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Best Mattresses Under $2,000
Sleep Foundation
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The Sleep Foundation product testing team uses an industry-leading evaluation process paired with real world consumer feedback to come up with objective recommendations so that you can feel confident in your product decisions.
A mattress is a big purchase, but there are plenty of high-quality models on the market for under $2,000. While they may not have as many luxury features as the most expensive beds, you’ll have no shortage of options.
Choosing the right mattress is critical to your comfort and sleep quality. Regardless of how much you’re prepared to spend, you must also assess your preferences, needs, and priorities to find the ideal model for you.
Whether you are looking to save money or want to leave room in your budget for a new frame or fresh bedding, most shoppers want to get the best deal on a mattress. To help in your search, we’ll examine some of the best mattresses under $2,000. In addition to mattress properties, we’ll discuss company policies, performance ratings, what to look for in a mattress, other expenses to consider, and tips on how to save money on your purchase.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall – Helix Midnight Luxe
- Most Comfortable – DreamCloud Premier
- Best for Back Pain – Luxury Firm WinkBed
- Best for Side Sleepers – Nolah Evolution 15
- Best for Couples – Leesa Sapira Hybrid
- Best for Combination Sleepers – Nectar Premier Copper
- Best Temperature Regulation – Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
- Best for Spinal Alignment – Bear Elite Hybrid
- Best Pressure Relief – Layla Hybrid
- Best Organic – Birch Mattress
The Best Mattress Deals of the Week
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Save $450
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Nectar Mattress
$649 (List Price $1,099) -
Save $275
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Helix Midnight
$1,099 (List Price $1,374) -
Save $333
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Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
$999 (List Price $1,332) -
Save $665
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DreamCloud Mattress
$665 (List Price $1,330) -
Save $300
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WinkBed
$1,499 (List Price $1,799)
In-Depth Reviews
The Helix Midnight Luxe hits a sweet spot between cushioning and support by combining adaptive foam with responsive coils. The quilted surface is invitingly plush and a good match for many types of sleepers.
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Pros
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Plush Euro-top surface is cushioned with adaptive foam layers
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Zoned coils reinforce the midsection and reduce perimeter sinkage
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Cover is composed of breathable, moisture-wicking Tencel fabric
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Cons
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Back and stomach sleepers over 230 pounds may prefer a firmer bed
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Foam inhibits some movement on the surface
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Mattress Type
Hybrid
Firmness Options
Medium Firm (6)
Price Range
$1,099 – $2,299
Trial Period
100 nights (30-night requirement)
Product Details
Each of the six mattresses in Helix’s Luxe hybrid line is designed for certain types of people based on their body type and sleep position. The medium firm (6) Midnight Luxe is intended for side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds, though our hands-on tests show the mattress is versatile enough to accommodate sleepers outside this target demographic. Adaptive foam layers paired with robust, zoned coils gives the Midnight Luxe an exceptionally balanced feel, making it ideal for anyone who needs a combination of even body-contouring and sturdy base support.
The mattress begins with a Euro-top surface. Two memory foam layers provide an invitingly plush feel when you get into bed, but transitional polyfoam pushes back against your weight to prevent excessive sinkage as your body settles. Pocketed coils and dense base foam make up the support core. Thick coils rest beneath your torso and hips to ensure extra reinforcement for areas where people generally carry extra weight, while thinner coils cradle the head and legs. The coils also feel stronger along the perimeter, so people shouldn’t experience too much sinkage when lying near the edges or getting in and out of bed.
During our lab tests, the Midnight Luxe earned its most favorable ratings from side sleepers up to 230 pounds, back sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds, and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds. The mattress also excelled when we tested for temperature control. We’ve attributed this to a few factors, including steady airflow through the coil system and a cover made of moisture-wicking Tencel fabric. Additionally, motion isolation tests show the Midnight Luxe absorbs movement well and shouldn’t lead to late-night sleep disruptions when you or your partner change positions.
The Luxe line is Helix’s mid-range mattress line in terms of price, and most sizes of the Midnight Luxe fall below $2,000. Customers in the contiguous U.S. qualify for free ground shipping. A 100-night trial period lets you test out the mattress and decide whether to return it or keep it. Should you opt for the latter, you’ll also receive a 15-year warranty against structural and material defects.
The DreamCloud Premier is padded with soft foam that gives the surface a luxuriously plush feel, while the sturdy coil layer delivers ample support. A cashmere blend cover adds an extra luxe touch.
