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Finding a comfortable mattress is easy enough, but finding one under $900 can prove much trickier. It should be supportive, comfy, and help promote healthy sleep habits. And for those who are prone to aches and pains, the search is even more challenging. “Finding a mattress that supports the lumbar spine is essential in preventing low back pain,” says Dr. Allen Conrad, a chiropractor in New Wales, Pennsylvania. “The spine needs extra support when you sleep and a mattress will sag over time offering less spinal support.” We asked experts and professional mattress reviewers to share their favorite mattresses that cost $900 or less:
Chiropractor recommended
Nectar Memory Foam Mattress
$899 for a queen $799 for a queen
- Named USA Today’s Editors’ Choice 2021 “best foam mattress”
- Chiropractor recommended: “I believe that the Nectar memory foam mattress is the best one available at this price point,” says Conrad.
- Includes, free with purchase, 2 cooling pillows, a sheet set and a mattress protector
- Free shipping and returns
- 365-night free home trial
“Many types of memory foam mattresses tend to sag, or sink in, but this one is reinforced with dual layer support to prevent this. As a chiropractor, we’re trained in spinal biomechanics, and I believe that the Nectar memory foam mattress is the best one available at this price point,” says Conrad. Other critics like it too — the Sleep Foundation mentions that this is a great mattress for value seekers, side sleepers and those who weigh up to 230 pounds.
Spine surgeon recommended
Bear Mattress Original
$998 for a queen $747 for a queen
- Named Mattress Advisor’s “best mattress for back pain” in 2019
- NYC-based spine and orthopedic surgeon Dr. Gbolahan Okubadejo recommends this mattress, noting that it “aids with point relief, lumbar support and spinal alignment.”
- Includes 2 free cloud pillows and a sheet set
- Greenguard Gold Certified
NYC-based spine and orthopedic surgeon Dr. Gbolahan Okubadejo likes this mattress because of its cooling Graphite-Gel Memory Foam that removes unwanted body heat. “It also has transition foam to offer pressure relief with the bonus of balanced support. It also aids with point relief, lumbar support and spinal alignment,” says Okubadejo. A review from the Sleep Foundation says this mattress is ideal for people who are physically active or have demanding physical jobs and those who prefer to sleep on a firm mattress that provides some body contouring without a sinking feeling. Sleepopolis recommends the Bear mattress for back sleepers in need of a firm, supportive bed.
Memory foam mattress pick
Tuft & Needle Original Adaptive Foam Mattress
$895 for a queen $781.65 for a queen
- Free delivery with Amazon Prime
- 100-night free trial
- Greenguard Gold Certified
- Recommended for people who change positions a lot, and heavier people
“If you’re more of a memory foam person, this mattress is a good choice. Their proprietary foams don’t trap heat easily and its classic medium-firmness level provides enough support for a variety of different sleepers,” says Regulski. Mattress Clarity recommends this mattress for back, side and stomach sleepers and Wirecutter mentions it’s best for people who rotate frequently in the night as well as those who weigh over 200 pounds.
Hybrid mattress pick
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
$1,124 for a queen $899 for a queen
- Elisa Regulski, editor of MattressClarity.com, says she’s a big fan of the Brooklyn Bedding signature mattress: “When people are feeling truly stuck in the mattress-buying process, I point them toward Brooklyn Bedding.
- Free shipping and returns
- 120-night free trial
- Recommended for hot sleepers, as well as back, stomach and side sleepers
“It has that classic bouncy feel. Plus, you can choose your firmness level. When people are feeling truly stuck in the mattress-buying process, I point them toward Brooklyn Bedding,” says Regulski. Multiple review sites note that this hybrid mattress — made from both quality foam and coils — is great for hot sleepers. The Sleep Foundation notes that it’s ideal for couples and those who frequently feel pressure points, and Sleep Advisor recommends it for combination sleepers who change position throughout the night.
Great for couples
Nolah Original 10
$1,149 for a queen $899 for a queen
- Named one of the Best Overall Mattresses in 2021 by U.S. News & World Report
- Free FedEx delivery
- 120-night free trial
- Lifetime warranty
- Offers motion isolation, which can help couples sleep better with one another
Responsive polyfoam adds a subtle bounce to this mattress, which contours to the body to ease pressure. The Sleep Foundation notes that this mattress is best for side sleepers under 230 pounds, people who suffer from back pain and people who are sensitive to their partner moving during the night. Mattress Advisor says the Nolah is best for couples and people who toss and turn in addition to those with back pain.