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Who says you need to lose an arm or a leg to buy a good quality mattress?
A comfortable sleeping experience should never be a luxury. But of course, with a majority of gel-infused memory foam and hybrid mattresses costing over $1000, one may feel reluctant to buy a new mattress.
And that’s where this carefully curated review-based guide enters the scene. We have scoured the Canadian market and compiled the top five budget mattresses that will neither hurt your back nor pinch your wallet. Not to forget, most of these mattresses are accompanied by impressive warranties and trial periods, offering quite a bang for the buck!
So, without further ado, let’s get straight to the deets of each mattress…
Starting with a versatile pick to suit any sleep position, we have this medium-firm mattress from Full Moon. Available in five distinct sizes, this cooling gel-foam mattress offers breathable layers and balanced support even for those on a tight budget. We especially like how the mattress contours according to the sleeper’s position, making it ideal for stomach sleepers, as well as side and back sleepers.
Moving on, the mattress offers a responsive foam, allowing you to move around while sleeping without feeling stuck. But at the same time, its motion isolation properties allow you to sleep comfortably even if your partner is cooking up a storm on the other side. Additionally, you get free shipping and returns and 120 nights to try out the mattress.
This all-foam mattress sports a low profile and may not be suitable for heavier sleepers.
Coupled with a 15-year warranty offer, this mattress is recommended for value seekers, irrespective of their preferred sleeping position. Thanks to its cooling gel construction, it is also ideal for hot sleepers and couples looking for a mattress with low-motion transfer.
Here’s another affordable mattress with a whopping 15-year warranty and a 120-night sleep trial from the house of Cherry. The mattress features a gel-infused top layer along with a soft-to-touch cover, keeping you cool and comfy throughout the night. The open cell foam layer further enhances comfort by cradling your body and offering pressure relief. On top of that, the high-density foam provides optimum motion isolation.
Coming to the feel of the mattress, this 6-inch product offers a medium firm feel, making it ideal for all types of sleeping positions. It offers versatility in bed bases, too, as it can be used on a slatted base, platform base, box foundation, and non-medical adjustable base.
Like most all-foam mattresses, this budget option from Cherry is also not suitable for heavier sleepers.
Considering the price range, the aforementioned drawback cannot be seen as a dealbreaker. More so with the brand’s customer-friendly warranty length, trial period, delivery and return policy.
Memory foam mattresses are the preferred option among most sleepers, so we had to include this cot-size option from Zinus. Available in seven different sizes, this affordable memory foam mattress is infused with green tea and charcoal extracts. These unique ingredients act as cooling and moisture-absorbing agents, making the product ideal for those who sleep hot. Plus, the memory foam layer provides optimum pressure relief.
Coming with a 10-year warranty, the all-foam construction is certified by CertiPUR US for performance, materials, and durability. Notably, the mattress is expertly compressed and packaged into a compact box, allowing easy unboxing. Within 72 hours, your pressure-relieving memory foam mattress will be ready to use!
Another impressive factor about this mattress is the fact that other than twin and narrow-twin, all other sizes can support up to 500 lbs. This makes the product a lot more inclusive than the previously reviewed budget mattresses.
This mattress may not be the best bet for stomach sleepers as it offers a relatively medium-soft feel.
Thanks to its soft profile, the Zinus memory foam mattress is one of the best cheap mattresses for back and side sleepers. Yet, if you’re unsure about the product, you can always take advantage of the 100-night trial and 10-year warranty period.
Next up, we have another cooling gel foam option from Juno. Made in Canada and available in six sizes, there’s a trusty Juno mattress for everyone! The brand offers the best of comfort and breathability with its amalgamation of a total support foam and full-body cooling gel foam. As such, the mattress gently cradles your pressure points while allowing maximum airflow throughout the night.
Offering a balanced medium-firm feel, the mattress is suitable for all types of sleepers, including combination sleepers. Other than that, it provides a responsive bounce while controlling motion transfer, making it ideal for couples and sleepers with frisky kids and pets. Additionally, the brand offers a free weighted blanket with all mattress offers. Now, that’s what we call a steal!
Juno mattress lacks support, making it unsuitable for stomach sleepers. Plus, we do not recommend it to heavier users as well.
Overall, Juno is a no-nonsense mattress that offers excellent value for money. It is essentially an all-foam bed that mimics the feel of a memory foam mattress. As such, it is comfortable, responsive, and breathable.
Next we have a bamboo charcoal-infused memory foam mattress by BedStory. Besides providing a cool night’s sleep, the aforementioned ingredient offers a deodorizing effect and repels moisture. The ultra-soft fabric cover only adds to the cooling comfort of the mattress, while the foam layers offer firm support to the entire body. Moreover, the mattress is free of any harmful fire retardants, making it a durable and non-toxic choice.
