A good mattress costs $500-2,000+ and lasts 7-10 years—making it one of the most important home purchases you'll make. This guide helps you find the perfect mattress for your sleep style without overpaying.
Top Picks 2025
- Best Overall: Helix Midnight ($1,000-1,400)
- Best Value: Nectar ($800-1,100)
- Best Luxury: Saatva Classic ($1,400-2,400)
- Best Cooling: Purple ($1,200-2,500)
- Best for Back Pain: WinkBed ($1,100-1,900)
Top Mattresses Compared
| Mattress | Price (Queen) | Type | Trial | Warranty | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Helix Midnight | $1,100 | Hybrid | 100 nights | 15 years | |
| Nectar | $900 | Memory Foam | 365 nights | Lifetime | |
| Saatva Classic | $1,700 | Innerspring | 365 nights | Lifetime | |
| Purple | $1,500 | Gel Grid | 100 nights | 10 years | |
| Casper Original | $1,100 | Foam | 100 nights | 10 years | |
| Tempur-Pedic | $2,500+ | Memory Foam | 90 nights | 10 years |
Mattress Types Explained
Memory Foam
- Feel: Conforming, pressure relief, "hug" sensation
- Best for: Side sleepers, pressure relief
- Pros: Excellent support, motion isolation
- Cons: Can sleep hot, slow response time
- Top picks: Nectar, Tempur-Pedic, Casper
Hybrid (Foam + Coils)
- Feel: Balanced, supportive, responsive
- Best for: All sleep positions, couples
- Pros: Breathable, good edge support, versatile
- Cons: Heavier, more expensive
- Top picks: Helix, DreamCloud, WinkBed
Innerspring
- Feel: Bouncy, traditional, supportive
- Best for: Back/stomach sleepers, hot sleepers
- Pros: Breathable, responsive, durable
- Cons: Motion transfer, less contouring
- Top picks: Saatva, Avocado, WinkBed
Best Mattress by Sleep Position
Side Sleepers
Need pressure relief at hips and shoulders. Medium to medium-soft firmness.
Best picks: Helix Midnight, Casper, Nectar
Back Sleepers
Need lumbar support and spinal alignment. Medium to medium-firm firmness.
Best picks: Saatva, WinkBed, DreamCloud
Stomach Sleepers
Need firm support to prevent lower back sag. Firm to medium-firm.
Best picks: Helix Dawn, WinkBed Firm, Saatva HD
Combination Sleepers
Need responsive mattress that adjusts to position changes.
Best picks: Purple, Layla (flippable), Brooklyn Bedding
How to Save on a Mattress
Money-Saving Tips
- Shop holidays: Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Black Friday = 20-40% off
- Use coupons: Most brands always have codes available
- Consider bed-in-a-box: 30-50% less than showroom brands
- Skip the box spring: Platform beds or slats work fine
- Check Amazon: Some brands sell cheaper models there
- Use cashback: Rakuten offers 5-15% on mattress sites
What to Look For
Trial Period
Most online brands offer 100-365 night trials. Look for:
- At least 100 nights to properly test
- Free returns if you don't like it
- No restocking fees
Warranty
- Good: 10+ years coverage
- Great: Lifetime warranty (Nectar, Saatva)
- Watch for: Prorated warranties that lose value
Certifications
- CertiPUR-US: Low emissions, safe foams
- GREENGUARD: Low chemical emissions
- OEKO-TEX: Tested for harmful substances
Common Mattress Mistakes
- Buying based on firmness labels: Very subjective, use trial period
- Ignoring sleep position: Most important factor
- Keeping a bad mattress: Use the trial period!
- Buying in-store only: Online brands often better value
- Ignoring partner needs: Consider motion isolation for couples
- Forgetting about foundation: Proper support extends mattress life
When to Replace Your Mattress
- Visible sagging (1.5+ inches)
- Waking up with aches/stiffness
- Better sleep in hotels or guest beds
- Mattress is 7-10+ years old
- Allergies getting worse (dust mites accumulate)