Mattress buying is, quite often, an exhausting process that’ll leave you pining for sleep right there in the showroom (or, as is the case for most shoppers nowadays, at the computer desk). There are so many materials to choose from, extra features, and densities, it’s hard to know where to begin. Add in the touchy subject of budget, and it gets even harder—especially when you have very little to spend, but need a decently sized mattress.
For shoppers in search of a budget-friendly Queen mattress, our buyer’s guide can help you determine what to look for. We’ll also judge a few options to get your search started, all priced under $300.
Product | Quality | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Lucid 10”Gel Memory | A+ | ||
Zinus Memory Foam 12” Ultra Plush | A+ | ||
Dreamfoam Bedding Arctic Dreams | A | ||
Classic Brands Decker Hybrid Memory Foam and Innerspring | A- |
Buyer’s Guide:
Why should I consider a queen? What’s the difference between a full, queen, king, and California king mattress?
For a long time, beds were twins and doubles (or similar to today’s measurements for these models). Couples either slept in different (smaller) beds for comfort, or a larger one together for warmth. In the 1940s and 50s, the industry introduced queen and king sizes. They were wildly popular, and ran for $50-$90, on average. This was a time period when “bigger is better” started to take hold in America, and just in time: people were getting taller, thanks to more nutrient-dense, plentiful diets than in previous decades.
Today, queen mattresses dominate the market with nearly half of all mattress sales. They’re most popular with adults, both singles and couples, although some purchase them for teens or children, as well, especially if they have multiple children sharing a bed.
Lucid 10”Gel Memory
As for why they’re so popular, it seems to be a matter of balancing space: people want and need plenty of room to toss and turn without feeling crowded, but might not have enough space in their bedroom for a king. Even if they do have the room, many people prefer to use the extra inches on either side for nightstands and walkways.
What material should my mattress be made out of?
Memory foam is the most popular mattress material for any budget, but it’s worth looking at every type before you make your decision. Some are better for different weights or sleeping positions, and certain types sleep cooler or warmer than others.
Zinus Memory Foam 12” Ultra Plush
Innerspring
- Good for: Even weight distribution; heavier individuals; motion separation (ability for one partner to move without transferring motion to other people).
- Bad for: Pressure point relief. Without sufficient padding, too many innersprings become uncomfortable, especially for side sleepers.
Hybrid
- Good for: All the same benefits as innerspring models, but quieter and more comfortable thanks to foam layer overtop springs.
- Bad for: Most tight budgets; hybrids generally come at steeper prices, but not always.
Latex foam
- Good for: Back and stomach sleepers, heavier individuals, and people who want the pressure relief of memory foam, without too close of a contour.
- Bad for: Side sleepers/anyone who doesn’t love firmer mattresses.
Memory foam
- Good for: Pressure point relief, pain management in joints/spine, tossing and turning. Good motion separation, great for side sleepers.
- Bad for: Stomach sleepers and some back sleepers, heavier people who might feel like they’re sinking too much/”trapped”.
What are short queen mattresses? Who are these for?
While standard queens measure 60”x80”, short queens are 5” shorter. These are meant for RVs (although some people use them in customized beds in very tight spaces, wheeled or otherwise). There are also three-quarter queens, which are 48” by 75”. These are even narrower than full/double beds and the same length, but are perfect for the very oddly shaped bunks/areas you might find in a recreational vehicle. This buyer’s guide will focus on standard queen mattresses measuring 60” wide and 80” long.
Dreamfoam Bedding Arctic Dreams 10”Cooling Gel
Best Queen Mattress Reviews
1.Zinus Memory Foam 12” Ultra Plush Queen Mattress Review
You might think this price range can’t swing a multi-layer foam mattress with fancy infusions, premium thickness, and a warranty to boot—and usually, you’d be right—but that’s not the case with this model from Zinus. Its ultra-soft microfiber cover is plush and feels luxurious, and sits atop a generous 2” of memory foam; yet it distributes weight well, and doesn’t have excessive “give.”