Boasting 35 years of experience in the industry, it is no surprise that the brand offers 100 days for customers to try out the comfort and quality of the mattress. Additionally, the 10-year warranty backs your purchase against minor wear and tear. What’s more, shipping is free and quick, and thanks to the expertly compressed and rolled packaging, setting up your mattress will take you just a few minutes!
Like most foam mattresses reviewed above, this one, too, may not be suitable for heavier sleepers.
For the price, this mattress is a stellar option for those seeking a “hug-like” feeling while keeping moisture and sweat at bay. The brand also offers other unique mattresses, like the Lavender Memory Foam Mattress, known to purify the air and provide stress relief.
Before you rush to grab a sweet deal, we recommend carefully analyzing your personal requirements with a mattress. For instance, hot sleepers would prefer a mattress made of cooling gel memory foam, whereas heavier users may want a high-profile yet affordable mattress. Hence, we have explained below some of the important factors you must consider while shopping for a suitable mattress…
The first and foremost step to finding the perfect mattress is to figure out your preferred mattress type. The type further determines the materials used for constructing the mattress, which will affect the comfort and firmness level of the product.
These mattresses are made of dense polyurethane foam that softens and contours to the shape of the sleeper’s body. Consequently, it does not compress under pressure and heat.
The biggest advantage of memory foam beds is the increased support and pressure relief it provides. Motion isolation is another factor that makes it a popular pick among couples.
On the flip side, memory foam may not be an ideal material for hot sleepers.
The oldest type of mattress on the market is innerspring, which, as the name suggests, is equipped with metal springs or coils in the core. It offers different types of comfort levels, making it versatile enough for combination sleepers. However, because of the overall foam firmness, innerspring mattresses may not be suitable for those who prefer softer mattresses.
Hybrids combine the supportive aspect of innerspring with the contouring properties of memory foam, thereby offering enhanced comfort and edge support. Overall, these mattresses are ideal for all types of sleepers, couples, heavier users, and more.
However, keep in mind that a hybrid mattress is usually more expensive than other mattresses on the market.
If you’re always on the go, air mattresses are your best bet! Easy to inflate and deflate, you can use air mattresses for guests, sleepovers, camping, and more. But, as you may have guessed, they are prone to punctures, making them an unreliable option.
An all-foam mattress, compressed and rolled into a small box, is called mattress in a box. It is like any traditional foam mattress, only a lot easier to unpack and install. Moreover, these mattresses are ideal for fitting into smaller spaces without hitting any delicate corners around the house. They are convenient, comfortable, and budget-friendly.
One major drawback you should know, though, is the issue of off-gassing. As soon as you unpack the mattress, it is most likely to emit a strong odour that will take a few days to subside.
Latex foam or natural latex mattress is another popular and functional option on the market, as it is plush, bouncy, and pressure relieving. The trapped air bubbles in a latex mattress lend the much-preferred responsive feel without making the user “sink” in.
However, others may find the same responsive nature of the mattress a bit too “spongy.” Not to forget, those with latex allergies should certainly stay away from this mattress type.
Polyfoam feels similar to memory foam and is sometimes used in spring mattresses to encase pocketed coils. Mattresses made of this material offer high resilience and ample support without the “sinking” feeling.
Hot sleepers or those who live in tropical/temperate regions may want to invest in a cooling gel foam mattress. These mattresses offer sufficient pressure relief while dissipating body heat. Some of these mattresses may be infused with natural ingredients or essential oils to further enhance the moisture-absorbing and germ-repelling properties.
The size of your bed will determine the suitable size of mattress you require. The most common is twin size, and it is suitable for single sleepers. Taller users may opt for Twin XL or other larger sizes.
Usually, the price of the mattress will vary with the size of your choice. As such, a California king-size mattress will be a lot more expensive than a single-sized variant of the same brand.
To determine the suitable size of a mattress, we recommend measuring your bed frame and considering your height and weight.
Side sleepers typically require a mattress that offers support to the backbone while contouring to their back and head for a comfortable plush feel. Back sleepers, on the other hand, need something that sinks their back, head, and arms and corrects spinal alignment.
Lastly, stomach sleepers require a mattress that sinks the arms and the stomach. As such, it is highly advisable to opt for a mattress according to your preferred sleeping positions. Here, you can even take advantage of trial periods to check if the mattress adheres to your requirements or not.
An uncomfortable mattress not only ruins your sleep but may also cause health complications in the long run. Hence, it is always best to go with what suits your comfort requirements.
