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If you’re a college student who’s looking for a new mattress for your dorm room or apartment, then there are a few significant factors that you should consider. People usually select a mattress based on its comfort level and whether or not it fits their specific needs. But there’s another factor that’s especially important for college students, and that’s their limited budget in buying a new mattress. To make the process of choosing the right model less difficult for you, we’ve put together a list of the top five best mattresses for college students that are affordable and made with high-quality materials. Our Editor’s Choice is the Saatva Classic mattress.
Top 5 Best Mattresses for College Students
- Saatva Classic – editor’s choice
- Brooklyn Bedding Chill – best cooling mattress
- Tuft and Needle Mint – most budget-friendly mattress
- Amerisleep AS3 – best for all sleeper types
- Nolah Original 10 – best for side sleepers
#1. Saatva Classic
Check Current Price | Review | Editor’s Choice
Pros:
- Multiple firmness options
- Suitable for all sleeper types
- Suitable for heavier individuals
- Strong edge support
- Very responsive
- Cooling
Cons:
- High motion transfer
- Might be too expensive for some individuals
The first mattress in this review is one of the most popular hybrid models on the market, which is none other than the Saatva Classic mattress. This hybrid mattress is built with premium materials like organic cotton, a plush pillow top, memory foam, and individually wrapped coils. Moreover, the Saatva Classic also comes in multiple firmness options: Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm. Keep reading to find out more about one of the best mattresses for college students and our Editor’s Choice.
Who should buy the Saatva Classic?
- College students
- Heavyweight individuals
- Back sleepers
- Stomach sleepers
- Combination sleepers
- Hot sleepers
- Those who prefer an innerspring mattress
- Those who prefer to sleep “on top” of the mattress
- Those looking for a dorm room mattress
Firmness
The Saatva Classic hybrid mattress offers three different firmness levels for you to choose depending on your needs and preferences. Let’s briefly discuss the different firmness options below. For reference, on the mattress firmness scale 1 is extra soft and 10 is extra firm.
The Plush Soft version (3.5 out of 10) is ideal for side sleepers who weigh below 230lbs. If you’re a heavier side sleeper, then your hips and shoulders might sink excessively into the comfort layers and make contact with the firmer support layer beneath it. To prevent this, you could opt for a thicker memory foam mattress like the Amerisleep AS5 or you could use a mattress topper to add more cushioning on the surface of your mattress.
The Luxury Firm version (7 out of 10) is best for back sleepers of any body weight and stomach sleepers who weigh below 250lbs. Although this version is very supportive, some heavier stomach sleepers might feel their hips sinking into the mattress, causing misalignment of their spine which leads to hip pain. Plus-size individuals who sleep on their stomachs should choose the Firm version (8 out of 10) which provides the most support to prevent their hips from sagging into the mattress.
Construction
The Saatva Classic is a luxury hybrid mattress that’s comprised multiple layers of foam and pocketed coils. The mattress has an organic cotton cover which is breathable and soft to the touch. It’s followed by a 3-inch Euro pillowtop which offers cushioning and pressure relief. The Euro pillowtop is coated with Guardin, a plant-based antimicrobial substance designed to to block bacterial growth.
Next up is a layer of individually pocketed coils that provides body contouring while increasing the bed’s responsiveness and promoting airflow. Below that there’s a zoned support layer of memory foam in the middle of the mattress to offer pressure relief for the hips and lower back. And lastly, the bed’s base layer is made from steel coils and high density polyurethane foam edge support. This section provides the mattress with sturdy support and added durability to accommodate sleepers of different body types.
The only things we didn’t like about this mattress is that it has high motion transfer, and that some of its versions might be too firm for some people, especially side sleepers. Both of these issues can be resolved to an extent by using a mattress topper, so feel free to check our best mattress topper article. Overall, the Saatva Classic is an excellent mattress that’s extremely supportive, durable, and capable of giving you the quality sleep that you deserve.
Sizes
The Saatva Classic comes in 6 sizes, including Twin XL mattresses which is is the standard size for most college dorm rooms and residence halls.
