Find The Best Mattress Under $300 Complete Buyer's Guide
Last Updated: July, 2022
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The newest craze when it comes to mattress shopping is ordering a mattress online. Mattresses ordered online come in a box and simply need to be rolled out to set up. They set themselves up for a few hours and they are ready to be slept on.
Another great thing about online mattress shopping is that there are many affordable options for boxed mattresses. If you're not looking to spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on a mattress at a mattress store you can get a perfectly good mattress online for the best price.
According to our 2-stage review process, the best mattress under $300 is the Zinus Memory Foam Green Tea Mattress. For the price, you get a very comfortable, durable and arguably the best memory foam mattress that's made with green tea infused memory foam that helps combat odors, and provides a soft yet supportive sleep experience.
Many of the best mattresses under $300 are made from comfortable memory foam, and some even contain coils like a traditional mattress. Even though they are affordable, these mattresses don’t sacrifice comfort. Overall, online mattress shopping is easy, convenient and allows you to get a really great, comfortable mattress for an affordable price.
There are so many brands out there that make awesome box mattresses under $300. Our guide here details their unique advantages.
Our Picks For Best Mattresses Under $300
Zinus Memory Foam 12-Inch Green Tea Mattress
Like the Zinus 6-inch mattress, the 12-inch Green Tea Mattress has many great advantages. First, it is one of the CertiPur US certified products, and uses biofoam. In addition to this, the 12-inch mattress has a cooling gel feature to keep you cool all night while you sleep.
Zinus Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress
Zinus mattresses are extremely popular box memory foam mattresses known for their great value and fantastic comfort. This cooling gel memory foam mattress is made of high quality and highly durable memory foam that is CertiPur US certified, meaning the foam has been tested and approved as safe and meets standards for content, emissions and durability.
Ssecretland 10-Inch Innerspring Mattress
This mattress under $300 also includes a knitted cover that is extremely breathable and will maximize coolness and comfort during sleep. And if you’re concerned about what your mattress is made of, the Ssecretland mattress is made completely of certified safe and eco-friendly materials.
Ashley Furniture 12- Inch Chime Express
This 12-inch mattress from Ashley Furniture promises a body-contouring design to maximize comfort. It is made up of a thick core covered by two layers of memory comfort foam and a breathable cover, a design that will give you both great comfort and support.
PrimaSleep Premium Cool Multi-Layered Mattress
This affordable foam mattress promises the high quality of higher-priced mattresses, while also being an affordable one. It is designed to relieve pressure on specific body areas, including shoulders and hips, and support the entire body evenly.
Lucid 10 Inch Memory Foam Mattress
The lucid 10 inch mattress is designed to alleviate all the common pressure points and the TENCEL blend mattress cover is soft, breathable and gets rid of moisture. The gel memory foam in this mattress, like the Zinus options, is CertiPUR certified, which is only awarded to the highest quality products.
Olee Sleep 12-Inch Galaxy Hybrid Mattress
This gel infused mattress is great for relieving back pain, especially for stomach sleepers. The foam is soft, yet incredibly supportive, but may get misshapen over time, especially for heavier people.
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Overall Thoughts:
Like the Zinus 6-inch Mattress, the 12-inch Green Tea Mattress has many great advantages. First, it is one of the CertiPur US certified products, and uses biofoam. Moreover, while testing this 12-inch mattress, my partner and I found its cooling mechanism superb and, as it kept us cool all night long. This is thanks to its cooling gel foam.
Another feature we found beneficial during our second stage review is motion isolation. The mattress is super effective at absorbing motion vibrations, which ensured we didn't disturb each other getting in or out of the bed. Also, if you have a partner who frequently tosses and turns in their sleep, this is the right mattress to go for.
Though it’s a medium soft mattress, we found the Zinus 12-inch Mattress to be below average in the edge support department. Since I weigh 230 pounds, sleeping near the mattress edge felt uncomfortable. But my partner, who weighs 140 pounds, didn't experience any discomfort sleeping near the edge. Personally, I wouldn't recommend this mattress to individuals with mobility issues—especially those who are scared of slipping off the bed—since it compresses excessively when pressure is exerted at the edges. They are better off with an option that has more structure.
