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Finding a mattress under $300 may require more research than finding a model at a higher price-point. However, it’s certainly possible to find an affordable bed that’s both comfortable and supportive. Choosing the right mattress for your needs means taking a close look at your sleep preferences.
Our top picks include mattresses that suit a range of sleeping positions and body types, as well as beds with features that accommodate hot sleepers, couples, and kids. Each of these beds performed well in our tests when compared to mattresses outside this price range.
We’ll cover what to look for when shopping for a bed in this price range, including materials and what time of year you can find the best deals. We’ll also examine the pros and cons of each mattress type so you can determine the best affordable mattress for your personal sleep habits.
The Sleep Doctor's Top Picks
Best Overall
AmazonBasics Cooling Gel-Infused Mattress
Details
Type: Foam
Firmness: Medium (5)
Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King, California King
Price(Queen): $302
Warranty: 10 Year, Limited
Highlights
- Pressure-relieving memory foam cradles sore joints
- All-foam construction effectively isolates motion
- Transitional layer features airflow channels to regulate temperature
Ideal For
- Side and back sleepers
- Shoppers with a Prime membership
- Hot sleepers who prefer foam
The all-foam AmazonBasics Cooling Gel-Infused Mattress has a three-layered design that’s both cushioning and supportive. With a medium (5) feel, the mattress is well rounded and best suited to side and back sleepers. This model provides good spinal alignment for people who weigh up to 230 pounds. It also has an affordable price-point despite its high-end features.
The mattress’ quilted cover, which has a modern look, is soft to the touch. The uppermost comfort layer consists of 2 inches of gel-infused memory foam intended to draw heat away from your body. The memory foam contours closely to your body’s shape to alleviate pressure point discomfort. A 3-inch polyfoam transitional layer features airflow channels, which our testers found increased airflow and regulated temperature.
The durable polyfoam support core anchors the mattress and provides above-average edge support. Our tests showed that the comfort system relieved pressure buildup effectively, and the foam layers allowed for a quiet and motion-free sleep surface. When you switch sleeping positions, the foam prevents motion from transferring across the bed.
Shoppers can purchase this model in 10- or 12-inch profiles and five standard sizes. Amazon offers free shipping for Prime members and on orders over $25. The Cooling Gel-Infused Mattress carries a 10-year limited warranty and a 100-night sleep trial.
With an all-foam construction that relieves pressure points and isolates motion, the AmazonBasics Cooling Gel-Infused Mattress is a good option for side and back sleepers who sleep hot and prefer the cushioning feel of foam.
Most Comfortable
Ashley Chime Signature Design
Details
Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Medium (5)
Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King, California King
Price(Queen): $286
Warranty: 10 Year, Limited
Highlights
- Hybrid design promotes spinal alignment
- Reinforced perimeter enhances edge support
- Foam comfort system offers top-notch pressure relief
Ideal For
- Side and back sleepers
- People who weigh up to 230 pounds
- Shoppers looking for above-average durability
The Ashley Chime Signature Design Mattress has an exceptionally comfortable feel, especially considering its low price-point. The hybrid mattress has a medium (5) firmness level that successfully blends responsive coils and pressure-relieving foam. The back and stomach sleepers on our testing team who weigh up to 230 pounds particularly enjoyed this model’s support level.
High-density polyfoam is quilted directly into the mattress’ polyester cover, and the surface has a plush feel that cushions joints and relieves pressure. The gel-infused memory foam transitional layer further alleviates pressure buildup by hugging your body’s shape and absorbing impact. Our testers found that this feature was particularly helpful for side sleepers who were prone to aches around their hips and shoulders.
The pocketed coil support core offers a slight bounce and strong support. The coils are individually wrapped to reduce motion transfer, which ensures that you can switch sleeping positions without disturbing your bed partner. The coils around the perimeter are higher-gauge than the center coils, which our testers found increased the mattress’ overall edge support. In total, this model measures 10 inches tall.
Hot sleepers in particular will likely appreciate this mattress, as the gel-infused foam and pocketed coil core work in tandem to control temperature. The coils allow air to flow freely throughout the mattress, while the gel infusion is engineered to keep the foam layers cool.
