Your mattress is the single most important part of your bed, which is why it pays to buy one which is going to provide you with the best night sleep possible. But mattresses aren’t exactly cheap, which can be an issue for those on a budget. Luckily, it is possible to buy a good mattress for less than $500.
To assist you in your new mattress purchase, we have researched several mattresses and can now present to you the best mattress under $500. Each one of these mattresses provides the perfect middle ground between the lower and upper end of the market – meaning that you don’t have to sacrifice comfort, durability or the use of your favorite mattress internals.
Best Mattress Under $500
Sweetnight 10-Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress
Our favorite mattress in this price range is Sweetnight’s 10-inch gel infused memory foam mattress which is constructed from 4 layers of high-quality foam. The top layer is 2 inches of gel infused memory foam which is designed to keep you cool, followed by 1 inch of ventilated comfort foam which is designed to promote breathability.
The bottom two layers are constructed from two separate layers of high-density comfort foam which are designed to relieve presses points and keep your body well balanced, as well as increase durability and prevent sagging.
We found this mattress to be perfect for back pain relief as the memory foam is fantastically comfortable whilst still providing plenty of contouring and support whilst sleeping. And best of all, this mattress is designed to be flipped over so that you can choose your preferred level of firmness, whether soft or medium firm.
You’re essentially buying 2 mattresses for the price of one which makes the Sweetnight hard to overlook. If you prefer foam to innersprings, you will struggle to find better for £500.
Lucid 12-Inch Latex Hybrid Mattress
If you prefer the feel of a hybrid mattress, this one may well be the choice for you. The construction is a combination of multiple layers of foam, followed by a 6.5 inch layer of encased (pocketed) premium steel spring coils.
What this provides is a beautifully comfortable and pliable sleeping surface with the support of steel springs underneath which gives that firmness and bounce that many people love.
This mattress is designed to sleep cool and dissipate heat, as ventilation and breathability is at the core of its design. If you struggle with restlessness due to a high body temperature at night, this mattress will provide the relief you’ve been looking for.
A very popular mattress for a reason, this Lucid model is a great alternative to our best pick.
See our full review of this mattress.
Lucid 14-Inch Ventilated Memory Foam Mattress
Our next pick is another all foam construction mattress which is the very definition of plush.
This is achieved by the use of three layers of foam, the top two comprised of two types of memory foam – one charcoal infused, and one gel infused – and the bottom 10 inch layer being made from ultra supportive high density foam, wrapped in a durable Tencel cover.
Perfect for side sleepers, many customers love the motion isolation and control that is provided by this mattress, masking the movements of anyone else in the bed and providing the utmost in support for your body. And it’s designed to breathe too, with the thinner layers of foam allowing airflow through the material, despite the overall thickness.
If you like the sound of sleeping on a cloud like surface, we think that you’ll appreciate this Lucid 14-inch foam mattress.
Ashley Furniture Signature Design 12-Inch Memory Foam Mattress
Ashley Furniture are well known for their range of home furnishings and their bedroom range never disappoint. And this Signature Design Chime Express mattress continues that trend by earning a place on our list.
Multiple layers of memory foam have been combined to produce a mattress that is deliberately firm in nature whilst still providing an exceptional level of comfort. This is definitely a mattress for those who like to feel a little resistance and substance in their sleeping surfaces.
One downside is that this mattress isn’t as breathable as others so it might not be suitable if you need a mattress that incorporates cooling technology because you’re classed as a warm sleeper.
We love it though, and we’re sure you will too if your bed motto is “the firmer the better”.
DynastyMattress Cool Breeze 12-Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress
The final mattress on our list is from DynastyMattress who are well known in the bedding industry. Their Cool Breeze model is entirely constructed from high-quality foam, with a 3 inch comfort layer of gel foam, dual layers of Art Cool Airflow foam and a 5 inch foam base support layer.
What this creates is an all foam mattress that is far cooler than most, negating the downsides usually associated with memory foam to provide the perfect mattress for warm sleepers.
A lot of thought has gone into the design of this mattress as its finely tuned foam layers promote relief from the aches and pains associated with inferior products, with some users suggesting that is has reduced their back pain.
Best described as medium firm, this mattress works well for back sleepers, side sleepers and stomach sleepers and even comes with a removeable and washable cover.
The $500 Mattress Price Range – What Do You Get?
The $500 mattress price range is a fantastic one, with most people being able to find the perfect mattress without having to spend anymore money. This is even more the case if you buy online and forgo the markup that retail shops usually apply to their bedding products. For reference, we’ve based this guide on queen size mattresses and their prices although a king size mattress should be similarly priced. You can take a look out our mattress sizes info guide for other variations such as the twin and California King.
You have the choice of memory foam mattresses, hybrid mattresses and inner spring mattresses as well as a variety of firmness levels. This means that everyone is catered for, whether you’re a back sleeper, side sleeper or you sleep on your stomach.
There are several compromises made, but if you aren’t expecting to keep your mattress for more than 10 years (most come with a 10 year warranty), many of them may not apply to you. We’ll list them below so you can make your own mind up.
If your budget is slightly smaller, take a look at our $200 mattress guide. If your budget is higher and you want something a little more expensive, $1000 mattresses might be more suitable.
The Downsides
Smell
Off-gassing is still a minor issue with some memory foam mattresses within this price range. Thankfully, the chemicals used tend not to be as strong in their odor as the cheaper variants are, so you will find that any smells should dissipate quickly.
Durability
Durability at this price point is good so you should find that mattress covers last the lifetime of the mattress. One thing to be careful of is foam mattresses that begin to sag prematurely due to the use of inferior foam.