Some other additions to the 12-inch version include layered memory foam and infused green tea extract. The extracts work to keep the memory foam mattress fresh longer, while the first two layers are designed to maximize both support and comfort, while the remaining layers help with keeping you cool. Generally, you’ll find how exceptional the memory comfort layer is once you start using the mattress.
To do this, the first two layers are dense, supporting layers of memory foam. The next layer is a pressure-relieving layer that provokes ventilation and the top layer is designed to conform to your body and promote coolness.
This Zinus mattress is an excellent option for individuals with allergies. This is thanks to its CertiPurUS certified foams that ensure it is free of VOCs or other harmful chemicals.
With a price range of $169 - $500, depending on the size, you can bet that this mattress is budget-friendly. To make your investment worth the price, it comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty. The company also offers free shipping but to addresses within the Contiguous US.
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Overall Thoughts:
Zinus mattresses are extremely popular box memory foam mattresses known for their great value and fantastic comfort. This cooling gel memory foam mattress is made of high quality and highly durable memory foam that is CertiPur US certified, meaning the foam has been tested and approved as safe and meets standards for content, emissions and durability.
The mattress also promises to stay fresh longer because of its use of a cooling gel memory foam, which gives you all the comfort features of memory foam without retaining heat. As a hot sleeper, I found this mattress to be super helpful in delivering exceptional cooling relief while shielding me against night sweats. The cooling fabric is an added touch to further help keep you cooling during the night.
As a combination sleeper, I found this mattress spectacularly supportive and comfortable. As I slept on my back, the mattress offered me excellent lumbar support while adjusting accordingly to conform to my curves. The mattress also maintained my spine in a neutral position the entire night.
During our second stage review, my partner and I tested the comfort level for side sleeping. In this position, the mattress adapted to our curves, as it provided excellent targeted support to our shoulders, knees, and hips. This ensured our sleep was comfortable and uninterpreted the entire night, enabling us to wake up rejuvenated.
When we tested it out for stomach sleeping, I felt a slight strain on my spine and neck. However, my partner, who weighs 140 pounds, slept just fine. Overall, we recommend this mattress to lightweight stomach sleepers, weighing up to 150 pounds.
Like the Zinus Memory foam green tea mattress, this model also uses CertiPurUS-certified foams free of VOCs. The mattress' fabric is hypoallergenic and is not only safe for your skin but also makes your sleep sanctuary hygienic.
As with many mattresses by Zinus, this one uses green tea, which helps neutralize odors. For the price, this memory foam mattress is a fantastic combination of cooling comfort and value. If something goes wrong with the mattress, it comes with a 10 year warranty, and you also get a 100 night risk free trial. And like the Zinus 12-inch Green Tea Mattress, this model also ships for free to buyers within the continental United States.
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What We Like
What We Don't Like
Ssecretland Mattress Review:
When it comes to versatility on a budget, the Ssecretland mattress takes the cake. The Ssecretland mattress is durable, and lasts longer than other innerspring mattresses in its price range due to its construction. It is adjustable to fit multiple bed frames and has two models, a 10 inch and 14 inch.
We have always heard great things about this bed, which is why we want to do a full Ssecretland mattress review. Ssecretland’s hybrid mattress offers support from durable, individually wrapped coils. This is one of the reasons we considered it an excellent option for us because of its inner coil construction makeup. The mattress’s comfort comes from three layers of memory foam over top of the coils that are designed to create a soft, conforming texture.
This mattress under $300 also includes a knitted cover that is extremely breathable and will maximize coolness and comfort during sleep. As a hot sleeper, I loved the cooling relief this mattress had to offer. And if you’re concerned about what your mattress is made of, the Ssecretland mattress is made completely of certified safe and eco-friendly materials. It’s perfect for the environmentally-conscious shopper.
As one of the best high-quality mattresses, this model comes with an affordable price tag of $269. Even better, it's available on Amazon. Keep in mind that due to rolling, shipping, and compression processes, you shouldn't use the mattress immediately. Leave it open for at least 72 hours.
