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If there's only one mattress deal you consider today, we'd highly recommend this $400 saving on the best hybrid mattress of the year, the Saatva Classic. This luxury hybrid innerspring comes in three firmness levels and two heights, so it suits all sleepers. Our exclusive deal takes $400 off all orders of $1,000 or more at Saatva. With this $400 saving you'll get a queen size Saatva Classic for $1,595. That isn't as cheap as Saatva's Labor Day price ($1,395) but it won't be lowered any further for Black Friday so today is the best time to buy. You'll also get free bed installation and old mattress removal, plus a year's sleep trial and a lifetime warranty. That's superb value for a handcrafted mattress that would cost so much more in store. In our Saatva Classic mattress review we praised the Classic's superb pressure relief for aching joints, plus the dedicated lower back support and breathable feel. This is an exceptional mattress with the best discount you'll find anywhere online today. Don't miss this one.

Saatva sale: $400 off all orders of $1,000+ at Saatva

There are only 7 really great Black Friday mattress deals this year 

Hello and welcome to our Black Friday mattress deals live blog! I’m Claire, the Sleep Editor at Tom’s Guide. I’m also a Certified Sleep Science Coach, so you could say I’m obsessed with all things sleep. That includes mattresses, of course, so I’ll be sharing my favorite Black Friday bed deals with you today – and my team will be popping in to share theirs too. 

I’ll also be dropping in some great sleep tips to help you sleep better in your new bed – and to make the most of your current one if you’re just shopping the Black Friday sales for accessories like toppers and pillows.

So, what are the deals like this year? I’ve been tracking this year’s Black Friday mattress sales for weeks now and, the truth is, there are only several really truly brilliant deals around. The rest are good, but they don’t match this Super Seven in terms of discounts and free gifts. 

One of the best offers on luxury mattresses is actually our exclusive $400 saving on Saatva Classic in sizes Twin XL and up. But there is life beyond Saatva, especially if you have a smaller budget. Here’s my favorite Black Friday deal right now – on a bed that I have personally tested, loved, and was sad to say goodbye to at the end of the review period…

Emma Mattresses are super cheap this Black Friday

This is a brilliant mattress in a box for anyone who loves a bed that feels on the softer side of medium-firm. I tested the Emma Original for a month straight and did not want to give it up after testing; it was so comfy for side sleeping, which is my go-to position.

This is a pure memory foam mattress with a contouring feel. So if you like a mattress that hugs your body, you’ll love the Emma. If you don’t like that type of feel, this isn’t the right mattress for you – don’t worry, I’ll have some other suggestions for you very soon.

My only annoyance with the Emma Original is that it stills a little warm. I’m a hot sleeper though, so all-foam mattresses definitely need to work hard to stay breathable if I’m snoozing on them. If you sleep hot too, or are dealing with night sweats or hot flashes (my sympathies – I suffered terribly with those during pregnancy), then go for the Cocoon by Sealy Chill Memory Foam Mattress instead. That one, designed with a cover that wicks away heat, is 33% off in Cocoon Black Friday sale with prices from $399 and free bedding. 

The big draw with this Emma Mattress is the price: it’s always the cheapest bed in the Emma range, and with 55% off in the Black Friday sales, it’s a whole lot cheaper today. I can’t believe a queen size is selling for as little as $469 (was $1,053) – that’s nearly as cheap as proper budget memory foam beds like the Siena Mattress and the Zinus Green Tea Luxe. 

Maybe it’s because Emma Sleep isn’t as well known in the US as it is in the UK, but I think this is an absolute steal and one of the best Black Friday mattress deals you can find online today. You’ll get a year’s sleep trial to try it for yourself at home, plus a 10-year warranty, which is pretty standard for beds in this price range. If you want a cheap bed that’s comfy for side sleeping, pick the Emma Original and don’t look back. 

Always check the price history of the mattress you want to buy

There's more to picking a good Black Friday deal than the size of the discount. This is especially true when it comes to mattress shopping in the holiday sales. I've been covering these shopping events for years and I know how confusing it can be when so many brands, retailers and even news sites are throwing endless deals at you. 

But remember what I said earlier: there are only a handful of truly great deals live right now, so in a way that makes life much easier for you. Those deals are also a mix of hybrid and memory foam beds, and at budget to luxury prices, so there's something for everyone. 

Below are some of the Black Friday mattress deals we've been tracking from major sleep brands – you can view price histories for specific models in our guides. This helps us analyze today's sales prices and how they compare to the offers we see most months:

Don't get swayed by sale price alone this Black Friday

So here’s a super helpful resource if you’re shopping the Black Friday deals for a mattress for the first time this year: Beginner’s guide to Black Friday mattress deals shopping – 5 key things to remember.

