foam beds are typically the best at this, although some hybrids may also do well, thanks to their multiple foam comfort layers and pocketed coils that move independently. Traditional innerspring beds usually don’t have good motion isolation because they have interconnected steel coils that carry movement easily, and there are no foam layers to absorb it.

Whether or not a bed has good motion isolation is tricky to tell when shopping online. However, you can determine this by looking at the construction, mainly the foam layers above the coils if you’re looking at hybrids. Plus, most brands offer a trial so that you can test the bed before committing. 

Pressure Relief

Pressure relief is important to all of us, but more so to those who like sleeping on their side or back. Side sleepers have most of their weight concentrated across a narrow surface, which is why they often struggle with pressure building up in the shoulder, hip, and knee areas. The best way to tackle pressure build-up if you’re a side sleeper is to go for a softer bed that suits your sleeping position. 

On the other hand, back sleepers should look for a medium feel that can still give them pressure relief while maintaining sturdy support for the spine. A firm mattress often doesn’t do much for pressure relief. Instead, it tends to cause pressure build-up. 

Manufacturers help deliver pressure relief by incorporating softer foam layers that hug the body in all positions. This way, your weight is evenly distributed across the entire bed to prevent build-up. 

Edge Support

Edge support is another common concern for couples, although even some single individuals may want to think about this. Do you like sleeping near the edge of the bed? Do you often sit on the side of the bed to get dressed or put your shoes on? If so, you should look for a model with good edge support to prevent you from sliding off the mattress. 

Edge support comes from firmer materials included in the perimeter of the mattress. Some brands use high-density foam for memory foam and latex beds, while others use thicker-gauge coils for hybrids and innerspring models.

Cooling

Hot sleepers often struggle to find a cool spot on the mattress, which is why brands now include cooling technologies and materials. Cooling mattresses are typically more expensive because of the unique technologies and materials used. Cooling beds have materials like latex, cotton, wool, and gel-infused memory foam. Some brands even use copper and charcoal for additional cooling because memory foam is known to trap heat. Additionally, hybrid and innerspring beds provide excellent airflow thanks to the inclusion of coils in the support unit.

Durability

To provide a product at a lower price point, companies often use lower-grade materials and less precise manufacturing techniques. The result can be a bed that lasts a fraction of the time that a higher-quality bed will serve you. The most noticeable issue you’ll experience is sagging, though there could also be rips and tears on the cover as well; it just depends on the brand you go with.

Warranty

These lower-priced brands aren’t always built to last, which means they may have shorter warranty periods if there’s a warranty at all. Don’t be surprised if it’s nearly impossible to meet all the requirements to file a claim. However, there are a few brands out there that even have 10-year periods and are of higher quality, so be sure to do your research.

When mattress companies want to discourage claims, they’ll stipulate that the surface can’t have any stains, and sometimes they’ll require so much indentation (sagging) that the bed will become unbearable to sleep on long before you meet the threshold.

Fewer Choices

Forget such a wide selection of hybrid or innerspring mattresses, though they are out there and we included some top picks in this list. When it comes to something under 300 dollars, you’re mostly going to be looking at foam only.

Types of Mattresses under $300

Foam

Foam beds are the best for pressure relief due to their contouring abilities. However, there’s a drawback. Memory foam beds tend to retain heat due to reduced airflow, which can be a problem for hot sleepers. Luckily, most brands fight the issue by including gel and copper infusions that help transfer the heat away from your body. In addition, some bends have open-cell foam that enhances airflow compared to regular memory foam. 

Another benefit of foam is its motion isolation. However, softer foam beds may hug the sleeper too much, which can make it difficult for people with mobility issues to change positions. 

Innerspring

Innerspring mattresses are the traditional models that have been around for ages. They provide quality support thanks to their coils. Innerspring beds also provide a cooler surface thanks to their thin profile and airflow-promoting coils. Additionally, these beds are bouncy, so they’re good for couples.

The coil unit can vary from pocketed to Bonell coils, depending on the price. Pocketed coils are excellent for motion isolation and can be found in more expensive beds. Bonell coils are cheaper but not as good at motion isolation.

Latex

Latex mattresses are both cradling and responsive, so they’re a good middle ground between innerspring and memory foam beds. Latex is a natural and eco-friendly material that contours the body and provides excellent pressure relief. The material is naturally cooling, but most brands enhance this by incorporating aerated latex that’s even more breathable. Latex doesn’t isolate motion as well as memory foam because it’s more buoyant. 

Natural latex is the most popular option because it’s high-quality and eco-friendly, but it’s also the most expensive. Other options include blended and synthetic, both of which are more affordable than natural latex. Latex is a highly-durable and eco-friendly option, which means you will likely not find these types of beds in this price range. However, if you shop for latex beds online, especially during federal holidays, you could find some excellent money-saving deals.

Hybrid

Hybrid mattresses are the most versatile because they contain a coil unit and multiple foam layers in their comfort system. This type of construction brings the best of both worlds, so you get breathability, pressure relief, motion isolation, and edge support. Hybrids can be very expensive, depending on the materials used. So, those with pocketed coils, reinforced perimeter, and latex comfort layers are the most expensive. There are some hybrids in this price range, though the majority of them are in higher price brackets.