- Twin
- Twin XL
- Full
- Queen
- King
- California King
Durability
The Saatva Classic comes with a 180-night sleep trial. If the mattress doesn’t suit you, you can return it for a full refund minus a 99$ transportation fee.
It’s also backed by a 15-year warranty that covers manufacturing defects and indentations.
Buy: Saatva Classic
#2. Brooklyn Bedding Chill
Check Current Price | Best Cooling Mattress
Pros:
- Multiple firmness options
- Suitable for all sleeper types who weigh below 230lbs
- Low motion transfer
- Budget-friendly
- Stain-resistant cover
Cons:
- Not suitable for heavyweight individuals
- Weak edge support
The second model on our list is one of the most affordable bed-in-a-box mattresses on the market: the Dreamfoam Chill. This gel memory foam mattress is produced by the online mattress brand, Brooklyn Bedding. It comes in five different heights ranging from 6″ to 14″ tall. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly bed for an apartment or college dorm room, the Dreamfoam Chill is quite possibly the best memory foam mattress that’s under $500.
Who should buy the Brooklyn Bedding Chill?
- College students
- Lightweight to average weight sleepers
- Budget shoppers
- Those looking for a dorm room mattress
- Those who prefer memory foam mattresses
Firmness
The Brooklyn Bedding Chill comes in five different mattress heights that each have different firmness levels. If you prefer a firm mattress, you should consider one of the thinner options. And if you’re a fan of softer mattresses, then you should choose one of the thicker versions. This wide range of mattress heights makes the Chill a suitable choice for most sleeper types, with the exception of heavyweight individuals who might need a more supportive mattress.
The 6″ version is a firm mattress (8 out of 10) that’s best suited for back and stomach sleepers who prefer a firmer foam mattress. And the 8″, 10″, and 12″ versions are medium-firm mattresses that are great for back sleepers who want a balanced feel of pressure relief and support. Lastly, the 14″ version is a medium-soft mattress that’s ideal for side sleepers who need a thicker mattress that offers plenty of cushioning and pressure relief.
One drawback of the Dreamfoam Chill is that it’s not that durable enough for heavyweight individuals and some people have noticed sagging in the mattress after a few months, especially around its edges. If you weigh above 230lbs, then we recommend that you consider checking out sturdier and more supportive mattresses such as innerspring and hybrid models.
Construction
Manufactured in the U.S. by Brooklyn Bedding, the Dreamfoam Chill is a memory foam bed that features a simple construction with just two foam layers. However, the 12″ and 14″ versions include an additional layer of transition foam. This gel memory foam mattress has a non-removable cover that’s made with an environmentally-friendly Nano Stain Terminator finish. This material acts like a free mattress protector that helps safeguard the mattress from spills and permanent stains.
Beneath the cover is a comfort layer made of gel memory foam which has a slow-response to pressure and is infused with gel to provide the mattress with some cooling. Next up, the 12″ and 14″ versions of the mattress have a transition layer that’s made of high-density foam which keeps you from sinking too far into the mattress.
Finally, the Chill’s support layer is made from a high-density base foam which acts as a foundation for the upper foam layers and provides the mattress with its overall structure. All the foams used in this bed’s construction are CertiPUR-US certified, meaning they’re free from toxic chemicals and heavy metals.
Sizes
The Brooklyn Bedding Chill comes in both standard and non-standard sizes. This wide selection makes the Chill an excellent mattress for college students looking for one for their dorm rooms or apartments.
- Twin
- Full
- Short Full
- Full XL
- Queen
- Short Queen
- Olympic Queen
- King
- Short King
- California King
- Split California King
Durability
The Dreamfoam Chill comes with a 120-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty that covers defects and deterioration in the foam as well as indentations greater than 1″.
#3. Tuft and Needle Mint
Check Current Price | Most Budget-Friendly
Pros:
- Ideal for side sleepers
- Suitable for back sleepers
- Low motion transfer
- Reinforced edge support
- Cooling
- Affordable price point
- Fairly responsive for an all-foam bed
Cons:
- Not suitable for plus-size individuals (over 250lbs)
- Not suitable for stomach sleepers over 130lbs
Coming up next in our list is Tuft and Needle’s best foam mattress, the Tuft and Needle Mint. It features extra-thick comfort layers which include the company’s proprietary Adaptive Foam. This foam has a luxurious feel that provides sleepers with contouring pressure relief and it’s infused with graphite to help dissipate heat from the mattress surface. Coupled with an affordable price point, college students should definitely consider the Tuft and Needle Mint when mattress shopping.