My key do’s and don’ts are: When choosing a mattress, keep in mind your body type and sleep needs. Your body type (or your weight) will have an impact on the firmness. So if you’re lighter, a medium-firm mattress will feel firmer to you. If you’re heavier (250lbs plus), a medium-firm mattress will feel softer to you. The firmness of a mattress affects how well it can support and comfort your body. 

Sleep positions are easier to tackle with mattresses, as most brands these days specifically designed for mattresses for each main sleeping position, such as the best mattresses for side sleepers.

Here’s a handy table to reference when looking at mattresses in this year’s Black Friday deals:

Happy Black Friday Mattress Sales Day, to all that celebrate! It’s Nicola here, Sleep Features Editor at Tom’s Guide. I’m going to be running our live blog for a while this morning, and I’m going to kick off with one of my personal favorites — the Helix Midnight mattress.

The Helix Midnight is tailored specifically with side sleepers in mind

This is a mid-range memory foam hybrid designed specifically with side sleepers in mind, which is why it ranks highly in our best mattress guide. As a side sleeper myself, I’m particularly attracted to the deep pressure relieving support that this bed provides around the shoulders, hips, knees, which can often become achy when sleeping on a too-firm mattress. 

As a side sleeper who is also often joined by her wriggly little children at some point during the night, the Helix Midnight’s strong motion isolation is another major selling point for me. Strong motion isolation means that the mattress has minimal bounce when someone else moves, so would be a great choice for other restless sleepers who share a bed.

In my opinion, the Helix Midnight is a solid choice. However, if you wanted to get more mattress for your money this Black Friday, consider opting for the Helix Midnight Luxe, which is more supportive and luxurious than the original, boasting six layers of support compared to the original's four. Plus, it offers zoned lumbar support for easing back pain. Price-wise, the Midnight Luxe starts from $1,030.30, which is a saving of $343.30. 

Testing notes:
In our Helix Midnight mattress review, our testers found that it provided plush pressure relieving support for side sleepers, but flagged that it could be a touch too soft for stomach sleepers. It also had good temperature regulation (which means no waking up in a hot sweat), but Helix also offers a GlacioTex cooling mattress topper as an add-on, which might appeal to those who sleep particularly hot.

As mentioned above, we found that the Helix Midnight had strong motion isolation but we did also note that the edge support could have been sturdier. This means that for those who need to sit securely on the edge of the bed, or sleep right up to the edge of the mattress, may find it dips slightly, so that’s something to bear in mind. Ultimately, though, if you’re a side sleeper who shares their bed and are looking for a mid-range mattress, this is an excellent choice.

Deal analysis:
Helix sales fluctuate between 20% and 25%, with the latter being saved for major sales events like Black Friday. However, from today the current 25% off sale also includes a bedding bundle, which includes two free pillows, a free mattress protector, and a free white sheet set, which is one of the best deals we’ve seen from Helix.

 Stay tuned for the next epic Black Friday mattress deal… 

 Why Black Friday is cheapest time to buy new mattress  

Black Friday has become such a huge event in the US that mattress brands save their biggest discounts for this holiday. And you’ll find the best Black Friday mattress sales can save you huge amounts on a new mattress. Discounts range from brand to brand, but we have seen discounts of up to 50%, which is a huge saving on a high-quality mattress. 

This means you can potentially buy a mattress that might normally be out of your budget, with some of the top brands in the US giving out generous discounts. You’ll also often find that brands chuck in free gifts with the purchase of a mattress; these range from free pillows to free bedding bundles and even sometimes free gift cards worth hundreds of dollars. The base price of mattresses is nearly always lowest on Black Friday, meaning a discount will save you even more money. 

Stick around for our next best Black Friday mattress deal...

The Nolah Evolution 15" is best for hot sleepers with back pain

This is one for all my fellow back pain sufferers — the Nolah Evolution 15”. Although this one doesn’t top our best mattress for back pain guide, it sits pretty high up there, thanks to its outstanding pressure relief. 

As a luxury hybrid, this mattress is crafted from a combination of coils and memory foam, which work together to provide blissful comfort. What’s more, the Nolah Evolution 15” is customizable, so you can choose a mattress to suit your specific sleep needs.

What I particularly love about this mattress, though, is its temperature regulation — because nothing hurts quite as much as wrestling free from your bedding when you’ve got a sore back. This is because the top layer has been made using phase-changing ArcticTex fibers, which are designed to absorb and release heat, giving it that cool-to-the-touch feeling. 

