Finding the best queen mattress under $500 can be a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. To help you in your search for the best budget queen-sized mattress we want to show you what these mattress have to offer. From the various materials used and the features to look for, we want to do what we can to provide you with a comfortable and supportive sleep experience without breaking the bank.
Types of Mattresses
When searching for a budget-friendly queen mattress, you’ll encounter several different types of mattresses. Each type of mattress has its pros and cons, you will just have to decide which type works best for you.
Innerspring
Traditional innerspring mattresses have a core of metal coils for support. In the below $500 range, you’re most likely going to find Bonnell coil systems, which are durable but may transfer more motion than pocketed coils. Some budget innerspring mattresses incorporate a pillow top or Euro top for added comfort.
Memory Foam
Viscoelastic foam, commonly known as memory foam, contours your body and provides pressure relief. Budget memory foam mattresses often use lower density foams, around 3 lbs/ft³, which may not be as durable as higher-density options but still offer decent comfort.
Polyfoam
This foam is very similar to memory foam but with a quicker response and less contouring, polyfoam is often used in budget mattresses. It comes in multiple densities and offers a harmonious blend of support and comfort.
Hybrid
By combining an innerspring core with foam layers, hybrid mattresses aim to offer the best of both worlds. In the sub-$500 range, you may find hybrids with thinner comfort layers and simpler coil systems.
Materials and Construction
Understanding the materials used in budget mattresses can help you make an informed decision.
- Foam Density: For memory foam and polyfoam, density affects durability and support. In this price range, expect densities between 1.5 to 3 lbs/ft³ for comfort layers.
- Coil Gauge: In your innerspring and hybrid mattresses, coil gauge indicates the thickness of the wire used. When talking about gauges, lower numbers mean thicker, firmer coils. Budget mattresses typically use 13-to-15-gauge coils.
- Coil Count: For queen-size innerspring mattresses, a coil count between 400 and 600 is common in this price range. When you are looking for the best support and durability you want the highest coil count you can afford.
- Cover Materials: You always want to look for breathable fabrics like cotton or polyester blends. Some budget mattresses may incorporate phase-change materials or cooling gels in the cover for temperature regulation.
Firmness and Support
Soft to Medium-Soft (3-5)
Medium to Medium-Firm (5-7)
Firm (7-9)
Personal Considerations
Durability and Lifespan
While sub-$500 queen mattresses may not last as long as their more expensive counterparts, you can still find options that offer decent durability.
When shopping for a budget mattress you want to look for warranties of a minimum of 5 years, as this can reflect the manufacturer’s assurance in the product. Always verify that foam mattresses have CertiPUR-US certification, confirming that the foams adhere to standards for content, emissions, and durability.
Rotate your mattress regularly, between every 3-6 months, to promote even wear and extend its lifespan. To help protect your mattress and keep it from deteriorating too fast, you should use a mattress protector pad to guard against spills, stains, and dust mites.
Temperature Regulation
Budget mattresses may struggle with heat retention, especially all-foam options. If you are a person who sleeps hot temperature regulation in a mattress is crucial. To find temperature regulation in a budget mattress you need to look for some specific things. The best mattresses for temperature regulation come with gel-infused foams or phase-change materials in the cover.
However, if you can’t find one you like in your price range you can consider innerspring or hybrid options, as their open structure allows for better airflow. No matter which style you choose you must use breathable bedding materials like cotton or bamboo sheets to complement your mattress’s cooling features.
Motion Isolation and Edge Support
As a couple sharing a bed, motion isolation is one of those must-have features. The inclusion of edge support enhances the experience, providing you and your partner with additional sleeping space. Memory foam mattresses generally excel at motion isolation, even in the budget range. Innerspring mattresses may transfer more motion but often provide better edge support. For better side support, you should also look for hybrid mattresses with reinforced edges.
Common Misconceptions
All budget mattresses are low quality. While it’s true that sub-$500 mattresses may not have all the features of premium models, many can still provide comfortable and supportive sleep.
Coil count is everything when determining quality. While important, coil count alone doesn’t determine mattress quality. Consider coil gauge and overall construction as well.
Memory foam always sleeps hot as it retains heat. Modern memory foams, even in budget mattresses, often incorporate cooling technologies to mitigate heat retention.
Expert Insights
Don’t be swayed by marketing gimmicks. When looking for the best queen mattress on a budget you want to focus on the core components: support, comfort, and durability. In addition to this, you need to think about the sleeping environment. A budget mattress might perform better in a cooler room or with appropriate bedding.
Take advantage of sleep trials whenever they are available, even for budget mattresses. This allows you to test the mattress in your home. Always be realistic about the mattress’s lifespan. While a sub-$500 queen mattress can provide good sleep, it may need replacement sooner than more expensive options.
Broader Context
The mattress industry has changed for the better with the rise of online mattress stores and bed-in-a-box companies. With these additions finding an affordable mattress without having to sacrifice quality is now achievable. Because there is more competition, established businesses have had to use new materials and ways of making things to help keep costs lower.
With how important getting enough sleep is, it makes sense that to get a good night’s sleep you need to have a decent mattress. Budget-conscious consumers can now find options that address specific sleep needs without compromising on basic comfort and support.
Final Thoughts
While finding the best queen mattress under $500 requires some research and consideration, it’s entirely possible to secure a comfortable and supportive sleep surface within this budget. You can make the best choice that balances cost and performance if you know about the different types of mattresses and how different features affect the quality of your sleep. Keep in mind that personal preference is a big part of mattress satisfaction, so when you’re making your choice, put your wants and sleeping habits first.