This mattress also met our expectations when we tested it for motion isolation. I didn't feel any disturbance during the night when my partner tossed and turned in bed.
Since I'm a combination sleeper, I found the mattress excellently adaptive to my movements. On the other hand, my side sleeping partner experienced a perfect balance of comfort and support, which helped relieve pressure from her spine. With a medium firm level, we'd recommend it to stomach sleepers but only those weighing 150 pounds and below.
If you’re on the fence about this bed, one of the main thing you should consider is the 10 year warranty it comes with. Mattresses are only supposed to last around 8 years or so, so having a 10 year warranty on the mattress should give you a confidence boost, especially when buying online.
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What We Like
What We Don't Like
Overall Thoughts:
This 12-inch mattress from Ashley Furniture promises a body-contouring design to maximize comfort. It is made up of a thick core covered by two layers of memory comfort foam and a breathable cover, a design that will give you both great comfort and support. The two foam layers not only provide comfort, but they also help minimize motion transfer so if you sleep with a partner, you won’t disturb them when you move around.
Motion isolation is one of the aspects this mattress excelled in when we tested it out. We both got in and out of the bed and even made a few tosses and turns, and the mattress did a great job of minimizing motion transfer from one end of the bed to the other. Overall, we can strongly recommend this mattress to couples seeking to replace an old one with a new model.
I really enjoyed the contouring capabilities this mattress showcased when I slept on my back. What's more, it offered excellent targeted support around my lumbar region, which helped maintain my spine in a neutral position.
During our second stage review, we also tested the mattress for side sleeping. With a weight of 140 pounds, my partner found it exceptionally comfortable. This was because the mattress contoured closely to her curves. At 240 pounds, I also found the Ashley Furniture 12-inch Chime Express equally comforting. Plus, we noticed that the close body contouring helped to keep the spine in line with the neck, hips, and shoulders, ensuring overall comfort. Stomach sleepers also stand to benefit from this mattress, but we wouldn't recommend it to those weighing more than 180 pounds, as they risk spinal misalignment.
Also, the foam mattress is completely hypoallergenic, so it’s great for those who are sensitive to certain materials. Use it with or without a box spring on a variety of frames, including wood, metal and platform frames.
While this mattress is great if you’re looking for a thick core mattress that’s great for allergies, it’s also worth noting that this mattress has a relatively short warranty. The warranty is only 1 year, And doesn’t cover everything we generally expect to see from a manufacturer.
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Overall Thoughts:
This affordable foam mattress promises the high quality of higher-priced mattresses, while also being an affordable one. It is designed to relieve pressure on specific body areas, including shoulders and hips, and support the entire body evenly.
A 1-inch layer of soft memory foam covers a 3.5-inch convoluted layer designed to disperse body weight and increase ventilation, keeping you comfortable and cool all night. The entire mattress is covered by an incredibly soft cover so you’ll be able to sleep comfortably through the night.
While testing the best mattresses under $300, we were looking for an affordable mattress that offers world-class comfort with an ideal firmness that strikes a perfect balance of comfort and support. Luckily, we came across the PrimaSleep Premium Cool Multi-Layered Mattress. Thanks to its medium firmness level, the mattress conformed perfectly to our body curves. That's why we would gladly recommend it to individuals who need a pressure-relieving choice.
When we tested the mattress for side sleeping, it gave us proper support around the shoulders, knees, back, and hips. As an occasional back sleeper, I felt an ease of pressure around my spine and lower back, enabling me to sleep soundly throughout the night. As for stomach sleeping, the mattress offered me and my partner excellent support. However, personally, I wouldn't recommend it to a stomach sleeper weighing more than 250 pounds.
The great features of this mattress just go to show how great of a memory foam mattress you’re getting for a great price. Speaking of which, this mattress costs as little as $172 on Amazon. Even better, the bed is available on various popular platforms for an even much better price deal.
Like most memory foam mattresses, the PrimaSleep Premium Cool Multi-Layered Mattress also considers sleepers' safety. Its construction consists of CertiPurUS-certified foams, ensuring the mattress is free of heavy metals and harmful VOCs.
