Best Memory Foam Mattress For Cheap: Top 5 Picks Compared

Finding the best memory foam mattress for cheap is about matching comfort and size to your budget—not simply choosing the lowest-cost listing. These five options range from a compact Twin XL mattress to queen models with cooling features, different firmness descriptions, and varying layer designs. Compare the size, feel, certifications, and setup details before you buy, and check the listing for current availability.

Our Picks: Best Memory Foam Mattress For Cheap reviews

Novilla 12-Inch Queen NanoGel Mattress for Cooling and Motion Isolation

This 12-inch queen mattress pairs NanoGel memory foam with high-density and natural-fiber-infused foam. The brand describes the top foam as temperature-regulating and says the materials are intended to help absorb moisture and odors. That makes this model a potential fit if you want a foam mattress with cooling-focused features rather than a basic all-foam design.

Memory foam contours to the body, while the denser layers are intended to add support. The mattress is also designed to limit motion transfer, which may be helpful when you share a bed. Its certifications include CertiPUR-US for the foam and OEKO-TEX for the cover, according to the supplied product information.

The main drawback is that the supplied listing data marks this model unavailable. Check the listing before making plans to buy it. It also needs time to expand after unpacking; the product description recommends allowing up to 72 hours. Its cooling materials are a design feature, not a guarantee that every sleeper will feel cool.

Pros:

• NanoGel memory foam is designed for temperature regulation.
• Motion-isolating foam may suit couples.
• CertiPUR-US foam and an OEKO-TEX-certified cover.
• Queen size with a 12-inch profile.

Cons:

• Supplied listing data marks the mattress unavailable.
• The product description recommends up to 72 hours for expansion.

Verdict: Consider this Novilla if cooling features and motion isolation are priorities, but confirm it is available before choosing it over the in-stock alternatives.

Zinus 12-Inch Queen Mattress with Zoned Pressure Relief

The Zinus is a 12-inch queen mattress with a medium-firm feel. Its design includes memory foam, a breathable knitted cover, and durable base foam. The brand also describes its pressure-relief system as zoned, with cushioning intended to vary across the mattress.

This option stands out for shoppers who want a feel between plush and firm. The product information says the foam is infused with green tea extract and purified charcoal to help keep the mattress fresh. It also states that the mattress is fiberglass-free, uses a carbon rayon fire barrier, and has CertiPUR-US-certified foam and an OEKO-TEX Standard 100 cover.

The listed limited warranty is 10 years, and the supplied information gives a support limit of up to 500 pounds for queen size. Those details are useful comparison points, but they do not replace checking the warranty terms and care instructions. Like other compressed foam mattresses, it may need up to 72 hours to reach its full shape. The medium-firm feel is not a universal match, especially if you prefer a distinctly soft surface.

Pros:

• Medium-firm feel offers a middle ground between plush and firm.
• Zoned pressure relief is designed for targeted cushioning.
• Product information states the mattress is fiberglass-free.
• Includes a stated 10-year limited warranty.

Cons:

• Medium-firm may not suit sleepers who want a soft or very firm feel.
• May take up to 72 hours to fully expand after unboxing.

Verdict: The Zinus is a strong option to compare if you want a queen mattress with a clearly stated medium-firm feel, zoned foam, and a listed limited warranty.

Best Price Mattress 8-Inch Twin XL for Compact Spaces

This Best Price Mattress model is an 8-inch Twin XL mattress in a box. Its memory foam is infused with green tea, and the construction combines memory foam with support and high-density foam layers. That layered build aims to balance contouring comfort with a supportive base.

The Twin XL size is longer than a standard Twin, making it worth considering when room width is limited but you want extra length for one sleeper. It is also a lower-profile choice than the 12-inch queen mattresses in this guide. The supplied information lists CertiPUR-US-certified foam, a cotton-based fire retardant, a Poly Jacquard cover, and a 10-year warranty.

