Best Mattress Under $500: Top Picks For Quality & Price

The Allswell Mattress has a hybrid design and an accessible price-point. Layers of memory foam and polyfoam ease pressure points, while steel coils support good spine alignment. The mattress has a firm feel that rates as a 7 on the 10-point firmness scale.

Why We Like It

We found that the firm (7) feel reinforced neutral spine alignment for most back sleepers in any weight range. The sturdy surface should also support stomach sleepers up to 230 pounds. However, while the comfort system evenly contours the hips and shoulders for side sleepers over 130 pounds, those weighing less might not receive enough pressure relief. Our testing team noticed that the sturdier coils along the sides boosted edge support, increasing the usable surface area of the mattress and making it easier to get into and out of bed.

How Does It Feel?

A quilted cover with polyfoam padding adds plushness to the surface. Our testers noticed the 2-inch memory foam layer below conformed to their body without permitting deep sinkage. Graphite and copper infusions in the foam are designed to reduce heat buildup. A .5-inch layer of polyfoam reinforces the upper comfort layers and helps spread body weight evenly across the mattress.The coiled core adds bounce while stabilizing the entire mattress. Since each spring is individually wrapped, motion is less likely to transfer across the bed.

High-quality cooling and support features set Sleepy’s Rest Mattress apart from the typical innerspring model. Designed with back and stomach sleepers in mind, the firm (7) feel minimizes sagging beneath the torso area. By promoting neutral spine alignment, the mattress also helps alleviate sore muscles and stiff joints.

Why We Like It

During our tests, we found that the firm and responsive feel benefited our stomach and back sleepers across all weight ranges. Sturdy foam and steel coils reinforced the midsection, helping to maintain spinal support. The mattress also performs decently for side sleepers over 230 pounds. Side sleepers below this weight range will probably need more cushioning.

Solid edge support gives co-sleepers more space, and the firm surface provides better traction during sex. Our testing also indicated above-average temperature control, making the mattress suitable for individuals and couples who sleep hot.

The Rest Mattress has a 9.5-inch profile and is available in all standard sizes. Eco-minded shoppers will appreciate that the mattress incorporates recycled and biodegradable materials.

How Does It Feel?

The stretchy knit cover includes breathable fibers to help keep the mattress surface cool. Ventilated foam is quilted inside the cover for added plushness, and a layer of responsive foam cushions pressure points while limiting sagging. The support core uses interlocking coils designed to evenly distribute body weight. The added bounce helped keep our testers on top of the mattress, which made it easier for them to adjust positions. High-density foam at the base and perimeter boosts stability and edge support.

With its open-cell technology and gel infusions, Brooklyn Bedding’s Dreamfoam Essential is designed to sleep cooler than the typical all-foam mattress. It comes in a range of height and size options, which allows you to customize the feel and fit of your bed. While all models are reasonably priced, the 6-inch model features the lowest price-point. The 8-inch model is also under $500.

Why We Like It

We found that the Dreamfoam Essential promotes good spine alignment for back sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds. The taller models are more suitable for side sleepers who need thicker comfort layers to cushion the hips and shoulders. The Essential also sleeps cooler than most foam models, making it a good option for hot sleepers. Moderate contouring allows for easier movement, while the foam layers absorb excess motion and reduce disturbances.

In addition to the standard sizes, the Dreamfoam Essential comes in custom options like short queen and short king.

How Does It Feel?

Firmness and materials vary somewhat based on the model’s height. The 6-inch model is a two-layer design with a firm (8) feel. A 2-inch layer of gel memory foam conforms to the body without permitting deep sinkage, and the support core uses 4 inches of high-density polyfoam to prevent sagging. The 8-inch profile has the same basic construction, but the support core uses 6 inches of polyfoam. Both are compatible with most bunk beds.

Made for kids, the Brentwood Home Juniper is an all-foam mattress with a medium firm (6) feel. The two-layer design incorporates BioFoam, an eco-friendly foam derived from plants. The 6-inch profile should fit most bunk beds.

Why We Like It

Our tests showed that the Juniper supports good spine alignment for most sleepers. The memory foam comfort layer cushions pressure points, while the polyfoam core resists sagging as your child grows. Solid edge support also increases the mattress’ durability and makes the mattress easier for kids to get in and out of bed on their own. Brentwood states that the mattress has a 175-pound weight limit. Its plant-based foams and certified organic materials should appeal to eco-conscious parents.

How Does It Feel?

The soft and breathable cotton cover is certified organic by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). Underneath, a memory foam comfort layer cradles sleepers while distributing weight evenly across the mattress. Using gel infusions and proprietary BioFoam, the comfort system is designed to sleep cooler than traditional memory foam. A high-density polyfoam core supports growing bodies by resisting deep compression. BioFoam is also integrated into the core, which is engineered to increase breathability.

GREENGUARD Gold and CertiPUR-US certifications show that the mattress has been rigorously tested for the presence of harmful chemicals, heavy metals, formaldehyde, and phthalates. The mattress is available in twin, twin XL, and full sizes. A polyester-blend perimeter features handles to make flipping and moving the mattress easier.