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Pros
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Pillow-top hybrid excels at cushioning and contouring while maintaining strong support
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Breathable components circulate air and help the mattress stay cool
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365-night sleep trial and lifetime warranty
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Cons
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Minor off-gassing may occur at first
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Might feel too soft for stomach sleepers over 230 pounds
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Mattress Type
Hybrid
Firmness Options
Medium Firm (6)
Price Range
$699 – $1,798
Trial Period
365 nights (30-night requirement)
Product Details
The DreamCloud Premier is a luxury pillow-top hybrid measuring 15 inches thick, giving it a very high profile compared to other mattresses sold today. A layer of soft memory foam pads the surface to create a cloud-like feel when you get in and out of bed, while additional memory foam and polyfoam layers cradle and conform to the body. These qualities make the mattress a comfortable choice for side sleepers, who often need extra cushioning for the shoulders and hips. However, a medium firm (6) feel and robust support system allow back and stomach sleepers who weigh up to 230 pounds to lie comfortably without sinking too much.
The Premier’s pocketed coils measure 8.5 inches thick, and a layer of high-density base foam provides added reinforcement. The mattress feels particularly stable around the perimeter, so most people shouldn’t sink too much when they sleep near the edges or get in and out of bed. The coils also promote steady air circulation throughout the interior to help the mattress stay cool. A cover made from a breathable cashmere blend encases the Premier, so the surface should sleep at a comfortable temperature.
Compared to other pillow-top hybrids, the Premier’s sticker price is very approachable, and most sizes fall below the $2,000 threshold. DreamCloud also offers free ground shipping anywhere in the contiguous U.S. The company’s 365-night sleep trial is among the longest in the online mattress industry, and those who keep their Premier will also be entitled to a lifetime warranty against structural defects.
Best Mattress for Back Pain
Luxury Firm WinkBed
Get $300 off all mattresses at Winkbeds
$1,499 at WinkBeds
The Luxury Firm WinkBed pairs adaptive foam with coils that have been zoned for extra support in key areas of the body. The result is a mattress that promotes healthy sleep posture and keeps back pain to a minimum.
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Pros
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Gel-infused foam Euro-top crafted for cooling and cushioning
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Dense SupportCell polyfoam layer prevents uncomfortable sinkage
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Reinforced perimeter enhances edge support
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Cons
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Stomach sleepers over 230 pounds may feel inadequately supported
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Coils produce some motion transfer
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Mattress Type
Innerspring
Firmness Options
Medium Firm (6)
Price Range
$1,149 – $2,049
Trial Period
120 nights (30 night requirement)
Product Details
The Luxury Firm WinkBed is an excellent choice for those with back pain looking for the right balance of contouring and support. Combined, the contouring of the foam comfort system and the targeted support of the coil core help promote healthy spinal alignment.
A Euro-top quilted with gel-infused polyfoam cushions the body and relieves pressure. Next is a layer of dense SupportCell polyfoam, a proprietary foam designed to limit sinkage and evenly distribute weight. The support core consists of individually wrapped pocketed coils with multiple zones to provide targeted support to the shoulders, midsection, and lower back. Thicker coils line the perimeter to strengthen the edges and prevent sagging. A breathable Tencel cover encases the mattress.
Back and stomach sleepers who weigh up to 230 pounds appreciate the balance of pressure relief and full-body support from the Luxury Firm. The adaptive foam layers contour pressure-prone areas, while the zoned coils provide pushback to prevent uncomfortable sinkage.
Like many other hybrids, this mattress regulates temperature very well. This is mostly due to airflow through the coil support core, as well as the breathable cover and cooling infusions. Couples who prefer a more responsive surface for sex may also like the mattress. They should be able to use the entire surface without feeling like they will fall off the edge.
The Luxury Firm WinkBed comes with a 120-night trial and a lifetime limited warranty. Ground shipping is free to the contiguous U.S.
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
Nolah Evolution 15
35% off mattresses + 2 free pillows at Nolah
$1,624 at Nolah Sleep
The Nolah Evolution 15 offers exceptional contouring compared to other hybrids we’ve tested, thanks to the thick foam cushioning. It’s an ideal design for anyone who needs pressure relief for the shoulders, hips, or spine.
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Pros
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Deep foam layers create an adaptive feel without too much sinkage
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Zoned coils provide extra reinforcement to the midsection
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Three firmness options to suit different types of sleepers
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Cons
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Thick profile may necessitate deep pocket sheets
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Customer must pay $99 fee for mattress returns
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Mattress Type
Hybrid
Firmness Options
Medium (5), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)
Price Range
$1,004 – $2,143
Trial Period
120 nights (30-night requirement)
Product Details
Hybrid mattresses are quite popular among today’s sleepers, but few can match the deep contouring and pressure-relieving qualities of all-foam models. The Nolah Evolution 15 is a notable exception. This mattress features a Euro-top cushioned with adaptive polyfoam, followed by three additional foam layers that become denser and more supportive from top to bottom. This ensures deep, even contouring without excessive sinkage as your body settles into the surface.
