Best 10 Mattresses for College Students (Updated 2024)
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Whether you want to upgrade your dorm room or live off campus, a comfy mattress can make the difference in college. With cooling and balanced comfort being some of the most desirable qualities, budget is also an added consideration, especially when these mattresses may be upgraded in a few years post-college. We've analyzed hundreds of mattresses and their customer feedback to build this list of cozy mattresses for college students.
KEY CUSTOMER FEEDBACK ON LIST*
+3.2x better quality
+3.7x more cloud like
Listed top rated mattresses vs. average comparable mattressesCollege Students Need More Sleep
With the long hours of studying, activities, and spending time with friends, it is no surprise that college students get less sleep than almost any other demographic. They average only between 6 and 6.5 hours a night. This is one reason why getting a mattress that is comfortable is so important because they need to recover faster than other folks.
That said, we all know the other reality of college students -- tight budgets. With the cost of college increasing steadily year after year, spending extra money on a mattress is just plain silly. That's why when we hear from parents and college students, we lean towards recommending high quality mattresses for a low price.
Balancing Comfort With Budget
The most affordable and still comfortable mattresses are foam options. Foam mattresses tend to be less expensive, while still being extremely comfortable. For those that do have the budget for something a little more expensive, hybrid mattresses are top rated as the most comfortable generally, but come at a higher pricepoint.
Which Mattresses Are Best?
We've provided a list of some of the most comfortable mattresses while also being cost-affordable and providing quick relief to active students. One top pick is Bear mattress, which is made for folks that need to recover from a long day with added layers of comfort and cooling to ensure that your sleep is the most fulfilling. Another great option is the Nectar, which is cost saving, while still being extremely comfortable, while the Amore is an ultra-comfortable mattress with coils for those that want deeper comfort.
#1 Siena
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Siena is an affordable mattress brand by Resident Home, the makers of some of the most well-rated mattresses in the industry. Their Siena offering is all about delivering high value comfort while maintaining a low price. With prices starting below $500 for a queen (after discount), mattresses at these price points found elsewhere often have additional complaints about perceived quality and durability over time. With a specialty foam design that features breathability, pressure relief, and sturdy support, Siena is a great consideration for those on a budget.
Mattress Score for College Students
Overall Score for College Students: 9.9/10
Customer Satisfaction: 9.5/10
Price Value: 9.5/10
Back Support: 9.3/10
Price: $149-$599
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#2 Nectar
One of the most popular mattress brands, Nectar has revolutionized the all-foam mattress industry with designs that focus on universally comfy firmness and support. With 3 all-foam mattresses and even some newer hybrid options, customers have reported enhanced cooling and supreme pressure relief in the Nectar Premier & Luxe. With value-add benefits like a full year trial and 'forever' warranty, quality materials for the price, and 'Buy Now, Pay Later' financing options, it should be a serious consideration for value-conscious shoppers. Now available in Canada. From the UK? See our review for the UK version.
Mattress Score for College Students
Overall Score for College Students: 9.7/10
Customer Satisfaction: 9.7/10
Price Value: 9.8/10
Back Support: 9.4/10
Price: $349-$2598
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#3 Bear Mattress
Bear offers 5 top-rated mattresses. Their Bear Original memory foam has won acclaim with athletes on a budget. For those looking for a pressure-relieving feel, the Star Hybrid and Pro Hybrid are great options. Sleepers looking for the responsive feel of natural latex will enjoy the Bear Natural hybrid mattress. Lastly, their Elite Hybrid, features both cooling foams and zoned support to provide sleepers with a luxurious sleep experience. From the Celliant® fibers to copper cooling, customers love these mattresses for their superior cooling, muscle pain relief, and balanced back support.
Mattress Score for College Students
Overall Score for College Students: 9.6/10
Customer Satisfaction: 9.5/10
Price Value: 9.4/10
Back Support: 9.5/10
Price: $786-$4996
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#4 Dreamfoam Bedding
Dreamfoam Bedding is a lower cost brand by Brooklyn Bedding. These economy mattresses offer competitive options for the budget conscious shopper, while still having a good selection of choices featuring hypoallergenic latex, foam, and coil. Because of the lower prices, there are lower quality materials used in the mattresses, which isn't ideal for all sleepers, but for those that are looking for a temporary solution or a guest room mattress, these might work just fine.
