If you’re shopping for a new mattress this year, chances are you’ll be more mindful of how much you’re spending than in recent years. With energy bills set to skyrocket to new levels in 2022, sensible budgeting is more important than ever. In the US, the consumer price index has risen by 7.9% in a single year – the largest inflation increase in 40 years.
America is also experiencing an all-time high at the gas pump. Historic highs saw customers paying $4.43 per gallon – 32 cents higher than the previous all-time record in 2008.
This all equates to higher living expenses and the need for wiser choices. As such, shoppers looking to upgrade their mattresses are looking at more competitive prices and money-saving options when purchasing their next bed.
Luckily, quality does not need to be sacrificed when buying an affordable mattress. Research conducted by sleep experts at SFGATE has discovered the very best budget mattress for 2022: the Vaya Mattress was found to be the best affordable mattress for shoppers on a budget. Let’s take a closer look at the Best Mattress for the Money in 2022.
Vaya mattress: The best budget mattress of 2022
A number of key criteria were used to crown the Vaya mattress as the best affordable mattress this year. The research found that the mattress is:
- Affordable
- Has a 10-year warranty
- A double layer foam mattress
- Certified by CertiPUR-US
- Created with cool memory foam technology
- A Contouring foam mattress
- Supportive and durable
- Compatible with most bed frames
- Includes 100-night sleep trial
Starting with affordability criteria, the Vaya foam mattress starts at $349. The mattress stays within a comfortable price range, even as the size goes up.
| Vaya Foam Mattress Price | Vaya Foam Mattress Size |
| $349 | Twin |
| $449 | Twin XL |
| $499 | Full |
| $599 | Queen Size |
| $799 | King |
| $799 | California King |
This includes free delivery and free returns on all-foam mattresses. Also, the mattress provider offers online discount codes. So this could decrease the price even further. However, although this is an affordable mattress, it loses none of the durability of more expensive luxury mattresses. Vaya is supremely confident in its foam mattress, offering both a 10-year warranty and a 100-night sleep trial.
The warranty lasts for a decade covering workmanship and structural defects. If any problems arise, a full replacement or repair is offered. The 100-night sleep trial or the Vaya ‘Pure Comfort Promise’ means you can return the product for a refund if you are not satisfied. From a trial of 30 nights up to 100 nights after arrival, you will receive a full refund. If returned before 30 days there will be a $99 processing fee. As stated, returns are also free of charge.
The foam mattress has certified quality, unmatched by rival budget mattresses. Unlike other mattresses on the market that often contain potentially unpleasant materials, the Vaya foam mattress comes with a CertiPUR-US guarantee. This means they are:
- Made without ozone depleters
- Made without PBDEs, TDCPP or TCEP (‘Tris’) flame retardants
- Made without mercury, lead, and other heavy metals
- Made without formaldehyde
- Made without phthalates regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission
- Low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) emissions for indoor air quality (less than 0.5 parts per million)
So despite the low price, this foam mattress is safer for both yourself and the environment.
The Vaya mattress also has a layer of comfort foam and base foam for targeted comfort and durability. The foam is highly versatile for all sleeping positions. This is because it contours to your body whilst supporting your spine, and bounces back when you change your sleeping position. It is equally beneficial for side sleepers, and back and stomach sleepers. This means it is great for those that move around and change their sleeping position during the night.
These foam mattresses are also perfect for hot sleepers as they contain an open-cell design. This along with a breathable mattress cover wicks air away and prevents overheating. Along with being highly durable and comfortable this affordable foam mattress is also extremely versatile. It has been described as a bed in a box as it can be folded, packed, and sent in a box to your door. This budget mattress can also fit a variety of bed frames including a slatted or flat foundation or an adjustable bed.
Why a good mattress is so important
Under the current economic climate, it is understandable that shoppers will want to look for cheap mattress options. However, it is still important to do your research and find the best budget mattress you can. This means that, while you can still find affordable mattresses on the market, it’s important not to cut corners and risk compromising the quality of your sleep.
Sleep is an often overlooked basic survival need. Many people will eat healthily, exercise, and protect their mental health, but neglect or struggle to sleep. However, not sleeping can affect nearly every aspect of your daily life including; work, education, driving, physical and social functioning. It can also have devastating effects on mental health. Around 7-19% of the US population do not get enough sleep every day with around 50 to 70 million suffering from chronic sleep disorders.
