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Did you know that most people don’t think of sleeping as an activity?
Most of us think of sleep as “unproductive work” because we don’t do anything when we sleep. We hardly notice or remember what happened in those 8 hours of sleep.
We cannot imagine replacing our comfortable king size bed with a new mattress without considering our personal needs. A good night’s sleep is directly related to the comfort of the bed. Body type plays an important role in choosing a mattress. And it’s often neglected for fancy features you might not even need.
Our goal in today’s article is to bring you cheap king size mattress options with the right balance of features. We do not intend to order our list by price and list cheap king size mattresses.
Where to buy a cheap King Size Mattress?
The price varies depending on the construction and material of the mattress used in the mattress. As we delve into the budget range, manufacturers tend to cut costs. So that it remains affordable for your bed frame.
If you plan your purchase, you can get good deals when there is a seasonal sale on mattresses or buy online.
Cutting costs can lead to compromises, so be smart and selective about compromises. Choosing a cheap and cheap mattress does not mean that it will be a bad product. We have a number of manufacturers who develop and design products for all price ranges.
We’ve covered cost savings and tradeoffs in detail later in the guide.
With so many brands and products available now. It can be a challenging and confusing task for people to find the best mattresses available for their needs.
Here’s our well-researched list we’ve picked for you. Comprehensive reviews of each mattress follow to help determine the best affordable king size mattress available in 2021.
Reviews: Best and Cheap King Size Mattresses
Zinus Green Tea – Best King Size Mattress under $300
- Pressure relief with good movement isolation and edge support.
- CertiPUR-US Certification
- Medium sized company
- 100 night trial and 10 year warranty
Construction & Structure:
The Zinus Green Tea Mattress is available in four different thicknesses. It is available in 6, 8, 10 and 12 inches.
The 8-inch mattress has three layers. The top layer is 2-inch memory foam, the middle layer is 2-inch high-density pressure relief foam. The last layer is 4 cm thick. Forms a high-density support foam.
It has a memory foam layer with green tea and ActivCharcoal extracts. The green provides a fresh, odor-free experience. Carbon particles absorb moisture.
Firmness (feel & experience):
The 6 and 8 inch mattress is medium hard. The main difference is in the feeling they give. As the thickness increases, it softens a bit. That’s why you find the 8-inch mattress a bit softer.
The comfort foam supports and relieves the body of the pressure generated around the shoulders and hips. You can count on waking up refreshed and stress-free.
Motion Transfer & Edge Support:
It’s all foam mattress with top layer of memory foam, so motion isolation is good. Your partner hardly feels any movement when you get in and out of bed.
Edge support is sufficient. You will sleep comfortably on the edge or you will sit on the edge and change your shoes.
The Zinus is compressed, rolled up and shipped in a box. Free shipping is on time and by FedEx.
They offer a 100 night trial and a full refund.
PrimaSleep Wave Gel Infused Memory Foam Mattress
- 10 inch foam mattress.
- Gel infused memory foam.
- Pressure relief.
- One of the cheapest and quality mattresses.
Construction in structure:
It has a 3-layer construction, the top layer is Igel-infused memory foam. It is responsible for regulating the temperature to keep the body cool. The mattress base is made of HD foam that adds stability and durability to the mattress.
Firmness (feel & experience):
It is gentler for sleeping and works with most sleeping positions. However, stomach sleepers may find it too soft for optimal spinal alignment. Overall, it is recommended for its excellent sleep quality at this price.
Motion Transfer & Edge Support:
Scores well on motion isolation. Edge support is average, but may not be a deal breaker for most sleepers.
What we didn’t like:
PrimaSleep has fiber and is generally a problem with most budget options. But if you don’t remove the cover, that’s no problem. This is why it probably doesn’t come with a removable cover.
Linenspa Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress Under $100
- Medium sized company
- CertiPUR-US Certification
- 10 year warranty
Construction & Structure:
This is one of Linenspa’s bestsellers. The hybrid design consists of four layers. The top layer is the padded memory foam cover that feels soft against the skin. Helps relieve pressure. The second layer consists of a 1.5 inch comfort layer of polyurethane foam.
The third layer is a thin felt pad to insulate the final layer of steel coils. The final layer is a 6.5-inch hardened steel coil that acts as a support for the mattress and provides some resilience like traditional spring mattresses.
Firmness (feel & experience):
Priced under $100, this is the cheapest king size mattress with an incredible value. It has a medium to firm feel, making it a great option for stomach sleepers.
If you prefer a softer sleeping surface, you should avoid this.