Now, one cannot judge the comfort level of a mattress simply by looking at it or touching it. That’s when the trial periods provided by brands come as a blessing in disguise, as you can freely try out the mattress and decide whether it is the right pick. Most brands offer 100-150 nights for trial.
Adding to the previous point, some users may have chronic health issues or allergies. They must be extra cautious while checking the materials and construction of the mattress.
For instance, those who are more prone to allergies should avoid mattresses made of all-natural materials like cotton, latex, down, etc. Or, they can opt for products that are tagged as hypoallergenic.
Apart from your personal requirements, you must consider your partner’s needs in a mattress as well. Not to forget, you will need a mattress that promises minimum motion transfer and partner disturbance.
Out of all the mattresses, we recommend memory foam for those sleeping with a partner, as it provides ample comfort and eliminates body movements.
A sufficient trial period and warranty length are essential factors to consider while buying a budget mattress. After all, just because a product is cheap, you wouldn’t want it to wear out in the first few months itself.
However, you must carefully read the terms and conditions of each brand to understand how to take advantage of the warranty if your mattress gets damaged within the specified period.
Those who suffer from insomnia may prefer a mattress infused with lavender essential oils. Or those who live in humid climates may want something that repels moisture and bacteria. As such, always look out for mattresses that offer unique features, which, while not necessary for others, could make a world of difference in your sleeping experience.
Although the price of each mattress varies with different factors like materials, layers, additional features, etc., here’s a rough idea for each type of mattress…
Keep in mind that the prices mentioned above are for the queen-size variant of each mattress.
Usually, brands selling mattresses in a box recommend waiting for some hours before sleeping on it. Sometimes 12 hours is enough, and in other cases, you may even have to wait for up to 72 hours. But what if you don’t?
Well, first of all, the main reason behind the suggested waiting period is comfort. Mattresses in a box are compressed, vacuum sealed, and rolled into a compact box. Naturally, it will take some time to get back to its original shape after unpacking.
However, you may not always have to wait exactly till the suggested time. You can just eyeball it and if it looks warm and fluffy enough, hop right in! You could also let the mattress sit in a warm, well-ventilated room to speed up the process.
Another reason brands recommend waiting is off-gassing. Since these mattresses are wrapped in plastic during transit, off-gassing is common and takes a few hours to subside. As such, we recommend opting for CertiPUR-US–certified mattresses to stay away from mattresses that contain VOCs and emit toxic fumes.
While all the mattresses recommended above are long-lasting and durable, regular maintenance goes a long way in ensuring you make the most of your affordable mattress. Generally, a mattress should last roughly 7-15 years, depending on the material. Yet, here are some maintenance tips you should consider…
Trust us - getting a mattress protector will make cleaning and maintenance a breeze! In case of spills and stains, you can simply remove the cover and toss it in the washing machine. A mattress protector can even help you take full advantage of the warranty, as some brands say that the warranties will be voided if the mattress is stained.
So, to stay on the safer side, we always recommend getting a mattress protector/cover, preferably a machine-washable one.
According to the type of mattress, check if you have a suitable bed to support the mattress. Usually, innerspring mattresses require a box spring, while foam beds need a solid bed base. In case you have a slatted bed frame, we recommend checking the maximum weight it can support and buying a mattress accordingly.
If you have kids at home, let them know that jumping is not allowed on the bed. It is not only dangerous for them but can also damage the mattress sooner than you can imagine.
Similarly, snacking in bed can make your bedding dirty as food crumbs can reach deep within the mattress and invite germs and insects. But if you cannot resist a hearty breakfast in bed, ensure you change your bedsheets frequently.
Sleeping on the same side of the mattress can leave deep impressions on the product. Hence, rotating and flipping your mattress once in a while is suggested.
However, check with the brand beforehand if rotating and flipping is required or not. Sometimes mattresses consist of certain layers, due to which changing their position should be avoided.
Cleaning your mattress regularly is key to making it last. That’s why we suggest vacuuming at least twice a year and spot-cleaning as and when required. This will not only keep your mattress looking clean but also get rid of hair strands and skin cells that are not easily visible.
While pets make perfect cuddle buddies, we recommend keeping them out of bed if you want your mattress to remain as good as new. Most of the time, your furry companions carry bugs and bacteria that are invisible to the naked eye. Once these parasites reach your bed, get ready to tackle with the worst allergies and health issues!
Finally, we reach the end of this extensive guide on the best budget mattresses in Canada. We hope our recommendations will help you make the right choice according to your sleeping requirements.
But if we had to pick, we’d definitely go with the Full Moon Mattress since it offers the best of both worlds - comfort and cooling. And at this price range, we couldn’t have asked for more!
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