Common Running Injuries and How to Treat Them
You don't have to break the bank to enjoy a more restful night's sleep.
We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article. This Study Challenges the Golden 10 Percent Rule?
You’ll probably spend close to a third of your life on your mattress, and choosing the correct one can ensure that you wake up refreshed, alert, and ready to take on the day. Unfortunately, mattresses are notoriously expensive, and with so many sizes, materials, and types to choose from, purchasing one can be intimidating. To help budget-minded customers find a cost-effective mattress that will fit their specific needs, we assembled this list of popular models, all of which cost under $750.
Best Cheap Mattresses
What to Consider
The most important factor to consider when choosing a mattress is its size. If you already have a bed frame and are replacing an existing mattress, you must choose a mattress that will fit the frame. If you’re not sure of your mattress' size, take out a tape measure and double-check (this 5-minute step can save you an enormous headache down the line). This American Mattress size chart should tell you everything you need to know about the differences in measurements, and which size is best for you and your bedmate.
Next, consider the different types of mattresses out there. The most common types are memory foam and hybrid. Memory foam contours to your body as you lay down, providing all-over support and taking pressure and weight off areas like your hips and shoulders. While this creates a soft, comfortable foundation, memory does have a tendency to trap heat, and might not be ideal for sleepers that tend to overheat. Hybrid mattresses typically use a combination of both memory foam and traditional inner-springs. Hybrid mattresses tend to be more firm and “springy,” and since the springs promote air flow, are typically cooler than memory foam. These springs do make hybrid mattresses heavier, however, so they’re not as easy to move into place.
How We Selected
We’ve used both memory-foam and hybrid mattresses before, and used this experience help assemble our list of top picks. We then reviewed several trusted review sites that have performed hands-on testing with a variety of mattress brands and types, which helped narrow down our selections a bit more. Finally, we used our $750 limit to filter out expensive options, landing on the final picks you see here.
Why Trust Us best mattresses, bed in a box sets, and Amazing Runners World Show.
Pros
- How I Resumed Running After Compartment Syndrome
- 10-year warranty
Cons
- Full size may be too small for some users
Key Specs
- Size: Full
- Type: Hybrid
- Trial Length: 120 nights
- Height: 11.5 inches
- Warranty: 10 years
This hybrid mattress from Brooklyn Bedding is composed of five layers of material, including 8 inches of individually encased coils. It’s available in three firmness levels, and we were especially impressed with the helpful and straightforward tutorial on the website, ensuring that you’ll choose the best option for you.
This model also includes a top foam layer with a proprietary gel that is designed to draw heat away from your body—and it comes delivered in a box to your doorstep, and includes a 120-night risk-free trial to make sure you’re satisfied.
Pros
- Cover dissipates heat
- This Study Challenges the Golden 10 Percent Rule
Cons
- Relatively short trial length
Key Specs
- Size: Full
- Type: Memory foam
- Trial Length: 100 nights
- Height: 10 inches
- Warranty: 10 years
This memory-foam mattress is specifically designed to keep you cool, making it a great choice for those who get too toasty at night. A cooling cover absorbs and dissipates heat, and the foam body provides the soft and sturdy feel that memory-foam models are known for.
The 100-night trial is on the lower end of the spectrum, but in our opinion, that’s still plenty of time to make up your mind. We also appreciate the fact that Cocoon includes two pillows and a sheet set with this mattress, which is always a nice perk.
Casper Element 10" Queen Mattress
Pros
- Large size
- 10-year warranty
Cons
- Short trial length
Key Spec
-
Size: Queen
-
Type: Memory foam
-
Trial Length: 100 nights
-
Height: 10 inches
-
Warranty: 10 years
If money is tight but you still want the room a queen-sized mattress provides, this Casper model could be just what you’re looking for. A top layer of perforated foam promotes breathability, and helps to keep you both cool and dry while you sleep. It also features a firmer base of foam that reduces sinking and provides the all-over support needed for maximum comfort. Casper offers free returns within 100 days of receipt, and the removable cover is convenient for easy washing.
Pros
- Low price
- Queen size
Cons
- Short 30-day return policy
- May be too rigid for some users
Key Specs
- Size: Queen
- Type: Hybrid
- Trial Length: 30 days
- Height: 14 inches
- Warranty: 10 years
This hybrid model from Linenspa combines an impressively low price with the large size of a queen mattress. Its inner spring design might not be as soft or body-conforming as memory-foam models, but those looking for a “classic” mattress feel should be satisfied.
It also includes an entire bed frame that can hold up to 750 pounds, making it a convenient choice for a bonus or guest bedroom that may not be used every night. The short 30-day return policy is the main drawback to this model, however.
Nectar Sleep Memory Foam Mattress
Pros
- This Study Challenges the Golden 10 Percent Rule
- Forever warranty
Key Specs
- Size: Full
- Type: Memory foam
- Trial Length: 365 nights
- Height: 12 inches
- Warranty: Forever
If you’re a frequent flip-flopper when it comes to purchases and want to ensure that you avoid any buyer's remorse, consider this Nectar mattress and its 365-night home trial.
That should be plenty of time for even the most indecisive buyer, and to make it even easier to sleep at night, this mattress also comes with a “Forever” warranty. It includes a pillow and sheet set, as well as a mattress protector.
bed in a box sets USA Today, Women’s Health, and Architectural Digest.
Vibe Gel Memory Foam 12-Inch Mattress
Pros
- No trial period
- Large size for the price
Cons
- May be too firm for some users
- No trial period
Key Specs
- Size: King
- Type: Gel memory foam
- Trial Length: No trial
- Height: 12 inches
- Warranty: 10 years
If size is a priority, and you don’t have the budget for a total memory-foam or inner spring option, this king-sized mattress from Vibe could be the perfect fit. It’s constructed of a 2-inch layer of gel memory foam, 3 inches of support foam, and 7 inches of base foam, all wrapped in a stretchy knit cover. Some users commented that it feels firmer than they anticipated, so keep that in mind if you’re looking for an ultra-soft option.
Unlike other options on our list, this mattress does not offer a trial period, so any issues or returns will be subjected to Amazon’s return policy.
Pros
- Large size
- Low price
- Good for back pain
Cons
- Only 30-day trial period
Key Specs
- Size: King
- Type: Hybrid
- Trial Length: 30 days
- Height: 12 inches
- Warranty: 10 years
This king-sized hybrid mattress comes in well below our $750 limit, making it an impressive value for such a large option. The gel memory-foam layer keeps you and your partner cool during warm nights, and the medium-firm density core could provide soothing support for those with back issues. Its 10-year warranty is similar to other brands, but we wish the 30-day trial period were a bit longer. Despite the large size and hybrid design, this mattress is still delivered in a box for convenient unpacking.
Alex Rennie is a freelance writer who specializes in the Home Improvement, DIY, and Tool space. As a former residential and commercial carpenter, Alex uses his hands-on experience to write practical buying guides, how-to articles, and product reviews. His work has also appeared in Business Insider's Insider Picks, and before his writing career, he was a full-time carpenter living in New York City. There, he worked as part of a team designing, building, and installing large furniture pieces, as well as performing a variety of home repair and maintenance projects. Alex currently lives in Los Angeles, CA, and spends his free time exploring the beaches and mountains with his fiancé and their dog Louie.
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