The hybrid foam and coil combination provides good support and a hug without the feeling of immersion.
Motion Transfer & Edge Support:
The springs used are silent, so move and turn the mattress on without any stress or disturbing anyone. Although it does not provide complete isolation of motion transmission. You will notice some motion transfer, but that shouldn’t bother most of you who sleep together.
Edge support is average.
As you take a position and sit on the edge, sink a few inches. It may not fall off, but you will no longer be comfortable. It will have to adjust.
Nectar – Best King Size Mattress under 1000
- Good motion isolation and edge support.
- Medium sized company
- CertiPUR-US Certification
- 180 night trial.
- Guarantee forever.
Construction & Structure:
The top layer of the 11″ Nectar is the 1″ shell composed of layers of gel memory foam and Tencel™. The second layer is a 1 thick semi-open premium gel memory foam. The third 3-inch layer is adaptive memory foam. Provides effective pressure relief.
The fourth layer is a 6 breathable foam base layer that forms the foundation for the mattress. The fifth and final layer is a bottom cover that ensures that the mattress remains in the right place.
Firmness (feel & experience):
The mattress is medium hard. It adapts to all body types and sleeping positions with good lumbar support. Memory foam gel is effective for hot sleepers and largely removes generated body heat. If you are used to sleeping on an innerspring mattress, you lose the springiness.
The body does not give the typical sagging feeling that is common with memory foam mattresses. The nectar provides good support and contouring.
It is highly rated for sleep quality and spine support.
Motion Transfer & Edge Support:
Nectar offers acceptable edge support but excels at motion isolation. Motion isolation is one of the highlights of the mattress. There are complaints about the edge support, especially after prolonged use of the mattress.
LUCID infused with Bamboo Charcoal and Aloe Vera
- Good edge support.
- Luxury flame retardant cover.
- Medium Soft.
- CertiPUR-US Certificate.
- 100 night trial and 10 year warranty
Construction & Structure:
The Lucid is 10 inches thick with six layers. The first layer is primarily a soft, breathable and flame-resistant breathable cover made with a Tencel™ lyocell blend that is effective at controlling moisture. Provides a nice layer of air between your body and the mattress.
The second layer is a 1.5 memory foam with bamboo charcoal particles. Absorbs moisture and odor, so you wake up feeling refreshed and happy.
The third layer is a 1-inch transition foam infused with aloe vera. It has a calming effect that makes you sleep more relaxed.
The fourth layer and the sixth layer is a backing foam of 1 each for the base layer of the coils.
The fifth layer is the 5.5 bottom of the mattress. It has coated steel coils that provide support and pressure relief to key areas of the body.
Firmness (feel & experience):
It has a soft feel and we rate it as medium firm with little on the softer side. The overall feel is luxurious, but don’t confuse it with softness.
The base has encapsulated coils that provide a light bounce. Anyone who sleeps on the traditional spring bed will find it easy to find.
In our review and previous customer experiences, we found that most sleepers like to switch to this bed. It gives you a good experience at an affordable price.
Motion Transfer & Edge Support:
Motion transfer is minimal and we can’t expect it to match any memory foam product. Encapsulated steel coils sandwiched between the backing foam seem to work efficiently to isolate the transfer of motion.
Edge support is excellent in this price range. The holder is 5 inches thick which, when squeezed, adheres well to you.
Nod by Tuft & Needle King Mattress
- 8″ Amazon exclusive foam bed.
- The cheapest Tuft & Needle mattress.
- Sleep fresh and ensure resilience.
- Firm feeling.
- CertiPUR-US Certificate.
- 100 night trial and 10 year limited warranty.
Construction & Structure:
Tuft & Needle’s most cost-effective bed, Nod, consists of two polyurethane foams. The top layer is a 2.5 T&N polyethylene foam comfort layer and the base is a 5.5 polyethylene foam backing layer.
The cover is a typical removable boxed bed cover with good quality polyester. It is recommended not to machine wash the cover.
It’s advertised as being on the cooler side, but we didn’t find it to match a standard gel-based memory foam. We didn’t think it was hot either. Foam is an open cell foam that allows air to flow freely.
Firmness (feel & experience):
The Nod is a firm but comfortable mattress. It is quite sensitive and gives good support to your body. We found the experience better than the normal memory foam mattress in this segment.
Motion Transfer & Edge Support:
Motion isolation is excellent. The mattress is compressed but recovers its original shape. You can get in and out of bed freely without disturbing your sleeping partner.
