Best Cheap Memory Foam Mattress

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If you need a good night’s sleep, consider purchasing a memory foam mattress or mattress topper after reading our buying guide. Here, we will explore memory foam, how it can benefit your body, and the features to look for (especially important when buying a cheap mattress).

Key Specs Compared

Numbers match the reviews below (tap to jump).

Key specs of the 5 memory foam mattresses reviewed below

#	Height	Feel	CertiPUR-US	Warranty
1	8"	Soft	✓	1-yr warranty
2	8"	Not stated	✓	10-yr warranty
3	5"	Firm	Not stated	10-yr warranty
4	5"	Firm	Not stated	10-yr warranty
5	12"	Not stated	✓	10-yr warranty

✓ yes · ✗ no · – not confirmed · Specs as stated on the Amazon listing or by the maker · Not a treatment for any condition

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What is Memory Foam?

Memory foam, first called temper foam, was developed in 1966 to absorb shock and improve comfort in NASA’s airplane seats.^[1] This discovery led to an even greater breakthrough here on Earth; however, memory foam products began circulating on the market. Memory foam is also known as viscoelastic polyurethane foam. It undergoes the same process as high-density foam but has a higher thickness and viscosity with added chemicals. Memory foam’s most remarkable characteristic is that it holds an impression on the user, activated by one’s body heat. This has proven useful for sleeping optimally at night in the form of mattresses and pillows, in-shoe orthotics, and unique recliner chairs. In recent years, open-cell and gel-infused foams have been made to improve airflow.

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Why You Should Want a Memory Foam Mattress

Haven’t you ever wished you could sink into your mattress? With memory foam, one does. Many people find memory foam comfortable, which can help them sleep well. Hence, putting a box spring for memory foam mattresses will increase the durability of your mattress and get an elevated platform for a low-rise bed. A supportive mattress can help keep your spine in a comfortable position. A memory foam mattress can offer a soft, contouring feel. Some people with pain conditions find memory foam comfortable, but it doesn’t treat any condition. In studies, medium-firm mattresses tended to work best for comfort and sleep quality.^[2] If pain keeps you awake, see a doctor.^[3]

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Features that Constitute Good Memory Foam Mattresses

Here are the top 5 features you can look out for when doing memory foam mattress shopping. This is how you can tell you struck a bargain:

1. Cooling Gel Infused – If the memory foam mattress is cooling gel-infused, then you know it has additional components in it that absorb heat, allowing for a cooler sleeping experience. These may suit people who tend to sleep hot.
2. Open Cell Technology – This means the memory foam has micro ventilation or holes from which the hot air generated can escape. This is essential, or the mattress may get too hot at night.
3. Pressure Point Relief Design – If the design is contoured or raised in any way, this is usually not a bad thing. A contoured or zoned design aims to spread out pressure along your back, which some people find more comfortable. It is not a remedy for insomnia; if you often can’t sleep, talk to a doctor.^[4]
4. Multi-layered Foam Product – Different-density foams with various functions layered underneath a layer of memory foam make for thicker, more comfortable mattresses. These are likely pricey, so grab them if you find a cheap one.
5. Height – the thicker the memory foam mattress, the more room you have to sink in. Try to go closer to the 14-inch side rather than the 8-inch side, especially if you are a side sleeper.

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Our Cheap Memory Foam Mattress Picks

Here, we have a selection of cheap memory foam mattresses. We hope you love the products we recommend!

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1

• This 8-inch mattress has 3 foam layers with a soft, plush-feeling memory foam top.
• The middle layer has air holes, and the wavy base layer adds airflow, per the listing.
• The foam is CertiPUR-US certified and the top fabric is OEKO-TEX certified.^[5][6]
• Allow up to 72 hours for it to expand and air out.

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2

• This 8-inch mattress has 2 inches of memory foam, 2 inches of comfort foam and a 4-inch base foam.
• The memory foam is infused with green tea and charcoal to help keep it fresh, per the maker.
• The maker says the foam is CertiPUR-US certified and the materials are OEKO-TEX certified.^[5][6]
• It comes with a 10-year limited warranty; the twin supports up to 250 pounds.

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3

• This 5-inch firm mattress has 1 inch of ventilated gel and bamboo charcoal memory foam over 4 inches of base foam.
• The low profile suits RVs, trundle beds and bunk beds.
• The maker suggests it for stomach and back sleepers and teens.
• It is fiberglass-free and comes with a 10-year limited warranty.

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4

• This 5-inch firm mattress has 1 inch of gel-infused memory foam over 4 inches of high-density base foam.
• It works on a metal grid, platform, slatted frame or box spring.
• The compact profile suits a bunk bed, day bed, trundle or RV.
• Allow 48 to 72 hours for it to decompress.

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5

• This 12-inch mattress has 2 inches of gel memory foam over 3 inches of comfort memory foam.
• Seven inches of layered support foam form the base.
• It is designed for a platform bed and is adjustable-bed friendly, per the listing.
• The open-cell foam meets CertiPUR-US standards, according to the maker.^[5]

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Comparison Table: Cheap Memory Foam Mattress

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Sources

1. NASA Spinoff (2005). Forty Years of Temper Foam (memory foam history). Accessed October 15, 2026.
2. Radwan A, et al. Effect of different mattress designs on promoting sleep quality, pain reduction, and spinal alignment in adults with or without back pain; systematic review of controlled trials. Sleep Health. 2015;1(4):257-267. Accessed October 15, 2026.
3. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIH). Back Pain. Accessed October 15, 2026.
4. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NIH). Insomnia: Treatment. Accessed October 15, 2026.
5. CertiPUR-US. About Certified Foam. Accessed October 16, 2026.
6. OEKO-TEX. OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100. Accessed October 16, 2026.

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Update History

• Oct 2026: Product picks reviewed and updated; added a Key Specs table; added Sources (NASA, peer-reviewed studies, NIAMS, NHLBI, CertiPUR-US, OEKO-TEX); filled the remaining Key Specs cells from product listings
• Feb 2022: Added LUCID 5 Inch Gel Foam Mattress
• Oct 2019: Added Amazon Basics Soft Plush 8-Inch Foam Mattress and Vibe Gel 12-Inch Foam Mattress
• Feb 2017: First published

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