Three firmness levels are available. The side and back sleepers on our team who weigh up to 230 pounds awarded stellar ratings to the medium (5) feel due to its plush cushioning. The firm (8) feel is most supportive, earning high marks from our back and stomach sleepers over 230 pounds. Lastly, the medium firm (6) feel is essentially a balance of the other two. Even conforming and sturdy support makes this firmness level best suited to people who weigh 130 to 230 pounds regardless of their sleep position.
All versions of the Evolution 15 feature pocketed coil systems that are zoned for extra reinforcement around the midsection. This prevents people from sinking too much even if they carry extra weight in the chest, stomach, or hips. The coils promote steady airflow to keep the interior cool and the foam layers don’t retain much heat, so the mattress is also a great option for hot sleepers.
Nolah offers generous discounts to keep the Evolution 15 under $2,000 in most sizes. The company also provides free ground delivery anywhere in the contiguous U.S. A 120-night sleep trial is included with each purchase, but you can opt out of the trial period and cut your up-front costs by as much as $150. The mattress is also backed by a lifetime warranty against structural defects, and you can purchase an accident protection plan that covers stains and other types of physical damage.
Best Mattress for Couples
Leesa Sapira Hybrid
20% off mattresses + free pillows at Leesa
$1,599 at Leesa
The Leesa Sapira Hybrid offers gentle cradling and ample support for sleepers who want the best of both worlds. The middle-of-the-road firmness is well suited to co-sleepers looking for a happy compromise between different sleep preferences.
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Pros
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Ventilated top layer helps the surface maintain a comfortable temperature
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Above-average motion isolation and pressure relief for a hybrid
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Reinforced perimeter coils protect the edges from excessive sinkage
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Cons
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Hot sleepers may notice moderate heat buildup
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Foam might produce initial off-gassing odors
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Mattress Type
Hybrid
Firmness Options
Medium Firm (6)
Price Range
$1,349 – $2,299
Trial Period
100 nights (30 night requirement)
Product Details
Leesa’s Sapira Hybrid delivers a lot of benefits for couples and co-sleepers, and its sticker price is on the low end for a luxury hybrid model. Three foam layers over pocketed coils ensure a balanced medium firm (6) feel with light cushioning, sturdy support, and a welcoming bounce to help you move across the surface when getting into bed.
Temperature control proved to be one of the Sapira Hybrid’s major strengths during our hands-on tests. Many mattresses with foam layers absorb and trap heat, but this model’s topmost layer is aerated with small holes to promote airflow directly beneath the surface. We also found the foam layers isolate motion exceptionally well, so you shouldn’t experience sleep disruptions when your sleep partner changes positions or vice versa.
The perimeter coils are reinforced. This helps stabilize the mattress when you lie or sit along the edges, and also allows you and your partner to utilize the entire mattress for sleep or sex. Steady air circulation throughout the coils adds to the thermoregulating design, as does the breathable cover made from knit polyester. Our hands-on tests show the mattress is best suited to side sleepers weighing 130 pounds or more, and back and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds.
Leesa offers free ground delivery to customers in all 50 states. Each order includes two complimentary pillows, along with a sleep trial spanning 100 nights in length. You may return the mattress for a full refund during the trial period and Leesa handles the associated shipping charges. If you choose to keep your Leesa Hybrid, your purchase is backed by a manufacturer’s warranty covering workmanship defects for up to 10 years.
Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers
Nectar Premier Copper
Up to 40% off mattresses at Nectar
$1,249 at Nectar
The Nectar Premier Copper offers excellent pressure relief with its top foam layers, but it also has denser foam layers that ensures you won’t sink as deep as you might in other all-foam beds. The balanced performance is a good fit for different sleep positions.
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Pros
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PCM-infused memory foam contours closely without trapping excess heat
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Excellent pressure relief and motion isolation
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Each order includes a year-long sleep trial
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Cons
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All-foam design is prone to heat retention
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Foam surface inhibits movement somewhat
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Mattress Type
Foam
Firmness Options
Medium Firm (6)
Price Range
$999 – $2,198
Trial Period
365 nights
Product Details
If you frequently wake up with stiffness or soreness in the shoulders and lower back, you may need a mattress that provides ample cushioning for these sensitive areas of the body. The luxurious Nectar Premier Copper is an all-foam mattress with a sticker price that falls below $2,000 in most sizes. One notable feature of the mattress is a 4-inch memory foam comfort layer that contours very closely to the body. People with back pain should get the relief they need to sleep comfortably, but the Premier Copper’s dense support layers prevent excessive sinkage.