Edge support is above average and good enough to hold when sleeping on the edge.
Signature Sleep Flex – 8″ with Charcoal Gel Memory Foam
- Follows Federal 16 CFR 1633 Flammability Standard
- Breathable and good movement isolation.
- Medium size.
- CertiPUR-US Certificate.
- 10 year warranty.
- No trial period.
Construction & Structure:
The flex is a four-layer foam mattress. As the name suggests, the top layer is carbon infused gel based memory foam.
Charcoal has the property of absorbing moisture and odor so that you sleep fresh.
The foam has grooves that help with good airflow and provide relief for hot sleepers in the summer. It has a structure that helps regulate body temperature while you sleep.
Firmness (feel & experience):
It is of medium firmness thanks to the support of the base that provides support and comfort. Top layers provide a soft and comfortable feel, but don’t leave you feeling deep in sin.
It will feel a little firm if you switch from a soft mattress or one with a soft touch.
Motion Transfer & Edge Support:
The Signature Sleep Flex has a cascading edge design that absorbs most of the movement in bed. You can get in and out of bed without disturbing your partner’s sleep.
Scores well on motion isolation and edge support.
Sealy 8″ Memory Foam Bed In A Box
- Adjustable foam with good exterior.
- Removable top cover.
- Good motion isolation.
- Medium size.
- CertiPUR-US Certification
- 10 year warranty
- No trial period.
Construction & Structure:
The Sealy uses 8 ″ foam for its boxed bed mattress. The top layer is a premium 2 adaptive memory foam. It adapts to the shape of your body and relieves pressure points. Gives you a “sunken” mattress feeling without being stuck.
The base is a 6-inch high-density polyurethane foam that promotes airflow and acts as a support for the bed.
Firmness (feel & experience):
It has a medium firm feel and is suitable for all types of sleepers. It has a polyurethane base that gives support and the feeling of support to the body. The memory foam provides softness and comfort to the body.
Motion Transfer & Edge Support:
Provides good edge support and minimal motion transfer as expected from memory foam mattresses.
Zinus Ultima Comfort 8″ with iCoil System
- Adjustable foam with good exterior.
- Good motion isolation.
- Medium size.
- CertiPUR-US Certification
- Limited 10-year warranty and 100-night trial.
Construction & Structure:
The Ultima has a knitted jacquard cover with a padded microfibre fabric. The base has spools with 7.5 pockets. The Zinus calls it the iCoil system that gives the mattress firmness and supports the body.
On top of the springs is 1 good quality comfort foam.
Although with a simple foam of 1 you will not feel a rinse even after prolonged use.
This may not be the best mattress for overweight people. They may have a slight sagging problem after a few years of regular use. It is for people who weigh less than 230 pounds each.
Firmness (feel & experience):
It can be classified as moderately firm to slightly firm. The overall experience is good as it provides good support and comfort. Zinus fits snugly to the spine and provides a pressure-free experience for the sleeper.
Motion Transfer & Edge Support:
Motion isolation is above average, but edge support is good.
Casper Sleep Essential
- 8.5″ three-layer open cell foam mattress.
- Good support in the shoulder and hip area.
- Removable cover.
- Medium size.
- CertiPUR-US Certification
- Limited 10-year warranty and 100-night trial.
Construction & Structure:
It is also available in 11″ thickness, sold in a larger number. For someone who is looking for a good cheap king size mattress, we have opted for an 8.5″ version.
It has three layers. The top layer is breathable and provides a soft feel, light resilience and comfort. It has an open cell structure that helps dissipate heat from the body.
The middle layer is a transition layer that is sensitive to memory foam. The cape helps support pressure areas and crib bends.
The base layer is the durable support foam. Strengthens and supports the upper layers.
The foams are CertiPUR-US and OEKO-TEX certified.
Firmness (feel & experience):
It is medium firm and maintains the body very well. You wake up refreshed and relaxed. Relieves pressure from shoulders and lower body.
Motion Transfer & Edge Support:
Motion transfer is negligible and most previous customers have shown satisfaction. Even if you toss and turn in bed, the sleeper hardly notices any movement.
Edge support is average. Sitting on the edge for an average weight person might not be a problem, but if you like to sleep on the edge, check out other options on our list.
Olee Sleep 10″ Gel Infused Memory Foam Mattress
- Excellent for keeping the body cool.
- Medium size.
- CertiPUR-US Certification
- 10 year warranty
- No trial period. Amazon-only 30 day return policy
- Release of gases.
