Finding a quality memory foam mattress under $100 can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Many budget mattresses sacrifice support, durability, or safety to hit a low price, leaving sleepers with discomfort, overheating, or concerns about off-gassing and harmful materials. With so many options promising comfort and value, it’s hard to know which ones actually deliver restful, healthy sleep without breaking the bank.
We’ve analyzed hundreds of customer reviews, compared key specs like foam density, thickness, and cooling features, and prioritized safety certifications like CertiPUR-US to identify the best-performing memory foam mattresses under $100. Our top picks balance comfort, support, and value—ideal for college students, guest rooms, or anyone on a tight budget. Keep reading to discover the top-rated models that prove you don’t need to spend a fortune for a good night’s sleep.
Best Options at a Glance

EGOHOME 8 Inch Twin Memory Foam Mattress
Best Overall
- Memory Foam
- Medium Firm
- Green Tea Gel
- CertiPUR-US
- Twin 75″L x 38″W

Neo Sleep 8 Inch Twin Cooling Gel Mattress
Best Budget Friendly
- 8 in
- Twin
- Medium Firm
- CertiPUR-US
- Removable Soft Cover

ZINUS 5 Inch Twin Memory Foam Mattress
Best Value Under $90
- Memory Foam
- Medium
- 5 Inch
- CertiPUR-US
- 250 lbs

PayLessHere 5 Inch Full Green Tea Mattress
Best Full Size Option
- Full
- Medium Firm
- Memory Foam
- CertiPUR-US
- Gel Infused

PayLessHere 6 Inch Bamboo Charcoal Queen Mattress
Best Queen Size Budget Pick
- Memory Foam
- Medium-Firm
- Gel/Bamboo Charcoal Infused
- CertiPUR-US
- Free

Novilla 10 Inch Twin Gel Memory Foam Mattress
Best Cooling Performance
- Twin
- 10 inch
- Gel-infused memory foam
- CertiPUR-US
- 100-night

Novilla 10 Inch Twin Memory Foam Mattress
Best for Back Pain Relief
- 10 inch
- Memory Foam
- CertiPUR-US
- Gel-infused foam
- 100 days