Who should buy the Tuft and Needle Mint?
- Couples
- College students
- Side sleepers
- Back sleepers
- Hot sleepers
- Combination sleepers
- Budget shoppers
- Those looking for a dorm room mattress
Firmness
We gave the Tuft and Needle Mint a 6 out of 10 on the mattress firmness scale. We highly recommend this mattress to side sleepers because its thick comfort layers allow your hips and shoulder to sink comfortably into the foam. You’ll experience a cradling feeling that cushions your joints and relieves your pressure points.
Back sleepers should also enjoy the gentle contouring that this mattress offers and its medium-firm feel provides ample support for a healthy spinal alignment. Stomach sleepers, on the other hand, might find this bed a bit too soft and their hips might sink excessively into its foam layers. We suggest that stomach sleepers opt for a firmer mattress that has a solid support core.
Lastly, this is a great mattress for couples because it has low motion transfer and reinforced edge support. This means you won’t feel your partner moving during their sleep and you can both use the entire surface of the mattress. Plus, it also has multiple cooling features that are designed to keep you sleeping cooler than you would on other all-foam mattresses.
Construction
The Tuft and Needle Mint is a 12-inch tall mattress, that’s comprised of three proprietary foam layers. Touted as the brand’s luxury model, the Mint definitely has a plusher, more cushioning feel than other Tuft and Needle mattresses. The Mint has a knitted cover that feels soft and cozy, and it contains proprietary antimicrobial protection which is designed to eliminate and prevent microbes from breaking down your mattress.
Beneath the cover, you’ll find a 3-inch section of the brand’s T&N Adaptive Foam. This proprietary material blends memory foam and latex qualities in one foam, which results in a nice cushioning feel while also providing a bit of bounce. And unlike traditional memory foam which tends to trap heat, this foam is infused with graphite which helps to absorb and dissipate heat. Below this segment, there’s a 2-inch polyfoam section which acts as a buffer between the comfort and support layers.
And to top it all off, the bed’s base layer is made of 7 inches of high-density polyfoam which gives the mattress stability and shape. This section is firmer toward the edges to help reinforce the bed’s edge support. All the foams used in the Mint’s construction are CertiPUR-US certified and free from ozone depleters.
Sizes
The Tuft and Needle comes in 6 sizes:
- Twin
- Twin XL
- Full
- Queen
- King
- California King
Durability
Tuft and Needle offers a 100-night sleep trial for all their mattresses, including the Mint. If you aren’t satisfied with your mattress within this period, you can return it for a full refund.
The Tuft and Needle Mint is also backed by a 10-year warranty that covers material defects and indentations greater than 0.75″.
Buy: Tuft and Needle Mint
#4. Amerisleep AS3
Check Current Price | Review | Best for All Sleeper Types | 30% Off Coupon: SLEEPLINE
Pros:
- Ideal for side sleepers
- Suitable for back sleepers
- Excellent motion isolation
- Great pressure relief
Cons:
- Not suitable for stomach sleepers above 130lbs
- Below average edge support
Our next mattress is Amerisleep’s most popular model, the Amerisleep AS3. It combines supportive design with deep pressure relief and it features the brand’s proprietary Bio-Pur foam which is made with an open-cell structure to promote more airflow within the mattress. Although the AS3 has a higher price point than most mattresses on this list, we highly recommend it for college students who are looking for a value for money mattress with premium quality.
Who should buy the Amerisleep AS3?
- Couples
- College students
- Side sleepers
- Back sleepers
- Hot sleepers
- Those who prefer a memory foam mattress
- Those looking for a dorm room mattress
Firmness
We rated the AS3 6 out of 10 on the mattress firmness scale, meaning it’s just a touch softer than medium-firm. This firmness level is very popular because it can accommodate a variety of sleeping positions because it’s neither too soft, nor too firm. And for an all-foam bed, this mattress is quite responsive and it makes you feel as though you’re “on top” the bed rather than sinking into it.