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Overall Thoughts:
With a combination of gel and memory foam in the top layer, this gel memory foam mattress hits the mark when it comes to ventilation, body-conforming ability and comfort. Part of LUCID’s goal is to make mattresses out of high-quality materials, so this mattress is constructed out of the best materials to maximize durability.
In the cooling department, this Mattress exceeded our expectations. Not only did it ensure we remained cool the entire night, but it also shielded us against night sweats. When we tested this mattress for motion isolation, it performed as expected. Its layers excellently absorbed motion vibrations when I got in and out of bed, ensuring my partner remained undisturbed. So we'd recommend this mattress to couples plagued with disturbances generated from the tossing and turning of their better half.
It's worth mentioning that we found the edge support to be a bit weaker than expected. However, it could still hold my partner, who weighs 140 pounds, so we'd recommend it to light sleepers weighing 130 pounds and below. Also, when we sat at the mattress edge, it compressed down excessively; therefore, we would recommend individuals with mobility issues to seek an alternative with solid edge support.
The lucid 10 inch mattress is designed to alleviate all the common pressure points and the TENCEL blend mattress cover is soft, breathable and gets rid of moisture. The gel memory foam in this mattress, like the Zinus options, is CertiPUR certified, which is only awarded to the highest quality products.
The lucid 10 Inch gel mattress is great if you’re looking for a full memory foam option with soft support.
This mattress comes with an incredible price tag of $195, making it an ideal pick for individuals seeking a budget-friendly bed. To make your investment worth the price, the mattress has a 100-night sleep trial, 10-year warranty, and free shipping policy to buyers within the Contiguous US.
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Overall Thoughts:
This 5-layer memory foam mattress combines both traditional memory foam and gel memory foam for comfort and cooling abilities. Beneath the top layers of foam, individually-cased coils provide structure and contribute to conforming with your body’s shape. The mattress is constructed with the highest quality materials and is CertiPUR US certified, which is only awarded to top-level products.
In addition, the mattress is compatible with a variety of frames, including wood, steel, and box springs. In fact, in our second stage review, we experienced incredible comfort sleeping with this mattress directly on the floor.
This gel infused mattress is great for relieving back pain, especially for stomach sleepers. The foam is soft, yet incredibly supportive, and based on our assessment, it may get misshapen over time, and therefore, we don't recommend it to heavier sleepers weighing more than 250 pounds.
I often switch from back to side sleeping, and I found this Olee Galaxy Mattress exceptionally responsive and supportive in both positions. This is because it adapted well to my movements, allowing for a seamless transition between these two sleeping positions.
In the motion isolation department, this mattress exceeded our expectations. Although we toss and turn a lot in our sleep, none of us disturbed the other, even when getting in and out of the bed.
My partner and I appreciated the contouring properties of this mattress since the memory foam construction conformed closely to our body curves, granting us the expected comfort. We also experienced incredible targeted support, as promised by the manufacturer, thanks to the encased coils. Though it offered us the necessary targeted support in our preferred sleeping positions, we wouldn't recommend it to individuals weighing more than 250 pounds or a stomach sleeper weighing more than 150 pounds.
With a price tag that goes as low as $165 for a high-quality mattress like this, you can bet you'll be getting value for your investment. The mattress also comes with a trial period and warranty, which vary from vendor to vendor. For instance, Mattress Insight offers a 10-year warranty and you'll get a 120-night sleep trial when you purchase your mattress via Amazon.
Choosing a Decent Mattress Under $300
There are several factors to consider when selecting the best memory foam mattress under 300 dollars. They include sleeping positions, temperature, preference for a firm mattress or soft mattress and many others. Just because it’s less costly, doesn’t mean you should compromise on comfort. Inquire about the following factors when shopping to ensure you get your ideal mattress.
Temperature
Luckily, you don’t have to break the bank to afford a temperature-suitable mattress for yourself. There are several good options including the ones discussed in this article. However, what you’ll need to do is know the type of sleeper you are so you can find the right mattress to keep you comfy all night. There are different types of sleepers; hot sleepers and cold sleepers. Being a hot sleeper means that you experience lots of night sweats mostly during summer time. This is usually very uncomfortable and can be heightened by using beddings that don't have good air circulation within them. As a hot sleeper, you’ll need a mattress that allows airflow and doesn’t retain too much heat. This means that even during extreme temperatures like over the summer, your bed will remain cool throughout your sleep.