Memory foam has a tendency to absorb and trap heat. The Premier Copper’s top layer is infused with phase change material engineered to dissipate heat on contact, allowing you to enjoy the pressure-relieving benefits of memory foam without too much warmth. Copper fibers woven into the cover are also intended to keep the mattress cool.
Motion isolation is another performance area where the Premier Copper excelled during our product tests. The foam layers practically eliminate transfer across the surface, confining motion to one side of the bed. This means you and your partner shouldn’t experience sleep disturbances when the other person changes positions, tosses and turns, or gets up in the middle of the night.
In addition to its accessible pricing, the Premier Copper qualifies for free shipping anywhere in the contiguous U.S. Your order will include a sleep trial that spans 365 nights in length – one of the longest trial periods in the online mattress industry – and those who keep their Premier Copper also receive a lifetime warranty against structural defects.
Best Mattress for Temperature Regulation
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
Save 25% sitewide at Brooklyn Bedding
$1,698 at Brooklyn Bedding
A downside of many foam hybrids is heat retention, but the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe incorporates temperature-regulating materials to minimize trapped heat. Airflow through the coils also give the bed a nice cooling boost.
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Pros
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Cooling cover and comfort layer components help ensure excellent temperature regulation
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Choose from three firmness levels and 10 sizes
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Zoned pocketed coils reinforce the midsection for enhanced support
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Cons
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$99 fee incurred for mattress returns
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Hot sleepers may notice minor heat buildup
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Mattress Type
Hybrid
Firmness Options
Medium Soft (4), Medium Firm (6), Firm (7)
Price Range
$749 – $1,699
Trial Period
120 nights (30-night requirement)
Product Details
The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is one of the best mattresses for cooling we’ve tested within the range of $2,000. Equipped with a phase change cover, gel infusions in the top foam layers, and a coil system to generate steady airflow, the Aurora Luxe is a great option for hot sleepers, people who sweat in their sleep, and those who reside in warm or humid climates. You can also choose from three firmness levels based on your weight and primary sleep position.
After testing each Aurora Luxe design, we’re recommending the medium soft (4) model to side sleepers up to 230 pounds and back sleepers under 130 pounds. Our testers who fall into the groups all felt comfortable on this design, due in large part to the deep cushioning. Our side sleepers over 230 pounds and back and stomach sleepers of at least 130 pounds preferred the firm (7) feel instead. If you fall in the middle, the medium firm (6) model is a safe bet.
All versions of the Aurora Luxe begin with comfort layers of copper-infused foam and TitanFlex, a dense polyfoam material designed to contour evenly while providing a latex-like bounce. The memory foam transitional layer is infused with cooling gel for added breathability. In the support core, pocketed coils rest over high-density base foam. The coils are zoned to push back against the extra weight of your midsection while cradling lighter areas of the body. A cover made of heat-dissipating phase change material encases the entire mattress.
We were highly impressed with the Aurora Luxe during our temperature control tests, particularly in regard to the two firmest designs. The medium soft model slept somewhat cooler, but this firmness earned higher ratings for motion isolation and pressure relief. If you need even more cushioning, you can add an extra foam layer to the comfort system. This layer is known as the “Cloud” pillow-top, and will make the surface feel noticeably softer regardless of which firmness level you choose for the mattress.
The Aurora Luxe is available in 10 sizes, including a split California king for couples with adjustable beds and three RV-friendly options. Most are priced below $2,000, and shipping is free for all orders in the contiguous U.S. Brooklyn Bedding’s sleep trial runs for 120 nights, and those who keep their mattress also receive a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Best Mattress for Spinal Alignment
Bear Elite Hybrid
35% off + 2 free pillows at Bear. Code: SF35
$1,499 at Bear
The Bear Elite Hybrid comes in three firmness options, all of which balance cushioning on top and sturdy coils on the bottom. The result is a mattress that calibrates pressure relief and support to ensure healthy sleep posture.
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Pros
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Three firmness levels
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Multiple cooling technologies promote temperature regulation
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Zoned transitional layer enhances pressure relief
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Cons
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Co-sleepers may experience some motion transfer
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People who are sensitive to smell may notice some off-gassing at first
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Mattress Type
Hybrid
Firmness Options
Medium (5), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)
Price Range
$1,231 – $2,548
Trial Period
120 nights (30-night break-in period)
Product Details
The Bear Elite Hybrid is a versatile mattress that’s available in three different firmness levels: medium (5), medium firm (6), and firm (8). This model’s hybrid construction and innovative materials lend themselves well to hot sleepers, couples, and people who experience pressure buildup.