Side sleepers will love sleeping on the AS3 because its comfort layers offer plenty of cushioning for the shoulders and hips. We also recommend this mattress to back sleepers who should find that it provides just the right amount of body-contouring and pressure relief, while promoting a neutral spinal alignment.
Unfortunately, the AS3 is a little too soft for some stomach sleepers, especially those who weigh above 130lbs. These sleepers would be better off choosing the hybrid version of the AS3 instead for a more supportive mattress. With that being said, the AS3 does have excellent motion isolation and it’s designed to sleep cooler than other traditional memory foam mattresses which make it a great choice for couples as well as hot sleepers.
Construction
The Amerisleep AS3 is 12″ tall and is comprised of three different layers which include the brand’s proprietary foam. The combination of the memory foam comfort layer and the polyfoam below provides a good mix of pressure relief and support. The mattress is quilted with a cover that’s made with a soft blend of polyester, Celliant, and spandex.
Beneath the cover, you’ll find a comfort layer that’s made with Amerisleep’s proprietary Bio-Pur foam. This foam differs from traditional memory foam because it has an open-cell structure which helps dissipate body heat to help you sleep cooler. Next up is a transition layer that’s made of HIVE foam which is a bit firmer and adds mobility to the mattress.
Finishing up the AS3’s construction, you’ll find a high-density Bio-Core foam which supports the comfort and transition layers above it. This layer provides the mattress with durability and a sturdy foundation. I’d also like to mention that all the foams used in this mattress are low in VOCs and are CertiPUR-US certified, which means that they all meet the prescribed safety standards for foam materials.
Sizes
The Amerisleep AS3 comes in 7 sizes:
- Twin
- Twin XL
- Full
- Queen
- King
- California King
- Split King
Durability
Amerisleep offers a 100-night sleep trial for all their mattresses so you can test it in your own home and decide if it’s the perfect mattress for you.
The AS3 is also backed by a 20-year warranty that covers manufacturing defects.
Buy: Amerisleep AS3
#5. Nolah Original 10
Check Current Price | Review | Best for Side Sleepers
Pros:
- Ideal for side sleepers
- Suitable for back sleepers
- Low motion transfer
- Responsive
- Cooling
- Budget-friendly
Cons:
- Not suitable for individuals over 230lbs
- Not suitable for strict stomach sleepers over 130lbs
- Average edge support
Our last model in our best college mattress list is the Nolah Original 10 mattress. This bed is composed of three layers of foam including Nolah’s proprietary AirFoam™ which offers the conforming hug of memory foam without overheating. This foam is also quite responsive so it’s pretty easy to move around the mattress. If you’re looking for an affordable college mattress that’s made with high quality materials, the Nolah Original is an excellent choice for you.
Who should buy the Nolah Original 10?
- Couples
- College students
- Side sleepers
- Back sleepers
- Combination sleepers
- Budget shoppers
- Those who prefer an all-foam mattress
- Those looking for a dorm room mattress
Firmness
The Nolah Original sits at a 6.5 out of 10 on the mattress firmness scale, which makes it a true medium-firm mattress. This firmness level is ideal for back sleepers and some side sleepers. And despite its all-foam construction, this mattress is fairly responsive, which makes it a great choice for those of you who prefer a bouncier foam bed that doesn’t make you feel stuck.
Light to average weight side sleepers will experience nice cushioning and pressure relief on their shoulders and hips. And back sleepers will enjoy the body-contouring as well as the ample lumbar support that the Nolah Original offers. Now for stomach sleepers we would recommend this mattress only if you weigh 130lbs or less. If you’re a heavier person your hips might sink too deeply into the mattress and cause pain and discomfort. If you’re on the heavier side, you may want to look at the Bear Hybrid mattress.
Lastly, this mattress is designed to have excellent motion isolation, which makes it a superb option for couples who don’t want to be disturbed by their partner’s nighttime movements.