A good mattress would be an innerspring that enhances air circulation through its coils. The same goes for a hybrid mattress. Another would be a latex foam mattress which is a superstar at retaining less heat than other mattresses. Unfortunately, latex mattresses could be a bit expensive, hence, not ideal for budget buyers. The next best thing would be a memory foam mattress, which is made from polyurethane - but denser than polyurethane foam (poly foam) - helps with pressure and pain relief. Most foam mattresses are the worst for hot sleepers since they retain so much heat and have very minimal airflow capabilities. This leaves hot sleepers with the option of buying a gel infused memory foam mattress. These gel microbeads added to the memory foam keeps the mattress cool, regulating body temperature through the night and enhancing breathability.
If you’re a cold sleeper, your best mattress choice would be an all-foam mattress to retain heat and keep you warm at night. Ultimately, your choice of mattress will also be influenced by your sleep position.
Sleeping position
Sleeping position is also a considerable factor in your mattress shopping quest. Question is, are you a back, side, stomach or a combination sleeper? For example, the Olee Inch 13 sleep mattress is suitable for stomach sleepers. A much firmer mattress is suitable for stomach sleepers. That's because it optimizes your spinal alignment keeping your body as neutral as possible.
According to some sleep researches, if you're a side sleeper, chances are, you prefer a mattress which provides pressure points to your body while also contouring your entire body shape. Features offering such sleep comfort are essential for reducing back and shoulder pain.
A good mattress for back sleepers ensures equal distribution of body on the mattress. Unfortunately most mattresses for combination sleepers are high-end and quite expensive. But if you're willing to sacrifice a few more dollars for World-class sleep quality, viable alternatives include; helix moonlight luxe, Casper wave Hybrid, and Purple hybrid.
Support
A mattress with poor support will be your back’s worst enemy, resulting in crippling back pain over some time. A good option mattress will conform to your body shape, while also keeping your spine in alignment. Make sure you go for a mattress that has the level of support you want, especially if you're going for a foam one.
When shopping for a good support mattress, firmness should be first on your list. The firmness level of you mattress determines how much contour you get, as well as how much support. If you're going to do any real-world tests on a mattress before buying, do it to decide the firmness level.
Motion Transfer
Motion transfer properties are often overlooked when purchasing a mattress. Yet it really should be a key consideration, especially if you share your bed with a partner. A mattress which doesn’t have a motion transfer minimizing feature will result in you getting broken sleep. Who likes to be woken up every time your partner moves or gets up?
Comfort
This is usually the most important factor that people consider when purchasing a mattress. The key here is lying on a mattress and getting a feel of it before you purchase it. A mattress that is too soft will likely have poor support. On the other hand, a mattress that is too hard will lead to more pressure on your body, possibly leading to reducing blood circulation or even nerve cinching. Getting the right firmness level is key.
A mattress with medium firm support will usually suit the majority while offering reasonable comfort. A hybrid memory foam mattress, just like a gel infused one, is a good choice for those who aren’t a fan of a high-density foam mattress but still want the support that memory foam offers. These hybrid gel memory foam mattress options may be made completely of a hybrid memory foam material, or have different layers throughout the mattress.
Each mattress comes with its own pros and cons in terms of comfort, support, and durability. The "perfect" mattress is the eyes of the beholder. Make sure you do your research before deciding on a mattress, and decide whether you prefer a softer or firmer mattress ahead of time. Even the best mattresses (objectively speaking) can be bad if it's not the right mattress for you.
Edge Support
Edge support is particularly important if you prefer to sleep near the edge of the bed, and if you have a queen size foam bed or larger. A memory foam encasement within the boundaries of the mattress will offer optimal comfort as opposed to steel rods sometimes found in cheaper mattresses under 300.
When Should You Get A New Mattress?