Exact specifications vary slightly between the three models, though they share the same basic construction. The mattress’ cover features a hand-quilted blend of Celliant fabric and phase change material (PCM) that are both designed with moisture-wicking properties. Copper-infused memory foam provides additional temperature control and top-notch cushioning.
The polyfoam transitional layer has five zones that compress at different rates, offering targeted pressure relief and exceptional lumbar support. This material has strategically placed cuts that allow air to move freely through the foam. The pocketed coil support core has individually wrapped coils that move independently to support and isolate motion in equal measure. A thin high-density polyfoam layer anchors the mattress and increases its durability.
Our sleep lab found that this model effectively relieves pressure and regulates temperature. The memory foam and zoned polyfoam contour to your body’s shape to alleviate pressure point discomfort without retaining too much heat. The cooling-specific technologies and breathable pocketed coil core further enhance temperature control.
Sleepers under 130 pounds preferred the medium version’s plush contouring, while those above 230 pounds enjoyed the firm model’s strong support. Overall, people between 130 and 230 pounds found the medium firm most comfortable, though sleeping position is also an important factor to consider when choosing between options.
Bear offers free shipping and a 120-day sleep trial to shoppers in the contiguous U.S. Customers must try their mattress for at least 30 nights before initiating a return. The Elite Hybrid carries a lifetime warranty.
Best Mattress for Pressure Relief
Layla Hybrid
$220 off + 2 free pillows at Layla. Use code: Sleepy20
$1,499 at Layla
The Layla Hybrid has a flippable design with a different firmness on each surface, so you can pick the side with optimal cushioning. Both surfaces are composed of adaptive foam, which means you’ll feel cradled no matter which side you choose.
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Pros
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Two rows of narrower coils line the perimeter for enhanced support
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Flippable design gives sleepers a firm and plush option in one mattress
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Copper-infused foam designed to transfer heat away from the body
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Cons
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Sleepers seeking a mid-range firmness may find both sides uncomfortable
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Foam inhibits some movement across the surface
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Mattress Type
Hybrid
Firmness Options
Reversible: Medium Soft (4), Firm (7)
Price Range
$1,299 – $1,899
Trial Period
120 nights
Product Details
Thanks to its unique flippable design with a different feel on each side, the Layla Hybrid Mattress should be comfortable for the vast majority of side sleepers, including those whose needs may change over time. The mattress has a 13-inch profile with a medium soft (4) feel on one side and a firm (7) feel on the other.
Side sleepers who weigh under 130 pounds will likely enjoy the medium soft side of the mattress, while back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and individuals who weigh more than 230 pounds will probably prefer the firm side.
The Layla Hybrid features a copper-infused gel memory foam comfort layer on either side. The firm side of the mattress uses a 1-inch layer of this material, while the medium soft side uses 2.5 inches for extra plushness and contouring.
A 2-inch polyfoam transition layer on the medium soft side also adds zoned support to promote proper spinal alignment and air channels to allow heat to escape. Both sides of the mattress share a 6-inch pocketed coil core for support. These springs give the bed more bounce, and air can circulate between them to let heat escape. Two rows of narrower coils around the perimeter enhance the edge support so that sleepers can use the full mattress surface.
The Layla Hybrid includes a 120-night sleep trial and a 10-year limited warranty to cover defects in materials and craftsmanship.
If eco-friendly sourcing is a priority in your search for a new bed, the Birch Mattress checks off a lot of boxes. Made with organic cotton, cashmere, and wool, plus natural Talalay latex, the bed caters to eco-conscious shoppers.
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Pros
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Talalay latex layer provides responsive pressure relief
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Reinforced pocketed coils offer significant edge support
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Organic cotton and wool effectively regulate temperature
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Cons
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Responsive latex produces noticeable motion transfer
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Not suitable for sleepers with a latex allergy
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Mattress Type
Latex Hybrid
Firmness Options
Medium Firm (6)
Price Range
$1,099 – $1,799
Trial Period
100 nights (30-night requirement)
Product Details
The Birch Mattress blends eco-friendly materials and thoughtful manufacturing into one exceptionally comfortable package. It’s a hybrid model that ranks as a 6 out of 10 on the firmness scale, giving it a medium firm feel that’s most appropriate for sleepers who weigh above 130 pounds. Eco-conscious shoppers should appreciate that the manufacturer uses certified organic materials and sustainable products within the mattress’ construction.