Construction
The Nolah Original mattress is 10″ tall and it’s built with three distinct layers. All these layers are enclosed by a Tencel cover, which is an eco-friendly material that’s absorbent and wrinkle-resistant. Below the cover you’ll find a layer of Nolah’s Air proprietary Foam™, which acts as the bed’s comfort layer and provides body-contouring and deep pressure relief.
AirFoam™ does not retain as much body heat as traditional memory foam, so it’s a viable option if you’re a hot sleeper. Next up is a section of Nolah’s high resilience foam that’s more durable and responsive. This foam eases you down onto the bed’s support layer.
Finally, the mattress has a base layer that’s made of high-density foam which gives the mattress plenty of support as well as its overall structure. All the foams used in the construction of the Nolah Original 10 are CertiPUR-US certified, which means they’re free from harmful substances and heavy metals.
Sizes
The Nolah Original comes in 6 sizes:
- Twin
- Twin XL
- Full
- Queen
- King
- California King
Durability
The Nolah Original 10 comes with a 120-night sleep trial to help you decide if it’s the right mattress for you. Should you not want it, you can send it back for a full refund.
It’s also backed by a lifetime warranty that covers manufacturing defects and indentations greater than 1″.
Buy: Nolah Original 10
Quick view and comparison
| Brand | Saatva Classic | Brooklyn Bedding Chill | Tuft & Needle Mint | Amerisleep AS3 | Nolah Original 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sizes | 6 | 11 | 6 | 7 | 6 |
| Thickness (inches) | 11.5/14.5 | 6 - 14 | 12 | 12 | 10 |
| Feel | Plush Soft/Luxury Firm/Firm | Soft to Firm | Medium Firm | Medium | Medium Firm |
| Motion Transfer | Minimal to none | Minimal | Minimal to none | Minimal to none | Minimal to none |
| Hybrid | Yes | No | No | Yes | No |
| Adjustable | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Edge Support | Excellent | Fair | Good | Very good | Good |
| Sleeping Position | All sleeper types | All sleeper types | Back, stomach and combination sleepers | All sleeper types | Back, stomach and combination sleepers |
| Trial (nights) | 180 | 120 | 100 | 100 | 120 |
| Warranty (years) | 15 | 10 | 10 | 20 | Lifetime |
| Link to buy | Buy Saatva Classic | Buy Brooklyn Bedding Chill | Buy Tuft & Needle Mint | Buy Amerisleep AS3 | Buy Nolah Original 10 |
What to consider when buying a mattress for college?
There are several factors to consider when making such a selection. In order to simplify your search, the main things to look out for are comfort, cost, durability, and portability. College students tend to live on strict budgets, and they don’t usually have a lot of extra funds to spend on just anything. That’s why it’s essential to get an economical yet comfortable bed. When moving from one place to another, it’s very important to have a mattress that is sturdy yet lightweight, and one that is durable enough to last for the entire duration of your college education.
Some other things to keep in mind when searching for a mattress are:
- Safety of the mattress (regarding flammability requirements)
- Company policies for returns, refunds, and sleep trials
- Reputation and credibility of the company
- Verified customer reviews
How do I choose the best mattress?
Two major factors in choosing the best mattress are your body type and preferred sleeping position. You should also think about what type of mattress you want to purchase. You have your innersprings, latex foam, memory foam, and hybrid mattresses. Each of these mattress types possess attributes that are suited to specific individuals and may not be appealing for others. For a detailed guide on how to select a mattress, check out our article on How to Choose a Good Mattress: What You Need To Consider.
Frequently Asked Questions
For college students it’s probably best to spend less than $1,000 on a new mattress. You can find plenty of Full and Twin XL size mattresses for $1,000 or less.
A Full or Twin XL size bed should be enough to accommodate a college student.
Most college dorms provide students with a mattress. However, you may need to purchase a mattress depending on your living situation.
A Twin XL mattress is the standard size for most college dorm rooms.
How we rate mattresses
We rate mattresses using the following criteria:
- Comfort
- Structural integrity and durability
- Firmness and support
Learn more about our mattress rating process and methodology here.
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