You can purchase the Ashley Chime Signature Design Mattress in five sizes, including California king. Amazon offers free shipping for Prime members. A 5-year limited warranty safeguards against manufacturer defects.
Our testing team found that the Ashley Chime Signature Design Mattress provided great support for side and back sleepers under 230 pounds. It’s also a solid choice for sleepers looking for a hybrid design with good edge support.
Best Cooling
Zinus Cool Touch Hybrid Mattress
Details
Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Medium (5)
Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King
Price(Queen): $
Warranty: 10 Year, Limited
Highlights
- Three firmness levels to choose from
- Cooling features regulate temperature
- Foam comfort system relieves pressure buildup
Ideal For
- Hot sleepers and people in warm climates
- People who weigh over 130 pounds
- Individuals who sleep at the edge of their bed
Finding a cooling mattress under $300 can be difficult, but the Zinus Cool Touch Hybrid Mattress is a great option for hot sleepers. This model boasts multiple cooling-specific features that aren’t typically included in mattresses at this price-point. This model is available in three firmness levels and three profiles. You can choose between medium (5), medium firm (6), and firm (7) options, as well as 8-, 10-, and 12-inch profiles.
The Zinus Cool Touch Hybrid has a proprietary AirCool cover that’s cool to the touch. Underneath, there are three foam that rest on top of a pocketed coil support core. The top layer is made from gel swirl memory foam engineered to adapt to your body’s shape while pulling away excess heat. The bottom two foam layers provide extra cushioning to pressure-prone areas.
Our tests showed that the pocketed coil support core facilitates easy airflow. Each coil is wrapped individually to decrease motion transfer, giving this model above-average motion isolation scores for a hybrid. Couples will also appreciate the bed’s reinforced edges and responsiveness.
Shoppers can purchase this model in three profiles, each with a different firmness level. We found that the 8-inch model, which has a firm (7) feel, was suitable for our testers over 130 pounds. Our back- and stomach-sleeping testers between 130 and 230 pounds preferred the 10-inch model’s medium firm (6) surface. The 12-inch model that features a medium (5) firm feel was well-suited to side sleepers.
Shipping policies for the Zinus Cool Touch Hybrid vary by seller. The manufacturer includes a 10-year warranty with each purchase.
The Zinus Cool Touch Mattress features a cool-to-the-touch cover, a coil support core, and memory foam engineered for a cooler sleep, making it a good option for hot sleepers over 130 pounds.
Best for Couples
Jingxun Gel Memory Foam Mattress
Details
Type: Foam
Firmness: Medium (5)
Sizes: Queen
Price Range: $290 – $290
Warranty: 10 Year, Limited
Highlights
- All-foam construction isolates motion
- Gel memory foam layer provides deep pressure relief
- Virtually silent
Ideal For
- Couples
- People who sleep hot but prefer foam
- Side and back sleepers
The Jingxun Gel Memory Foam Mattress provides excellent pressure relief and motion isolation without retaining too much heat, making this model a practical pick for couples. The all-foam mattress has a medium feel (5) that suits side and back sleepers who like the hugging feel of memory foam. Stomach sleepers under 130 pounds may also enjoy this mattress’ support level.
The mattress has three total layers, starting with a layer of gel-infused memory foam that contours gently to your body to alleviate aches and pains. The polyfoam transitional layer relieves pressure without compressing too deeply, keeping your spine aligned. The high-density polyfoam support core provides a stable base that evenly disperses your body weight.
Our tests showed that this model has excellent motion isolation. Its thick foam layers trap movement where it occurs, preventing disturbances from reaching your bed partner. Additionally, you shouldn’t notice any significant noise when shifting positions on this model, making this mattress a good pick for couples.
With excellent motion isolation and an exceptionally quiet design, the Jingxun Gel Memory Foam Mattress is a good pick for couples who sleep hot but still want to enjoy the feel of a foam bed.