This model’s construction begins with a GOTS-certified organic cotton cover that’s soft and breathable. Beneath the cover, an organic wool and rayon fire-retardant layer regulates temperature effectively. An additional wool layer promotes further cooling and gives the mattress comfortable cushioning. The final layer within the comfort system is composed of Talalay latex that alleviates pressure buildup without sacrificing support, making this model a practical choice for those who prefer responsive pressure relief.
The pocketed coil support core boasts hundreds of individually wrapped steel coils that keep your spine evenly aligned. Higher-gauge coils line the support core’s perimeter to enhance edge support. The mattress’ base is made from another wool and rayon fire-retardant layer.
This model scored highly in several categories during our in-house testing. Its combination of edge support and responsiveness makes it a worthwhile pick for couples who prefer a model that caters to easy movement.
Birch ships its mattress for free to shoppers in all 50 states. Your purchase includes a 100-night trial and a 25-year warranty.
Dive Deeper – In-Depth Mattress Guides
If you’re still not sure which mattress to choose for your needs, take a look at our suggestions broken down by price point.
How to Choose a Mattress Under $2,000
With a budget of $2,000, shoppers will have plenty of quality options. However, it is important to prioritize certain features to ensure that you are getting the most for your money.
Price is not the sole aspect to consider when assessing quality. Additional key factors, including mattress construction, sleeping position, body type, and whether you sleep with a partner, should also be taken into account.
What to Look For in a Mattress
There are many aspects to consider when purchasing a mattress. While the following factors may be critical to determining which mattress is a good fit for you, your unique needs and preferences are most important.
In some cases, marketing campaigns can distract shoppers from key details by using fancy buzzwords that could leave customers confused or overwhelmed. To avoid distractions, shoppers should typically focus on the following criteria.
Price:
For many shoppers, price is a primary concern when choosing a mattress. While higher-priced mattresses may include more special features, that does not necessarily mean they’re better. Shoppers should consider price alongside quality and materials. The best overall value usually balances performance, quality, and price.
Sleeping Position:
Back, stomach, and side sleepers differ in which firmness they find ideal. Side sleepers are more likely to prefer a slightly softer feel with more contouring so that their hips and shoulders can sink in, while stomach sleepers usually find a firmer option more comfortable. Back sleepers typically favor a medium feel or firmer that cradles their hips without sagging. Finding the right mattress for your sleeping position and body type can help promote good sleep posture and relieve pressure buildup.
Quality Materials:
A mattress’ materials are vital to determining its performance. Materials influence breathability, pressure relief, motion isolation, durability, and all other aspects of mattress performance. Certain components cost less to produce than others, lowering the price of a mattress without necessarily compromising on quality. However, some low-quality materials could wear out prematurely, leading to mattress sagging, indentations, or deterioration.
Firmness Level:
The firmness level is traditionally measured on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest.
Body weight and sleep position determine what firmness you are likely to prefer. Side sleepers and those who weigh under 130 pounds frequently enjoy a softer mattress for extra contouring. Stomach sleepers and those who weigh more than 230 pounds generally need a firmer mattress for more support.
Pressure Relief:
Pressure relief helps to reduce aches and pains caused by the body pressing against the mattress. A lack of pressure relief may lead to painful pressure points and spinal misalignment.
Mattresses can relieve pressure and support the spine by evenly distributing the sleeper’s weight without sagging. Finding a mattress that suits your sleeping position and weight is key to maximizing pressure relief.
Motion Isolation:
Motion isolation refers to how well a mattress can minimize the effect of movement on the surface of the bed. This is crucial for couples whose sleep may be disrupted by one partner’s movements. Mattresses with substantial foam comfort systems traditionally absorb vibrations well, though other materials can also excel in this area.
Temperature Regulation:
Temperature regulation is how well a mattress disperses warmth. Overheating can occur when the mattress absorbs body heat and traps it against the body. Memory foam tends to have this issue, so many models that use the material have designs or special features to mitigate this effect. Mattresses that are more breathable typically have better temperature regulation.
Edge Support:
Edge support refers to how sturdy the mattress is along the perimeter. Innerspring and hybrid mattresses often have stronger coils underneath the edges for more reliable support. Some also use a firm foam encasement to reinforce the perimeter. A strong edge can resist sagging and make it easier to use the full mattress surface without feeling like you may roll off.
Contouring:
Contouring is how well a mattress hugs and conforms to your body. Memory foam is most often associated with exceptional contouring, but polyfoam and latex also frequently perform well. The right level of contouring can enhance pressure relief to limit body aches. However, increased contouring can also reduce airflow and trap heat. Many close-conforming models have cooling features to counteract heat retention.