NapQueen 5 Inch Twin Memory Foam Mattress
Best Basic Entry-Level Option
- Twin
- Memory Foam
- CertiPUR-US
- Medium
- Breathable Soft Fabric
Memory Foam Mattress Under 100 Review
How to Choose the Right Memory Foam Mattress Under $100
Choosing a memory foam mattress, especially on a budget, requires careful consideration. While a low price point is attractive, understanding key features will ensure you get a mattress that provides comfortable and supportive sleep. Here’s a breakdown of what to look for when shopping for a memory foam mattress under $100.
Foam Density & Firmness
Foam density is a crucial factor impacting a mattress’s durability and support. Lower-priced mattresses often use lower density foams. While this keeps costs down, it can mean the mattress won’t hold its shape as long or provide the same level of support as higher-density options. Firmness is subjective, but generally, a medium-firm mattress is best for most sleepers, offering a balance of comfort and support. Consider your preferred sleep position: side sleepers often benefit from softer foams to cushion pressure points, while back and stomach sleepers typically need firmer support to maintain spinal alignment.
Cooling Features
Memory foam is known for trapping heat. Mattresses under $100 often lack sophisticated cooling technologies. However, some incorporate features like gel infusions or breathable covers to help regulate temperature. Gel-infused memory foam attempts to draw heat away from the body, while breathable covers promote airflow. Look for mattresses specifically mentioning “cooling gel” or “breathable fabric” if you tend to sleep hot. Even a simple, open-cell foam structure can improve airflow compared to traditional memory foam.
Certifications & Materials
Prioritize safety and quality by looking for certifications like CertiPUR-US. This certification ensures the foam is made without harmful chemicals like ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPPs, TCEP, and formaldehyde. Also, look for mattresses labeled as fiberglass-free, as fiberglass can be a health concern if the mattress cover is damaged. The materials used in the cover also matter. Terry cloth or knitted fabric covers are generally more breathable and comfortable than plastic or vinyl covers.
Mattress Thickness & Layers
Generally, a thicker mattress will offer more support and durability. While many options under $100 are 5-6 inches thick, even a few extra inches can make a difference. Consider the layers within the mattress. A basic mattress will have a comfort layer (the memory foam) and a support layer (usually a denser foam). Some may include a transition layer between these to enhance comfort and support. Look for descriptions of these layers to understand the mattress’s construction.
Additional Considerations
- Weight Capacity: Check the maximum weight capacity to ensure it suits your needs.
- Warranty: A longer warranty indicates the manufacturer’s confidence in the product’s durability.
- Motion Isolation: Memory foam generally excels at motion isolation, which is beneficial if you share a bed.
- Off-Gassing: Some memory foam mattresses have a temporary odor when first unboxed. CertiPUR-US certified foams typically have lower levels of off-gassing.
Memory Foam Mattress Comparison (Under $100)
Product | Size | Thickness (in.) | Cooling Features | Certifications | Firmness | Best For | Price Range (approx.) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
EGOHOME 8 Inch Twin | Twin | 8 | Green Tea Gel Infusion, Bubble Hole Structure | CertiPUR-US, Oeko-Tex Standard 100 | Medium | Best Overall | $80 – $100 |
Neo Sleep 8 Inch Twin | Twin | 8 | Cooling Gel Memory Foam | CertiPUR-US | Medium | Best Budget Friendly | $70 – $90 |
ZINUS 5 Inch Twin | Twin | 5 | Green Tea Infusion | CertiPUR-US | Medium | Best Value Under $90 | $60 – $80 |
PayLessHere 5 Inch Full | Full | 5 | Gel Memory Foam, Bamboo Charcoal | CertiPUR-US | Medium | Best Full Size Option | $70 – $90 |
PayLessHere 6 Inch Bamboo Charcoal Queen | Queen | 6 | Bamboo Charcoal Infusion, Gel Memory Foam | N/A | Medium | Best Queen Size Budget Pick | $80 – $100 |
Novilla 10 Inch Twin | Twin | 10 | Gel-Infused Memory Foam, Breathable Knitted Cover | CertiPUR-US | Medium | Best Cooling Performance | $80 – $100 |
Novilla 10 Inch Twin | Twin | 10 | Gel-Infused Memory Foam, Breathable Knitted Cover | CertiPUR-US | Medium | Best for Back Pain Relief | $80 – $100 |
NapQueen 5 Inch Twin | Twin | 5 | N/A | CertiPUR-US, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 | Medium | Best Basic Entry-Level Option | $60 – $80 |
Testing & Data Analysis: Finding the Best Memory Foam Mattress Under $100
Our evaluation of memory foam mattresses under $100 centers on a data-driven approach, acknowledging the limitations of this price point. Due to the budget constraints, extensive physical product testing isn’t feasible across all options. Instead, we prioritize analyzing available data from verified customer reviews – focusing on reported durability, sleep comfort (categorized by sleep position – side, back, stomach), and temperature regulation.
We meticulously compare product specifications, specifically foam density (aiming for the highest possible within the budget), mattress thickness, and layer construction. We cross-reference manufacturer claims regarding “cooling gel” or “breathable fabrics” with user feedback to assess their actual effectiveness. A key component is verifying CertiPUR-US certification to ensure minimal off-gassing and the absence of harmful chemicals, a critical health and safety consideration. We also analyze warranty length as a proxy for manufacturer confidence and potential long-term value. Comparative analyses leverage online retailer data, including sales trends and customer ratings, to identify consistently well-regarded options within the memory foam mattress category. We focus on identifying patterns in reported issues (e.g., sagging, heat retention) to highlight potential drawbacks.
FAQs
What foam density should I look for in a memory foam mattress under $100?
While higher density is better, memory foam mattresses under $100 often have lower densities. Aim for the highest density you can find within your budget, as it impacts durability and support. Look for details in the product description.
Are memory foam mattresses under $100 actually cooling?
Many memory foam mattresses under $100 incorporate cooling features like gel infusions or breathable covers, but their effectiveness varies. Read customer reviews to see if others found them to regulate temperature well. Open-cell foam can also help with airflow.
What does CertiPUR-US certification mean?
CertiPUR-US certification ensures the memory foam mattress is made without harmful chemicals like ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPPs, TCEP, and formaldehyde. It’s an important safety standard to look for.
What mattress thickness is best for under $100?
While thicker is generally better, most mattresses under $100 are 5-8 inches thick. Consider your body weight and sleep position – heavier individuals or those needing more support may benefit from a slightly thicker option.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a memory foam mattress under $100 requires realistic expectations and focused research. Prioritizing features like CertiPUR-US certification, understanding foam density, and reading customer reviews will significantly increase your chances of finding a comfortable and supportive option within your budget.
Ultimately, the best mattress depends on your individual needs and preferences. By carefully considering the factors outlined in this guide and comparing available options, you can confidently select a memory foam mattress that provides a better night’s sleep without breaking the bank.