The trade-off is size: this mattress is not a queen or a shared-sleeping option. At 8 inches tall, it also has a thinner profile than the other picks here, so check your bed frame and personal comfort needs before choosing it. Confirm the exact dimensions and warranty terms on the listing before ordering.

Pros:

• Twin XL size provides extra length for a single sleeper.
• Layered foam design combines memory foam and support foam.
• Green tea-infused foam is intended to help keep the mattress fresh.
• Product information lists a 10-year warranty.

Cons:

• Twin XL size is not suitable for most couples.
• The 8-inch profile is thinner than the other mattresses in this comparison.

Verdict: Choose this mattress if you need a Twin XL and prefer a compact, lower-profile foam bed; look elsewhere if you need queen size or a taller mattress.

Amazon Basics 12-Inch Queen Mattress with a Soft Plush Feel

This Amazon Basics mattress is a 12-inch queen with a soft plush feel. Its three-layer design includes a memory-foam top, a middle layer with ventilation holes, and a convoluted foam base. The top layer is described as conforming to the body, while the middle layer’s openings are intended to support airflow.

Its softer feel makes it a different choice from the medium-firm Zinus. It may appeal if you like a more cushioned surface, but firmness is personal, and this model’s plush feel may not be the right fit if you prefer a firmer mattress. The foam is CertiPUR-US certified, and the top fabric is OEKO-TEX certified, according to the product information.

The mattress ships vacuum-packed and may need up to 72 hours to expand. The supplied details do not specify a warranty, so check the listing for warranty and return information before purchasing. As with any foam mattress, confirm that the queen dimensions match your frame.

Pros:

• Soft plush feel for shoppers who prefer a cushioned surface.
• Three-layer design includes a ventilated middle layer.
• Queen size with a 12-inch profile.
• Certifications listed for the foam and top fabric.

Cons:

• Soft plush feel may not work for people seeking a firm surface.
• The supplied product details do not state a warranty.

Verdict: The Amazon Basics is worth considering if you want a soft-feeling queen mattress with a ventilated three-layer design, but skip it if you prefer medium-firm or firmer support.

Novilla 12-Inch Queen Gel Mattress with Three Foam Layers

This 12-inch queen mattress uses a three-layer foam design with gel memory foam and comfort foam. Novilla says its NanoGel infusion is intended to absorb heat and promote airflow. The product description also highlights pressure relief, motion and vibration absorption, and support from high-density foam.

The knitted cover is described as breathable, and the supplied product details list CertiPUR-US-certified foam and an OEKO-TEX Standard 100-certified cover. A 10-year protection period is also stated. Compared with the first Novilla in this guide, this model’s description specifically calls out a 30% increase in NanoGel; that figure is the manufacturer’s product claim, not a measure of how cool every sleeper will feel.

The listing data supplied for this guide marks this model unavailable, so check the current listing before choosing it. It is compressed for delivery and the description recommends allowing 72 hours to air out and reshape. If you need a mattress right away, the Zinus or Amazon Basics options are marked available in the supplied data.

Pros:

• Three-layer design includes gel memory foam and high-density foam.
• NanoGel and airflow features are intended to help manage heat.
• Certifications are listed for the foam and cover.
• Product description states a 10-year protection period.

Cons:

• Supplied listing data marks the mattress unavailable.
• Recommended setup time is up to 72 hours.

Verdict: This Novilla is a cooling-focused option to keep in mind if it becomes available, but the Zinus or Amazon Basics is a more practical choice when you need an option marked available in the supplied data.

How to Choose a Budget Memory Foam Mattress

Start with the right size

Confirm the mattress dimensions your bed frame requires before comparing foam features. The Best Price Mattress in this guide is Twin XL, while the other four are queen size. Twin XL can suit a single sleeper who needs more length than a standard Twin, but it is not a substitute for a queen if two people will share the bed. Check both the listed size and your frame’s measurements.