Getting a good night's sleep is essential to maintaining a good quality of life and avoiding daytime tiredness and fatigue. Having a good bed is one of those things that can make or break you. There are some medical conditions which can result in poor sleep. But having a poor mattress can also lead to a night of tossing and turning, resulting in less than ideal sleep.
Lifespan of your bed
Research has indicated that the lifespan of a mattress is roughly 8 years, sometimes shorter if it's made of cheaper memory foam. So if your mattress is older than this, this is one of the first signs that it is probably time to replace it. Cheaper mattresses can have a shorter life span as they wear and tear faster. More expensive mattresses can have a longer lifespan. Ultimately, no mattress is designed to last forever.
Is you bed sagging?
Another big sign that it's time to buy a mattress is if it is starting to sag and is indented with the shape of your body, no matter the firmness of the mattress. Sagging occurs in all mattresses as the springs break down over time, but foam can be more susceptible. Memory foam mattresses also sag over time, and this leads to a "hammock" effect. A sagging mattress will result in aches and an uncomfortable night's sleep.
Discomfort
You might think your mattress is comfortable because of its firmness, but if your mattress is old, there's probably more going on there. Unfortunately, many people just get used to the feeling of discomfort that they don't actually realize that their mattress is uncomfortable, especially for stomach sleepers. It may be a sign that you need to replace your mattress if you get a better night sleep while in a hotel or staying with a friend.
Aches and Pains
Another sign you might need to replace your bed is if you are constantly waking up with aches and pains, especially back pain that goes away as you stretch out and go about your day.
Research has shown that a medium firm mattress is best for combating chronic pain in the lower back. The best option mattress will offer you a pain-free sleep whether you're a back, side or one of the less common stomach sleepers. If you like a softer foam bed, you can add a foam layer on top, which gives the top layer a soft feel, while keeping the firmer support of the lower layers.
Dust Mites
Mattresses can become a prime ground for dust mites which build up over time, especially foam ones. This will affect those with allergies most. If you're experiencing symptoms out of allergy season with no other explanation, you may need to replace your mattress to combat the problem, and potentially avoid foam unless its a latex foam.
Weight Changes
Significant weight loss or gain can also change how effective your mattress is for you. Your mattress might also become less adequate if you've gone from sleeping alone to sleeping with a partner as it may not be able to cope with the added extra weight. As a quick solution, try out a dense foam mattress topper. If that doesn't work, it may be time to start looking for a new mattress altogether.
Is It Best to Buy A New Mattress Online?
Buying a mattress on the internet isn't what it used to be. Sure, there are benefits to going into a store to test a mattresses firmness, but this severely limits you when it comes to variety. Buying in store all but ensures you don't get the best price mattress options available. By buying online, you save money that would otherwise go to supporting the overhead costs of the store.
With that being said, if you're a very picky sleeper, you should absolutely do your research online, then try to find a store that has a decent mattress that you think would suit you, so you can go test it for firmness and overall comfort. If you're seeking a budget mattress, take note of the price point online, in store and from 3rd party retailers. Ask about promotions and discounts on top of that to make sure you get the best deals, especially on a queen mattress or larger. You may just get yourself a mattress under 300!
The other benefit of shopping for a mattress under 300 online is access to mattress reviews. Reviews are quite essential during the research phase because you get to know if the brand you're considering is worth its own hype. Every brand will advertise it's products as the best in town but reviews will give you honest feedback from current or previous users of the mattress. This will help you make the right decision; saving you time and money. Most online mattress companies will publish reviews on their sites but don't stop there. Dig through other platforms such as forums like Reddit and Quora, and from mattress review sites like this one.
Conclusion
Having a quality mattress is key to getting a night of good sleep which is essential for an optimal quality of life. There are plenty of good mattresses on the market for under $300 of all types, but especially if you want foam.
There are so many types of mattresses these
Courtney is the reason The Sleep Shop exists. She’s a Seattle native with a passion for healthy sleep. She graduated from Seattle Pacific University with a major in marketing. She started The Sleep Shop to help friends and family choose a good mattress, and helped grow the site to what it is today. She does most of the product testing and reviews.
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