Mattress Type:
Mattress type refers to how the mattress is designed. Common mattress types include foam, hybrid, latex, and innerspring, each of which has potential benefits and drawbacks. There is a lot of variety even within mattress types, so a sleeper should compare the features to determine which model is a good fit for them.
Mattress Types
Most models share some features with other mattresses of the same type, though their unique designs make them distinct from each other. For example, innerspring mattresses have coil cores, which typically add bounce and breathability. However, an innerspring model may also have a thin comfort system or pillow-top for added pressure relief, expanding its appeal.
Understanding the common traits of the different mattress types can help steer you in the right direction, but to find your ideal model, you’ll need to look more closely at its unique characteristics.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses include features of two or more of the other mattress types, such as a memory foam comfort layer and a pocketed coil core. By combining mattress components, hybrid models often provide the benefits of multiple mattress types while minimizing their drawbacks. While hybrid models often cost more than other options, shoppers should be able to find options for under $2,000.
Innerspring
Innerspring mattresses are a classic, traditional option. These models have a coil support core that typically provides edge support, breathability, and bounce, making innerspring mattresses an appealing option for sleepers that want to use the full mattress surface, those prone to overheating, and anyone who prefers a responsive sleep surface. Since innerspring models tend to be more affordable, they may also be ideal for value-minded shoppers.
Innerspring models usually have little to no comfort system, so potential drawbacks frequently include pressure buildup and motion transfer. If these issues arise, a mattress topper may help.
Foam
All-foam mattresses use multiple layers that may include memory foam, polyfoam, and/or latex. They often excel at contouring to the body and distributing weight evenly, making them popular with those who are prone to aches and pains.
However, memory foam tends to retain heat. Some manufacturers try to counteract this effect with components designed for cooling, including gel and copper infusions, hole-punched foam, and phase change material. Memory foam can also be more difficult to move around on due to its close hug and slower response to changes in pressure. On the other hand, it provides good motion isolation for couples.
Polyfoam is typically more breathable and responsive than memory foam, but it usually doesn’t perform quite as well in motion isolation and pressure relief. Additionally, low-density polyfoam may break down more quickly.
Latex
Natural latex is one of the most durable materials used for mattress construction, making it appealing to some value-minded shoppers. While a natural latex model usually costs more upfront, it may make up for it over the life of the mattress. More affordable synthetic and blended latex options are available, but they are typically less durable.
Latex is made using either the Dunlop or the Talalay process. Dunlop latex tends to be denser and more durable, while Talalay latex is lighter and airier. Both contour to the body with minimal hug and have a subtle bounce, making it easier to move on the surface.
What Can Affect the Price of a Mattress?
There are several different factors that can affect the price of a mattress, including materials, construction, and expected lifespan.
Quality and Type of Materials: Mattress materials and quality affect pricing. Since high-quality components usually cost manufacturers more to produce or purchase, consumers can expect to pay more for mattresses that use them. Materials manufactured in the U.S. also tend to cost more due to expenses associated with facilities and labor.
Durability: Durability refers to how long a mattress will retain its beneficial properties. Choosing a durable model is essential for you to get the most value out of your purchase. A high-quality option that lasts a long time will usually end up costing you less in the long run than replacing a low-quality mattress every few years.
Mattress Layers: Mattresses consist of layers that serve different purposes. Three types of layers are most common. The comfort layer usually relieves pressure, the transition layer blocks the sleeper from interacting with the firm core, and the support layer prevents excessive sinkage. Additional layers are likely to add to the cost of the mattress, particularly if they contain proprietary materials and/or increase the mattress profile.
Density: This is the measurement of the pounds per cubic foot (PCF) of foam. Dense foam layers generally increase the price of a mattress and enhance its motion isolation, durability, and contouring. Lower-density options tend to be more affordable, responsive, and breathable, but they may also be less durable.
Proprietary Technology: Some manufacturers use special technology to set their models apart. Proprietary materials are often engineered with specific goals, like enhancing the temperature control, adding bounce, or providing more pressure relief. These features generally make a mattress more expensive, but they can be an attractive selling point for some customers.
Shipping Rates, Returns, and Warranties
Shipping
After you place an order, most mattress companies will take a few days to process it and send it out for shipment. Some direct-to-consumer companies only produce a mattress after it is ordered, so this may take a little longer depending on customer demand. Mattress-in-a-box models ship compressed and vacuum-sealed in a box. Upon receiving the package, customers will need to move it into their home, unbox it, and allow the mattress to decompress.
Some companies also offer White Glove delivery, a service where carriers come to your home and set up the mattress for you. This delivery option usually costs extra and takes longer than free shipping.