Of course, there are many reasons why people suffer from poor sleep, but not having the right mattress could be one of them. A comfortable, supportive mattress, will provide pressure relief, preventing you from waking through the night, with aches and pains.
But, not all foam mattresses will cater to your needs, which is why a trial period is so important. SFGATE’s best mattress for the money offers a 100-night sleep trial which is a real bonus. It allows you to find out if it is the right mattress for you before committing to it.
Affordable mattress shopping tips
Different mattresses are often better suited for certain types of people. And, although it is best to try before you buy such as with the 100-night sleep trial, there are some basic tips and guidelines to keep in mind to help you find the right mattress for you.
For example, people experiencing back pain and neck pain should stay away from softer mattresses, or a firmer mattress than normal. Instead, they should opt for a medium-firm mattress for back pain. A softer mattress will make you sink into the mattress which increases back pain. A harder mattress is also not good for back pain, or neck pain, as it increases pressure on the shoulders, sacrum, and back of the head.
Memory foam mattresses are better equipped for those whose partners move around a lot in their sleep. This is because there is less motion transfer, allowing people to remain in the same sleeping position as their partner tosses and turns. Ultimately you want to find the best affordable mattress that provides consistent and equal pressure relief.
The best mattresses to buy in 2022
Even though the Vaya mattress has been shown to be excellent value for the price, some people have different needs and budgets. SFGATE’s research included mattresses in other categories, from best soft mattress to best hybrid mattress.
Here are some of the winning mattresses in their respective categories.
Best mattress overall
The best-selling mattress by Amerisleep – the AS3 – won the best mattress overall category. The multi-award-winning, American-made memory foam mattress suits almost anyone. The plant-based eco memory foam provides sleepers with a medium-firm comfort, supporting pressure points. It also comes in a hybrid mattress style. It has a 20-year warranty, a trial of 100 nights, and free delivery/returns.
Best memory foam mattress
The Zoma mattress is the best of the memory foam range. It has a gel memory foam, that regulates heat. This is perfect for those that get hot when they sleep. Looking at this mattress online shows it is a favorite with customers, achieving a score of 4.8 out of 5 collectively. This mattress is again made in America, has a 10-year warranty and a 100-night trial.
Best luxury mattress
When the price is not an issue, the Nolah Evolution hybrid mattress, sits atop the throne as king of luxury mattresses. AirFoamICE technology means the hybrid mattress has foam layers of graphite which draws heat away for cool sleeping. This hybrid mattress also provides excellent pressure relief for those with back pain. It is durably built to support all sleeping positions, such as; back and stomach sleepers, and side sleepers. It has an impressive lifetime warranty and a 120-night sleep trial.
Best cooling mattress
The Brooklyn Aurora mattress is the best cooling mattress. The foam layers have CopperFlex technology to provide pliable pressure relief. The hybrid mattress comes in soft, medium, and firm versions. This mattress with CopperFlex foam mattress cools whilst providing pressure relief. The company provides a 120-night trial and a 10-year warranty.
Summary
As the cost of living rises many people are looking to buy cheap mattresses, to curb costs. Luckily, cheaper mattresses do not have to lose all quality. This has been shown by the Vaya foam mattress – which has been named the best affordable mattress. Unlike other foam mattresses, this affordable mattress can compete with luxury brands. Proving you do need to fork out for a plush mattress if you do the correct research.
As well as being an affordable mattress, it has a double foam layer. The foam layers provide cooling technology, which is perfect for hot sleepers. It also has a breathable mattress cover, providing even more comfort for those who get uncomfortably warm while sleeping.
This foam mattress is made in the US with CertiPUR-US certification, again proving its quality. This is part of what makes it the best mattress for shoppers on a budget. Unlike some other cheaper mattresses, harmful toxic chemicals are not used in the manufacture, helping to keep the buyer, and the environment safer.
This affordable mattress is also delivered straight to your door for free, packed neatly in a box. Unlike other mattress brands, you can send the product back after a trial, if you do not like it. The mattress is soft yet provides support for pressure relief, and it can be described as medium firm. This is perfect for sleepers with back pain or neck pain. Like any good foam mattress, the Vaya also bounces back into position after you move. Meaning back and stomach sleepers along with side sleepers are all supported properly through the night.
All these reasons add up to why the Vaya mattress has been rated as the best affordable mattress you can buy.