Choose a feel that matches your preference

Mattress feel is subjective, so use the listed firmness descriptions as a starting point. The Zinus is described as medium firm, while the Amazon Basics is described as soft plush. The other listings focus more on contouring and pressure relief than on a specific firmness level. If you already know you dislike sinking into foam or prefer a cushioned surface, use that preference to narrow your choices.

Look at the full foam construction

Memory foam is designed to contour to your body, but the other layers also matter. Some mattresses in this comparison combine the memory-foam layer with high-density or support foam, while the Amazon Basics uses a ventilated middle layer and a convoluted base. Compare the complete design rather than assuming that all mattresses with memory foam will feel the same.

Consider heat and airflow features realistically

Several options promote cooling materials or airflow. The Novilla models use NanoGel or gel memory foam, and the Amazon Basics describes ventilation holes in its middle layer. These are design features, not a promise of a particular sleep temperature. If you tend to sleep warm, compare the mattress details and cover construction, but keep expectations realistic.

Check certifications and materials

The supplied descriptions list CertiPUR-US certification for foam on all five mattresses. Some also specify OEKO-TEX certification for the cover or fabric, and the Zinus description states that the mattress is fiberglass-free. Read the product listing to confirm which materials and certifications apply to the specific size and model you plan to order.

Plan for delivery and expansion

These mattresses are sold compressed in a box. Follow the manufacturer’s setup instructions, allow the mattress time to expand, and give the room ventilation if the product information recommends it. The supplied descriptions recommend up to 72 hours for several models. Before ordering, consider whether you can move the box to the bedroom and wait for the mattress to reach its intended shape.

Compare practical value, not just the initial cost

Since prices and availability can change, compare the current listing details rather than relying on a past price. Look at the size, foam layers, stated warranty, certifications, and return terms together. The supplied information lists a 10-year warranty or protection period for the Zinus, Best Price Mattress, and the second Novilla, but check the current terms for the exact model you select.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which mattress in this guide is the best overall choice?

The Zinus is a balanced starting point for many shoppers because it has a stated medium-firm feel, zoned pressure relief, a queen size, and a listed 10-year limited warranty. The best fit still depends on your preferred firmness, budget, and bed size.

Which option is best if I prefer a soft mattress?

The Amazon Basics is the clearest match for a softer surface because its product description calls it soft plush. If you prefer a medium-firm or firm feel, compare the Zinus or look for a model that clearly states the firmness you want.

Are memory foam mattresses suitable for couples?

They can be, but size and movement isolation both matter. The queen Novilla models and the Zinus describe features intended to limit motion transfer. Check the current listing for the exact mattress details, and choose a size that gives both sleepers enough room.

Which mattress is Twin XL?

The Best Price Mattress is the only Twin XL option in this comparison. Its 8-inch profile and single-sleeper size make it a different choice from the four queen mattresses.

How long should a boxed foam mattress take to expand?

Expansion time varies by model. Several descriptions in this guide recommend allowing up to 72 hours, while the Zinus description gives a range of 24 to 72 hours. Follow the instructions included with the mattress you buy.

Are these mattresses certified?

The supplied product information lists CertiPUR-US-certified foam for all five mattresses. Some also list an OEKO-TEX-certified cover or fabric. Check the listing for the exact certifications and materials associated with the model and size you are ordering.

Which mattresses are marked available in the supplied product data?

The Zinus, Best Price Mattress, and Amazon Basics are marked available. Both Novilla models are marked unavailable in the supplied data. Availability can change, so confirm the listing before making a purchase decision.

Final Recommendation

For a budget-minded queen mattress with a defined medium-firm feel, the Zinus is the most straightforward pick in this group. Choose the Amazon Basics if you prefer a soft plush surface, or the Best Price Mattress if Twin XL is the size you need. The Novilla models have appealing cooling-focused features, but the supplied product data marks them unavailable, so verify their current listing status before considering either one.