Many companies offer free shipping within the contiguous United States. However, they may charge an extra fee for shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, or U.S. territories. Some companies also offer expedited shipping for an additional charge.
Returns
No matter how much research you do beforehand, there is always a possibility that a mattress may not suit your needs. Most companies offer a trial period so you can return the mattress if it isn’t right for you.
It is helpful to read the terms and conditions of a trial policy before making a purchase to have a thorough understanding of the process. Some companies may require that you try the mattress for a certain amount of time before requesting a return to give your body time to adjust. While many companies will refund the full cost of the mattress, some charge for shipping, handling, or processing. Mattresses generally must be in good condition to be eligible for the trial period, and there may be a limit on the number of returns allowed per household.
Most companies will arrange pickup of the mattress, so there is usually no need to drop off the mattress on your own.
Retailers have several methods of handling returned mattresses. Many companies donate them to charity, others recycle them, and a few offer them to their employees.
Warranties
A warranty is a guarantee that the company will be responsible for a refund, repair, or replacement if the product is defective or otherwise does not meet the company’s standards. These are used to provide shoppers with a better sense of security when making a purchase. Most companies automatically include a warranty with a mattress purchase.
Warranty periods may span several years or decades. A few companies offer lifetime warranties, providing coverage for as long as you own the product. These policies only apply to the original mattress owner, and the company elects the appropriate remedy if it determines there is a qualifying defect.
Some warranties are prorated, meaning that the company charges an increasingly large percentage of the purchase price for repairs and replacements the further you are in the warranty period. For example, a company may fully cover repair or replacement if the mattress is within the first half of the warranty period but charge 50% of the purchase price if it is more than halfway through.
Companies differ in their definition of defect. Most cover issues like splitting or cracking foam and lasting indentations over a certain depth. Problems that occur from misuse, abuse, or accidents will not be covered by the warranty.
Additional Mattress Costs
When purchasing a new mattress, other components may also be necessary to complete your setup. Bedding, bed frames, pillows, and additional services can increase the expense, however, so you may need to leave extra room in your budget.
Bed Frames and Bedding: Many customers choose to purchase a bed frame and bedding when buying a new mattress. Some companies offer bundle discounts for buying these items together, which may help you save money.
If you have an existing bed frame and sheets you hope to use, check to make sure that they will accommodate your new mattress. While you should pay attention to size, there are also other factors to consider. Mattress warranties typically clarify the type of support a mattress needs, and using an improper foundation could void the policy. Additionally, thicker mattresses may need deep pocket sheets in order to fit properly.
Mattress Removal: If you have an older mattress that you want to replace, some companies will offer to remove it for an additional charge or as part of White Glove delivery. If your mattress company does not offer old mattress removal, you can donate it to a charitable organization or recycle it. However, the mattress must still be in good condition to be eligible for donation.
Expert Assembly: Expert assembly is one of the services provided with White Glove delivery. It may be especially helpful for those who live alone and do not have anyone to help them move a mattress, or those with mobility issues who may need assistance.
How to Get the Best Deal on a Mattress
A mattress is a large purchase that should last for years, and finding a good deal can make a big difference in what you can afford. Fortunately, several methods can help you get a good deal on your purchase.
Shop During Mattress Sales
Mattress sales often occur around holidays. Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, and Independence Day are just a few of the occasions when you can find mattresses on sale. Many companies also participate in major sale events, including Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Buy Online
Online shopping is another method to save money. Mattresses prices are often lower online than in brick-and-mortar stores due to having lower overhead costs.
Another benefit of online shopping is access to reviews and customer testimonials. These can provide insight into a mattress’ performance, durability, and overall value so that you have a better idea of what you’re getting for your money.
Coupon Codes, Referrals, and Discounts
Using coupon codes, referrals, and other discounts is another way to save on your mattress purchase. By entering a code at checkout or using a referral link, the price may be cut by a fixed dollar amount or a percentage of the list price, or you may receive a free accessory, such as a pillow or sheets.
Comparison Shop
If a mattress is sold through multiple retailers, comparison shopping could help you get the best price. However, shoppers should remember to read shipping and return policies since these may vary between sellers.
Some third-party mattress vendors price match with competitors, which may be worth investigating if you prefer one particular store.
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Logan is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with a deep understanding of what it means to struggle with sleep. Her years of experience researching and testing sleep products – including mattresses, natural sleep aids, and bedding – are critical to her role helping lead the editorial team. As a chronic insomniac, she aims to bring her findings to anyone struggling with getting adequate rest. Her expertise is in creating informative, trustworthy, and useful health content. When she’s not testing mattresses or researching CBT-I, she enjoys spending time in the sunshine with her husband and her dogs Pepper and Winston.