Mattress Score for College Students
Overall Score for College Students: 9.6/10
Customer Satisfaction: 9.3/10
Price Value: 9.3/10
Back Support: 9.2/10
Price: $274-$1499
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#5 Nolah
Nolah came to market in 2016 when they crafted their very own foam, called Nolah AirFoam®, as a response to the memory foam mattress industry. Its innovation is that it retains less heat than other memory foam or common 'visco elastic' foams. It is easier on the hips and shoulders, making it ideal for side sleepers. With multiple mattress options, good customer satisfaction scores, and a tailored mattress for plus sized sleepers, Nolah is a brand anyone can feel good about!
Mattress Score for College Students
Overall Score for College Students: 9.4/10
Customer Satisfaction: 9.3/10
Price Value: 9.4/10
Back Support: 9.4/10
Price: $699-$2499
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#6 Loom And Leaf
Loom and Leaf has a lot to offer -- standing at just about 12 inches thick, it has many layers of high-end foam that help alleviate pressure points but also properly cradle the spine. If you are frustrated by mattresses that don't properly support your back and spine, Loom and Leaf can definitely help. It has a medium firm option that is approved by chiropractors and other spine gurus. Also, its firmness and thick layers help with long term durability.
Mattress Score for College Students
Overall Score for College Students: 9.3/10
Customer Satisfaction: 9.3/10
Price Value: 9.3/10
Back Support: 9.3/10
Price: $1195-$3150
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#7 Cocoon
Cocoon by Sealy is Sealy's answer to the disruptive mattress in a box brands that have been so popular over the past two years. They offer a cooling 'Chill' memory foam mattress and hybrid mattress. With massive brand awareness, competitive prices, and easy delivery, Cocoon is an exciting entry into the mattress-in-a-box space. One that's sure to continue to innovate!
Mattress Score for College Students
Overall Score for College Students: 9.3/10
Customer Satisfaction: 9.4/10
Price Value: 9.1/10
Back Support: 9.4/10
Price: $769-$1999
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#8 Polysleep
Polysleep is a popular Canadian mattress brand that sells their all-foam mattresses across the Canada and the USA. One of their claims to fame is their use of antimicrobial foam, reducing the growth of bacteria. They have multiple mattress options that range the budget-friendly to price-competitive luxury, with most customers reporting happy experiences.
Mattress Score for College Students
Overall Score for College Students: 9.3/10
Customer Satisfaction: 9.2/10
Price Value: 9.2/10
Back Support: 9.4/10
Price: $625-$2945
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#9 Tuft And Needle
Tuft & Needle made a big splash in the mattress industry when it offered one of the lowest cost all-foam mattresses in a box directly to customers, their T&N Original Mattress. Since then, they've elaborated on their initial concept with two more innovative designs: The Mint and The Hybrid, which provide high quality, superbly pressure-relieving offerings. On top of that, the Mint Mattress was recently upgraded to include antimicrobial protection embedded in its cover layer. With their three mattresses and 100,000s of positive reviews, customers have spoken in approval of T&N.
Mattress Score for College Students
Overall Score for College Students: 9.2/10
Customer Satisfaction: 9.2/10
Price Value: 9.1/10
Back Support: 9.2/10
Price: $645-$1895
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#10 Nora
Nora is a Wayfair exclusive mattress in a box company. They have two mattresses, including a memory foam and a pocketed coil mattress, both designed to serve sleepers who are on a budget. It is another example of a major retailer making big moves in the disruptive industry of on-demand mattresses. As far as comfort, most customers like their Nora mattresses at first, but there are some complaints about heat retention, firmness, and durability for some customers.
Mattress Score for College Students
Overall Score for College Students: 9.2/10
Customer Satisfaction: 9.2/10
Price Value: 9.3/10
Back Support: 9.3/10
Price: $369-$1499
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