Best for Kids
Linenspa Innerspring
Details
Type: Innerspring
Firmness: Firm (7)
Price(Queen): $129
Warranty: 10 Year, Limited
Highlights
- Low-profile design fits easily in small spaces
- Excellent edge support
- Lightweight build makes it easy to move
Ideal For
- Kids or shoppers looking for bunk bed mattresses
- Lightweight stomach sleepers
- Hot sleepers
The Linenspa Innerspring Mattress has a compact and lightweight design, making it a practical choice for kids. At 6 inches tall, it fits easily within bunk beds, RVs, boats, and other tight spaces. This innerspring model ranks as a 7 out of 10 on the firmness scale, giving it a traditional firm feel that especially suits stomach sleepers.
The Linenspa Innerspring has a simple design that incorporates two layers. The first is a layer of polyfoam quilted into a polyester cover. The material has a cushioning effect that keeps the surface from feeling too firm despite the bed’s strong support system. This is followed by the support core, which consists of Bonnell coils that offer consistent support across the bed’s surface.
The robust support extends around the mattress’ perimeter, allowing kids to sleep at the edge of the bed without sinking. Hot sleepers also enjoyed this model during our testing. Our tests showed that air moves easily through the mattress’ coils, allowing for very good temperature control.
Though this model’s construction isn’t as complex as other designs, our testing team found it to be quite durable, which is unusual for mattresses at this price-point. The manufacturer covers workmanship defects for up to 10 years. Shipping is free for Amazon Prime members.
The Linenspa Innerspring is a worthwhile pick for shoppers on a budget looking for a firm, supportive model for a child. Our tests showed that the low-profile design and excellent edge support make the mattress a good option for stomach sleepers who sleep hot.
Why You Should Trust Us
Our team of sleep product experts has tested hundreds of mattresses, examining how each one feels and performs across a variety of metrics. During the review process, members of our team try out each mattress to determine its comfort and firmness level. Our team members reflect different weight groups and sleeping preferences, which helps us ensure that our rankings represent the greatest possible population.
In addition to our sleep trials, we also put each mattress through a series of tests, measuring how well it relieves pressure, controls temperature, and isolates motion. We also inspect the mattress’ materials to better understand their quality and durability — two important factors to consider when picking an affordable mattress.
How to Choose a Mattress Under $300
The best mattress for you is one that supports you while also addressing any other needs you might have. The right mattress also falls within your budget and fits your sleep space.
Your Sleeping Position and Habits
To pick the best mattress, first consider your body weight and sleeper type. Stomach, back, and side sleepers all tend to prefer different firmness levels, as do people with different body types. It’s important to choose a mattress that can keep your spine evenly supported. If you sleep with a partner, make sure to also consider their needs.
Once you narrow your choices down to models that support your body type and sleeping style, think about other characteristics you might need in a mattress. For example, zoned support or lumbar pads can help address back pain, while cooling technology is designed to combat heat retention.
Firmness Level
Our firmness scale ranges from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest mattress and 10 being the firmest. Most adults prefer a model that falls between 5 and 7, as mattresses within this range offer support and comfort for a wide range of sleepers. However, your weight, sleeper type, and personal preferences all affect which firmness level is best for you.
Side sleepers often feel pressure points beneath their hips and shoulders, so a softer mattress might be a good fit for them. Stomach sleepers require robust support, as their midsections can sink into a mattress that’s too soft. Back sleepers need a blend of cushioning and support, which a mattress with mid-range firmness can provide.
Additional Costs
Your mattress is just one component of your bedroom’s setup. You’ll also need to budget for a mattress foundation, box spring, or frame. These days, many mattresses are compatible with multiple bed base styles, but you should still make sure you know what your chosen mattress requires.
Sheets, pillows, and other bedding essentials also add to your bed’s total cost. Typically, the bigger the mattress, the more expensive the bedding. You may also want to consider a mattress topper if you’re looking to extend your current mattress’ lifespan while saving up for something more expensive.
What Affects the Price of a Mattress?
Several factors affect a mattress’ overall price-point, including the mattress type and its construction.
Mattress Type
There are several types of mattresses. Typically, you should expect to pay more for a mattress with a complex design or high-quality materials.
