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My fellow CNET sleep editors and I selected mattresses based on firmness, feel, performance, durability, features and brand policies. We test beds by lying on them, testing edge support, motion isolation and switching between sleeping positions, for example. We also test the firmness of a mattress using our own machine, appropriately called the Mattress Smasher 9000. This heavy-duty tool applies pressure to the middle of the bed and our corresponding software measures the firmness on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and firmest. 10 being the strongest. While we also personally test each bed for bed firmness and feel, we have data from the MS9000 to back up our conclusions.
Here’s the data we learned by testing the best cheap beds with the Mattress Smasher 9000. Ranked from softest to firmest, here’s how the mattress scores on our firmness scale.
However, with this list specifically, price and value were two of the key metrics we examined. The mattresses we considered “cheap” range in price from $300 to $800 (after discounts are applied) and are very basic and often flagship models. They don’t have to have any fancy bells and whistles, however the mattresses chosen are still comfortable, quality bedding and affordable.
Read more about our sleep team, our mattress warehouse, the Mats Smasher 9000 and How we test mattresses.