We haven’t included any on this list but its something to look out for.
Who Should Buy These Mattresses?
These mattresses are suitable for everyone, whether young or old or whether you’re a small or large framed person. Providing you select the firmness level wisely and you make sure to choose the type of internals that you prefer, there is no reason for anyone to be put off by a $500 mattress.
Which $500 Mattress Is Right for You?
Coil Springs (Innersprings)
Individual pocketed springs or encased springs should be the norm at this price point which are far superior to the cheaper alternative which is a single layer of uniform springs.
Try and aim for a minimum of 400 springs in your new mattress as this number provides a good amount of support. The larger the mattress the more springs are required so bear that in mind.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses contain both springs and several layers of foam. The layer of springs is designed to act as a support layer which supports the majority of your weight whilst you lay in bed.
The layers of foam above provide an additional layer of support as well as the cushioning that makes your mattress comfortable to lay on in addition to making sure that you stay in place while you sleep due to the body contour effect. This top layer of foam is usually memory foam.
Foam
There are three types of foam that are used in foam mattresses, each with their own features.
Memory Foam
Memory foam is both soft yet firm to the touch, making it the perfect material for lying on. At this price point it makes for a fantastic mattress material as the quality is much improved over its cheaper counterparts.
Memory foam also limits motion transfer due to better motion isolation properties.
Polyurethane Foam
Polyfoam is a memory foam substitute but you are unlikely to find it used for the top layer in a $500 mattress. Instead, you are likely to find it used for the bottom base layer in a high-density form which is perfectly suited to a foam mattress base.
Convoluted Foam
This type of foam is typically used in mattress toppers and is the least durable type of foam available. You are unlikely to find a mattress containing this foam for $500 but if you do, we suggest you don’t buy it.
Getting the Firmness Level Right
Firmness is a personal preference. If you suffer from back pain, then we suggest a medium-firm to very-firm mattress as this will provide you with the level of support you require.
If you need a soft or plush mattress to be able to sleep comfortably, look for a thick foam mattress which is marketed as being plush. We have covered both types in this guide so make your choice on that basis.
Our orthopedic mattress guide explains how mattress firmness can affect your body.
Sleeping Positions
We all have a sleeping position we find comfortable, but did you know that the part of your body you lie on affects the quality of sleep you receive?
This is because certain sleeping positions are more supportive than others, but not every position works well for every mattress or body type.
Back Sleepers
People who sleep on their back are the most comfortable on a medium firm to firm mattress. This is because a firmer mattress will support your spine and keep it properly aligned.
The heavier you are, the firmer the mattress should be to support your weight.
Side Sleepers
Side sleepers are best suited to a medium firm mattress that allows you to sink very slightly into it. This provides adequate pressure relief for your hips and shoulders as well as other pressure points and promotes good spinal alignment.
Stomach Sleepers
People who sleep on their front require a firmer mattress, especially if you carry extra weight on your hips. The proper firmness rating will prevent you from sinking into the mattress and throwing your spine out of alignment.
Combo Sleepers
Combination sleepers enjoy changing position throughout the night. If you’re one of them, a mattress of medium firmness will work best for you.
Why A Hybrid Spring Mattress Often Makes the Best Choice
We reference bodyweight and body type as much as possible in our reviews because mattress comfort and sleep quality are significantly affected by a person’s build. Different bodies require different mattress specifications, and different people will often have different personal preferences. Heavier people will almost always experience a bed to be softer than officially rated, while someone who’s smaller and weighs less will think the bed is firmer than officially rated. It is for this reason that we feel hybrid or spring mattresses to be the most suitable mattress type for heavy people. Larger individuals need additional support, without even taking subjective firmness level into account, and hybrid spring mattresses typically provide this more than comparable foam mattresses.
Throughout every article on Yelospa.com we do our best to take in account all body types, so that we can tell you how a mattress will feel for small, average and larger people. It’s simple when you think about it but easily overlooked when shopping for a new mattress. That’s why we’ll always go to the effort to remind you to keep your unique characteristics in mind when considering the purchase of a new bed.
Buying A Mattress on Amazon
Amazon sells just about anything, including mattresses and bedding products. Purchasing a mattress on Amazon will generally net you a decent saving too over buying from a physical retail store.
Important things to note when choosing this route are the return, trial period, and warranty policies. When buying direct from manufacturers, the industry standard is to offer a combination of free shipping, free returns, a 100-night trial period with a full refund and 10 year warranties. Amazon will uphold many of these selling points but don’t have to, which is why it pays to check before you buy. Make sure you read the full description on each product page as this will also differ between products and brands.
Another point for consideration is mattress longevity, or in other words, exactly how long do you expect your new mattress to last. Do you plan on replacing it within 5 years or do you expect it to last for 20? Many mattresses in this price range offer great value for money but aren’t designed to last a lifetime. This includes brands such as Lucid, Linenspa and Zinus.
This doesn’t mean they aren’t worth buying, it simply means that you need to manage your expectations. Many of these cheaper beds are great for use in guest rooms, teenagers’ bedrooms, within college apartments or if you’ve just moved into your first place and you’re in need of an interim solution.
If you do want your bed to last a little longer, simply spend a little more money and take advantage of the full $500 budget. The Sweetnight mattress which won this test is a great example of quality and comes with a comprehensive warranty.
Final Verdict
Buying a good mattress at this price point is much easier as there are far more qualitative products available than there are when spending less money. Each of the mattresses we have reviewed comprise to make the best mattresses under $500, one of which we’re sure is going to be perfect as your next mattress.