Construction & Structure:
The Olee Sleep has three layers of foam plus a base support foam. The top layer is a 1-inch “I Gel” memory foam that helps keep your body cool. We found this feature to be quite good compared to other mattresses with similar gels. It is one of the highlights of the mattress.
Warm sleepers, are you reading this?
The second layer is soft 1 inch thick memory foam with 8 ILD. The third layer is a 25 ILD 1 inch thick rolled foam.
The base is a 7-inch high-density foam that supports the mattress.
The cover is knitted, which is attached to the blue background. It is 93% polyester and 7% elastane.
Firmness (feel & experience):
People will find it varies from a medium firm feel to a slightly firm feel depending on your ultimate durable mattress.
The company recommends 72 hours for full recovery, including degassing. But people who are sensitive to gases may find themselves completely free of the odor within 6 to 7 days.
Provides good support and comfort. If we look at the price after discounts, it is one of the best cheap king size mattresses on our list.
Motion Transfer & Edge Support:
It drops about 2 inches, but regains position as you move. Because the sink isn’t deep, your partner won’t notice your movements and twists. That’s why motion isolation is good.
The high-density base provides good edge support, even if there’s about a two-inch drop of soft foam.
Scores well on edge support and minimal motion transfer.
Modway Aveline – 6″ with Gel Infused Memory Foam
- Accurate.
- Follows Federal 16 CFR 1633 Flammability Standard
- Medium size.
- CertiPUR-US Certification
- 10 year warranty
- No trial period. Amazon-only 30 day return policy
- Release of gases.
Construction & Structure:
It is available in three thicknesses of 6, 8 and 10 inches. Our advice will be to go for 8 or 10 inches, but since we are looking for cheap king size mattresses, we opted for a 6 version.
It has two layers of foam. The top layer is 1.5 gel-infused memory foam and the base layer is 4.5 responsive foam.
We found that the support on a thicker version mattress was better than this 6 mattress.
The top layer adapts and keeps you cooler as it is infused with cooling gel. It is an open cell foam and is highly breathable. We didn’t notice that we were sweating or waking up at night because of the heat.
The base foam measures only 4.5 inches, but is quite good in support.
The zippered sleeve is stretchy and features checkered patterns for aesthetics.
Firmness (feel & experience):
It is a medium firm mattress. Most people are happy with the mattress, but there are some comments from some customers who complain that they wake up a little sore.
In our reviews we found it comfortable and it relieves the pressure. The release of gases is slow, but for a week we could barely detect any smell.
Motion Transfer & Edge Support:
Motion isolation and edge support are above average and acceptable. The sleeping partner did not notice his partner getting in and out of bed.
The edge support is decent and you can easily sit on the edge even if it sags a bit.
Things to Look in a Budget Mattresses
1. Density of Foam
This is the main concern for us on every mattress and budget. The price of a mattress varies greatly depending on the quality of the foam used. The properties of the foam, such as density and ILD, determine the firmness, the lifespan and the price.
Low-density foam is cheaper and therefore of lower quality. This is the most important factor in controlling the price of the mattress.
Two other important factors related to density are ILD and recovery time. ILD ratings are used to measure foam firmness. Recovery time is the time it takes for the foam to regain its shape when compressed.
Most mattresses have multiple layers of foam. The ILD ratings of each foam used in the mattress will help you understand its quality. It will help you understand whether the type of firmness offered will suit your comfort level.
The overall feel and comfort is determined by the combination of different foams used in the mattress. Keeping a close eye on which foam layer has been compromised for quality helps us choose the mattress.
The core of the mattress provides support. Usually it is made of polyurethane or other foam, a lower density means that the material used is of cheaper quality. It takes care of price verification, but you may have a longevity issue.
2. Springs
Many hybrid mattresses use spirals as a central support. Many companies save money on this.
Mattresses can have two types of spring systems, open coil springs or pocket springs. The open coil is the traditional internal spring. Pocket coil is more expensive and better than open coil.
The thickness of the coil is also another factor influencing the price. The thickness or thickness of the coils determines the support and durability.
The gauge generally ranges from 12 to 15. The lower the value, the thicker the coil will be. The 12 gauge coil will be sturdy and this is the minimum we recommend.
The manufacturer’s specification may be misleading or too technical for the average consumer to understand the strength of the base.
We recommend that an average king size mattress has 800 rolls. The economy king size mattress may have fewer coils. This will affect the sturdiness and strength sooner than expected, which can lead to subsidence problems.
Getting the right combination of coil count and gauge can be a little tricky. For example, a 12.75m and very high coil count may not be the best option as it will wear down the comfort top layer by being too firm.