When should you consider buying one in this price range?

Generally, cheap beds can struggle as a long-term, heavy-use sleeping solution. However, there are situations when it doesn’t make sense to splurge on a bed.

Temporary Use

We recommend buying something in this price range if you only need it temporarily. For example, maybe it’s for a college apartment, and you don’t plan on taking it with you after graduation, or perhaps your guest room needs a bed that will only be used occasionally. 
Interested in exploring further? See our guide for top-rated budget mattresses.

Your Bed is Sagging

If you notice your bed is sagging, it’s time to get a new one. A sagging mattress is uncomfortable and will throw your spine out of alignment regardless of your preferred sleeping position. 

Sagging happens in all beds, but hybrids and innerspring models are more prone than memory foam. Memory foam beds may need longer to show signs of sagging. When this happens, you’ll feel like falling into the mattress, which may not be uncomfortable at first, but you’re likely to wake up with aches. 

You Have Mites

All mattresses can harbor mites, regardless of their price. This is a major health hazard for everyone, especially those struggling with allergies. The best way to know if your bed has mites is to assess your symptoms. Do you have runny and watery eyes upon waking up? Are you experiencing allergy symptoms outside of allergy season? If so, it may be time to replace your bed because it might be that mites are causing this. 

Feeling Pain and Discomfort

Another sign that it may be time to replace your mattress is the feeling of pain and discomfort you wake up with. Improper firmness may cause this, but if your bed used to be comfortable at first, it may just be that it’s sagging. If you typically struggle with pain, especially in the lower back, it may be best to consider another firmness level that may suit you better. Medium-firm mattresses are best for pain relief, but again, make sure to consider your preferred sleeping position due to pressure build-up. 

Your Bed Is Old

Mattresses typically last around eight years with proper use, although this very much depends on the type and materials used. Seven to ten years is the maximum lifespan you can get out of most beds, so if your mattress is older, it may be time to get a new one. At this point, you’re likely experiencing aches and discomfort due to sagging. That’s not to mention the mites and other allergens built up over time. 

One thing to remember is that no bed can last forever, but more expensive ones typically have a longer lifespan due to better-quality materials.

Read More: How to Dispose of your Old Mattress?

Return Policy

When buying a mattress in this price range, you should pay special attention to the return policy. Check the trial and how long it lasts because more affordable beds usually don’t have long-lasting trials. However, this shouldn’t be a problem as long as you think you have enough time to test the bed. You should also check the fine print to see how to return the mattress if you don’t like it. Are there any additional fees? What is the return process like? Do you need to save the original packaging? All of these are important things to consider when buying a mattress under 300 dollars.

Shipping Rates

Shipping is usually free within the United States, although most brands will charge shipping to Alaska and Hawaii. Still, this isn’t a rule of thumb and you should always check shipping rates before buying a mattress. Shipping can be quite expensive, so it’s up to you to decide if it’s worth paying for when buying a bed under 300 dollars. White Glove Delivery is rarely free and can add a lot to the final price if you select this option. 

How To Get the Best Mattress Deal

Only Buy Online

If you’re on a budget, the best deals are online. This is because you’re buying directly from the company instead of paying the retail markup. You will be hard-pressed to find a decent quality bed in a mattress store for under 300 dollars, so your best chance of getting something you can sleep on is if you buy it on the internet.

Check Out Our Guide: Best Online Mattresses

Use Coupons

Many online brands offer discount codes you can use at checkout. This way, you can get a decent discount on most mattresses, even the more expensive ones. Coupons can get you a percentage off the price, although some will cut out a certain dollar amount. On the other hand, some brands don’t give discounts with coupons but offer free accessories like bedding or pillows.

Purchase During Mattress Sales

Mattress companies usually have sales during holidays. Sales are excellent for getting more expensive beds for a cheaper price. If you’re patient enough to wait for Labor Day, the Fourth of July, or Memorial Day, among others, you can get yourself a decent discount. However, let’s not forget specific sale days that aren’t tied to any holiday, like Cyber Monday and Black Friday.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I get free shipping?

Free shipping is common, but it’s always better to check if that’s the case with the mattress of your choice. Not all brands offer free shipping, and the fees can sometimes be too much for a bed under 300 dollars. For this reason, it’s best to double-check if the company ships to your country and how long you have to wait for the mattress to arrive.

What type of mattress is best?

The type of mattress you’ll choose depends on your needs and preferences. Think about your preferred sleeping position, body weight, firmness, support, cooling, edge support, motion isolation, and pressure relief. In addition, you should also consider your budget because some types are more affordable than others. Within this price range, your best options are likely memory foam beds and budget hybrid mattresses.

Should I purchase online or in-store?

Online shopping is more convenient, and you can save money by buying directly from the manufacturer. Many brands offer free shipping and trial periods so you can still test out the bed. Although you can see the mattress in person when buying in-store, this is often not enough to decide whether a mattress is right for you.

For More Information: Best Online Mattresses

Which mattress is most affordable?

Innerspring mattresses are typically the most affordable because they don’t require many materials and have a simple manufacturing process. On the other hand, memory foam is also cheaper than latex, and some hybrids can be more affordable than memory foam. In most cases, the price depends on more than one factor, such as size, the number of layers, materials, and preference-based features.