We’re about to take a look at two of the cheapest well-known mattresses – Mainstays by Walmart and AmazonBasics by Amazon.
They both arrive to your door just like other mattress-in-a-box options. You can personally check out Mainstays in various Walmart locations before purchase but AmazonBasics can only be ordered online.
What these mattresses have in common is their construction, the use of very similar materials, and a variety of sizes and profiles. Since you get what you pay for, you shouldn’t expect either of them to last as long as the more expensive mattresses or to provide good thermal isolation and pain relief.
Read on for a more detailed comparison.
| FEATURES | MAINSTAYS | AMAZONBASICS |
| Firmness | Medium | Soft |
| Height | 6, 10 or 12 Inches | 6, 8, 10 or 12 Inches |
| Materials | Memory Foam, Fiberglass, Polyester | Memory Foam |
| Warranty | 10 Years | 1 Year |
| Trial Period | 90 Nights | N/A |
| Price | $ | $ |
| Coupon Code | Not Available | Not Available |
| Review | Mainstays Review | AmazonBasics Review |
| Link to Purchase | Walmart.com | Amazon.com |
Construction Comparison
Mainstays Construction
The Mainstays mattress has a polyester cover. Just below is a layer of fire retardant fiberglass. This can be dangerous if the cover is ever removed. Then are the two layers of memory foam – one is responsive memory foam and the other is high-density support foam.
Mainstays Construction is quite simple but the majority of reviewers said it was comfortable for their needs.
AmazonBasics Construction
AmazonBasics mattress has Oeko-Tex certified top fabric. The company boasts this certification but it doesn’t say what material is certified. It could be pure cotton or it could be polyester. Considering the price, we’ll safely assume that it is made of polyester.
Just like the Mainstays, it consists of a fiberglass layer as a fire retardant. Then there are three memory foam layers – the top layer is very soft and contours to the body. Below is a middle layer that is made to offer some support and to make transition to the final layer. The bottom layer is the support layer and it is made of hard foam.
This mattress is very soft and we can recommend it only if you are a petite person or you know for sure that you love soft mattresses.
Price Comparison
Mainstays Pricing
- Twin – $145
- Full – $189
- Queen – $239
- King – $289
AmazonBasics Pricing
Cost for the 6-inch version:
- Twin – $105
- Full – $125
- Queen – $140
- King – Not available
- California King – Not available
Cost for the 8-inch version:
- Twin – $146
- Full – $190
- Queen – $233
- King – $286.17
- California King – Not available
Cost for the 10-inch version:
- Twin – $180
- Full – $237
- Queen – $258
- King – $336
- California King – Not available
Cost for the 12-inch version:
- Twin – $204
- Full – $266
- Queen – Not available
- King – $336
- California King – $445
With Amazon Prime membership, you’re eligible for free shipping on your order.
Customer Service Comparison
Mainstays warranty and trial period
Walmart gives you 10 years of limited warranty on their mattresses. If there are any problems within the first 90 days of purchasing a mattress, you will be able to return it and receive a full refund. This is their free trial period.
After that period, call Walmart customer service for any mattress problems. The company will let you return or replace it.
AmazonBasics warranty and trial period
Amazon offers a surprisingly short warranty – it is only one year. You can return it for free if there’s something wrong with the mattress.
You should buy Mainstays if…
- You’re a side or combination sleeper.
- You sleep alone.
- You like medium-firm mattresses.
- You are on a tight budget.
- You don’t suffer any aches or pains.
- You have no problem with materials like polyester and fiberglass.
You should buy AmazonBasics if…
- You like soft mattresses.
- You are a side sleeper or a petite person.
- You are on a strict budget.
- You are a member of Amazon Prime.
- You are ok with a short warranty and mattress lifespan.
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.
Related products:
- Pillows for different sleeping positions
- PrettyCare 3D sleep mask
- Classic Brands Instant Foundation box spring