3. Certification
A certification is a must for a mattress of any budget. Certification ensures that the material used is non-toxic and environmentally friendly.
It may not be what you see is what you get unless you are certified. The material used must be free of chemicals. You don’t want to inhale your skin coming into contact with anything that could be toxic in the long run.
Most mattresses are certified by CertiPUR-US. Any institutions non-profit provides peace of mind.
4. Off-Gassing
Gas removal is a top priority, no matter your budget. It is a chemical smell that is released when unpacking the mattress.
Most consumers have a misconception that vapors are poisonous. Actually this is not true. It may have an unpleasant odor to some, but it may not be due to a toxic release.
If your foam is certified by CertiPUR-US, you can rest assured that the release is non-toxic.
Although the king size mattress you buy may have harmless fumes. To cut costs, the manufacturer can use certified material, but it will have some gases that will disappear within a week.
Also, not everyone is averse to smell, so it’s up to the individual and may not be an issue for most people.
5. Warranty
All budget options have a shorter warranty period or a limited warranty.
Make sure to follow the warranty terms before clicking the buy button. You definitely need to know what you’re getting into if you want to make use of the warranty.
Make a note of the pick-up costs if you need repairs or even replacement. This cost can be a deal breaker and may not be worth the warranty.
6. Durability
This is last on our list, as it is the biggest bet and differentiator. Any product or service that falls into the budget category will not be as sustainable as the one with a higher price.
You save on the price, but lose on the lifespan. We don’t want to discourage you or prepare you for an inferior product. You have to play smart and be selective in your compromises so that the product falls within your price range without losing too much on features.
Choose a more durable product than others that are similarly priced. It should be the best investment for your investment.
An affordable mattress tends to fail sooner or later. As mentioned above, the density of the foam and the quality of the springs are important factors.
They can age faster and show signs of wear. The quality of the upholstery, fabric and stitching are other areas that require careful attention.
Do you save any money when you buy online?
Yes, if you buy online. Eliminate some middlemen, shops and thus the costs of running those businesses. There has been a huge change in the past 5 years. Consumers buy online channels instead of physical stores. Many manufacturers pass on the savings as a discount when you buy online. It has been possible by selling online and leaving physical stores.
Guide: How to Decide Budget for a Cheap King Size Mattress?
Going for the cheapest option on the market doesn’t seem a viable option at the moment. If we find a mattress worth sharing in this list, we’ll update our recommendations as we’ve done in the past.
Our list is divided into three main prize blocks, namely under $1000, under $500 and under $300.
In this guide, we will formulate a strategy so that you can define a budget range for yourself. This will help you choose the best mattress for you.
We share the most important factors to consider when determining your budget.
Duration
How long do you plan to use the mattress?
If you are going to use it for a longer period of time, say more than 5 years. We recommend categorizing your budget and choosing the best king size mattress in the $1000 from our list.
It is not clear that it will come with quality and features that will hardly be seen as a compromise.
A cheaper mattress under $300 will last a few years of slightly longer and then you have to remember in a new mattress.
Which room?
Are you planning to buy this for your bedroom or guest room?
A mattress in the guest room is occasionally used, which gives it a longer lifespan. A $500 bed will last longer with little use.
The master bedroom is your ideal bed for everyday use. It will be subject to more stress and will lead to early wear if the material is defective.
Who will use it?
Are you going to bed with a young adult or person who is heavier?
A person who weighs more than 230 pounds will exert more pressure and stress compared to a teenager who weighs much less and may move in the next few years.
This can therefore be important when choosing your next King mattress.
Material
Consider the three questions above and decide which material best suits your needs.
Depending on your wishes, most options are hybrid beds. As we discussed earlier, look up the specs on foam density, coils and overall strength of the mattress core.
How much you should spend? Our Recommended Budget
We understand that price becomes a primary concern when looking for budget options. We do extensive research to list mattresses based on features offered, material quality, and price.
While we recommend a mattress under $1000 if you can’t match the price, go for a mattress under $500.
Final Thoughts
The idea of buying a mattress can be intimidating for most of us. The first thought that comes to mind is, “I don’t want to end up with the choice!”
When you decide to buy online, you can rest assured that you are getting the best price.
Physical stores have limited brands available on display. The traditional way of shopping in the store can give you a sense of security. But we all know a lot about consumers who ended up with the story.
The underlying reason for choosing a bad mattress is a lack of proper knowledge and a reliable source of information. We are sure we have both side effects for you.