Mattress Type | Starting Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
Foam | $250 | All-foam mattresses have multiple layers of foam. Foam costs vary widely depending on firmness, density, and cooling infusions. These models have a relatively simple construction, so they tend to be less expensive than other mattress styles with more complex designs. |
Latex | $1,000 | Latex is made from rubber trees and is often sustainably harvested, which increases the overall cost. The material is costly to source and manufacture, so the mattresses constructed with it are generally more expensive. |
Hybrid | $1,000 | Hybrid mattresses have coil support cores with comfort layers on top. These beds often feature multiple layers and come in different materials that vary in price. Because of their complex designs, these types of mattresses tend to cost more than beds with simpler constructions. |
Airbed | $2,000 | Airbeds have adjustable firmness levels, thanks to their use of inflatable air chambers. They tend to have intricate designs and usually incorporate electronic components, which can increase their overall price-point. |
Innerspring | $250 | Innerspring mattresses have a similar construction to hybrid mattresses, and some companies even use the names interchangeably. However, certain models are more affordable than hybrids because they have fewer comfort layers |
Quality of Materials
At their most basic, mattresses include a cover, one or more comfort layers, and a support core. The quality of each of these components can vary widely depending on how they’re made. High-quality mattresses use premium materials that are durable and likely to last. Consequently, these mattresses tend to be more expensive.
While many mattresses under $300 have well-made components, a more expensive mattress may have a longer lifespan, a more intricate design, and additional features.
Mattress Construction
Some mattresses have simple constructions with just a few layers, which can help keep the price-point low. As mattress constructions get more complex, they require more materials and labor, which increases the price. Mattresses can also include other features like edge reinforcement, cooling infusions, or zoned support systems that cost more to include.
Mattress Size
Mattress prices also increase with size. You should expect to pay more for a king size mattress than a twin because a king’s larger dimensions require more materials. Bedding and accessories for larger mattresses also tend to cost more than bedding and accessories for smaller mattress dimensions. Some manufacturers have unusual, irregular, or custom sizes that also cost more to build.
Where You Buy the Mattress
Where you choose to purchase your mattress may have an effect on the overall cost. Some online retailers both manufacture and sell their mattresses, which can decrease markups and retail costs. However, this isn’t always the case, and some shoppers may prefer to try their mattress out in a brick-and-mortar store.
Shipping and Warranties
Shipping policies vary by company, with some offering free White Glove delivery and others passing shipping charges along to customers. Make sure to look into a company’s shipping information to determine if they deliver to your address. Many companies only ship within the contiguous U.S. and upcharge for deliveries to Alaska, Hawaii, or Canada.
Warranties also differ between companies, and not all manufacturers are transparent about the details. In addition to warranty length, you should check to see exactly what the warranty covers and if it’s prorated or limited. A comprehensive warranty could potentially save you money if your mattress contains a defect.
Finding the Best Deal on a Mattress
Finding a comfortable and supportive mattress under $300 can take time and effort. However, shopping strategically can help you get the best deal possible.
Shop Holiday Sales
The mattress industry holds sales regularly, and companies often offer their models at significant discounts. For the best deals, shop on major holidays such as Memorial Day, Labor Day, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or Presidents Day. Companies often offer sales during the week leading up to these holidays as well.
Purchase Online
Mattress manufacturers and third-party retailers both cut down on costs by selling their mattresses online, and many companies pass on the savings to their customers. Selling their products online allows companies to forgo retail space and ship directly to consumers from their warehouses. Additionally, you can often find a wider selection of mattresses online than you can in a store.
Use Coupons and Discounts
Outside of holiday savings, you can also find discounts in the form of coupon codes, free shipping, or bundled items. Some companies also offer free accessories like bedding, pillows, or foundations with the purchase of a mattress, which can save you money.
About The Author
Staff Writer, Product Testing Team
Garen is a health and lifestyle content creator. She realized the importance of sleep when her children made getting a good night’s rest more challenging. Garen is always learning something new about the wide world of sleep and sleep products. Married with two girls, ages 7 and 11, she is a book nerd and a lover of pop music, travel, and the Pacific Northwest.
- Position: Side Sleeper
- Temperature: Neutral Sleeper
- Chronotype: Wolf
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