Again, if you’re looking for something a bit more luxe, consider upgrading your purchase to the Nolah Natural 11”. You can get a queen size natural latex mattress for $1,364, which is a huge discount from its MSRP of $2,099. It's environmentally friendly, hypoallergenic and it’s wrapped in a luxurious organic cotton cover, layers of GOTS Organic Wool. Plus, it comes with a lifetime warranty, which means it's a mattress that’s been built to last. Make no mistake, the Nolah Natural 11” is an investment piece worth the splurge. 

Testing notes: 
In our Nolah Evolution 15” mattress review, our testers reviewed the Luxury Firm mattress and found that edge support was a little lackluster (this might rule out those who want to sleep right up to the edge), but that it performed strongly in terms of motion isolation — which is great news for restless sleepers who share a bed. 

Deal analysis: 
I don’t want to over egg the pudding, but this is one of the best Black Friday mattress deals (we normally see good discounts from Nolah, but they’ve outdone themselves this time). In the Nolah Black Friday sale you can save up to $1,199 on the Evolution 15" and get a free pillows, sheets and a mattress protector. This is unprecedented from Nolah, which is why we’ve picked it as one of our best mattress sales. There's also a lifetime warranty.  

Don’t go anywhere, our next best Black Friday mattress deal is coming right up… 

I'm an expert mattress tester, this is what to look for in a good mattress 

A good mattress isn’t just about choosing the best mattress for your sleeping style, although this is obviously where you should start. Briefly, we’d recommend that side sleepers look for a softer mattress to avoid stress on the pressure points of the shoulders and hips, whereas back and combination sleepers will prefer a medium firm mattress to keep their spine in alignment. Stomach and heavier sleepers should look for a firm mattress that keeps the hips raised and prevents the sleeper from sinking too far into the mattress. 

After you’ve decided on firmness, look for these other factors that I think determine a good mattress. First up – temperature regulation. A good mattress keeps sleepers cool and comfortable through the night and prevents them overheating. Hybrid mattresses sleep cooler than memory foam thanks to the airflow through the spring layer. But if you’re a particularly hot sleeper, I’d recommend looking at one of our best cooling mattress options. A bed that does a good job of isolating motion is important if you share with a restless partner and thicker layers of foam or an all-foam mattress does the best job here. In conjunction, make sure your mattress has decent edge support so that you use the full width of the bed while sleeping and not risk falling off when you’re sitting on the edges.

Make sure your chosen mattress isn’t too thin (a 6” mattress, for example, is really only going to be useful for occasional use) and spend a little extra to ensure high-quality materials and enough contouring foam or pillowtop above any coils to keep you supported at all times.  

The Bear Elite Hybrid: Best for people with active lifestyles

OK, so the Bear Elite Hybrid is one mattress that is probably less aligned with my personal lifestyle choices, however, I can certainly see its appeal. The Elite Hybrid is geared specifically towards those with, ahem, active lifestyles. That’s because it’s designed for using sleep for recovery in mind. 

The Bear Elite Hybrid reduces all pressure points, virtually eliminating aches and pains, and uses phase change technology to dissipate excess heat to keep you cool. Crafted from a combination of coils and memory foam, this hybrid boasts three different firmness levels and zoned support to soothe tired muscles. The science behind it is that the Celliant fibers used in the cover are meant to boost circulation to help your cells recover faster. 

This is a clearly a great choice for fitness fans, however, my personal pick of the best mattresses from Bear’s impressive sleep suite would be the Bear Original, a budget-friendly medium-firm mattress that makes body contouring pressure relief a priority. Bear’s Black Friday mattress sale takes the price of a queen size mattress down to $649 at Bear.

Testing notes:

We haven’t had the opportunity to properly conduct a Bear Elite mattress review, but we have had a little poke around one at the Bear mattress factory. We found that the combination of padded upper level and slightly firmer tier underneath makes this mattress comfortable in all positions. 

We didn’t love the utilitarian look of this mattress, nor were we overly impressed with its edge support (tired athletes need to sleep right up to the edge of their mattress, too), but we are impressed with its scientific credentials. 

Deal analysis 

At its full retail price, the Bear Elite Hybrid sits in the premium price range. However, regular 30% discounts mean you can get your hands on this luxe hybrid for an upper mid-range price.However, the current 35% off discount in addition to a free bedding bundle worth up to $400 is an excellent Black Friday deal.

Next up; The Tempur-Pedic PROBreeze...

Tempur-Pedic Tempur PROBreeze: Best for hot sleepers

Gather round hot sleepers, this one's for you. Tempur-Pedic is a luxury brand renowned for its ultra-soothing mattresses. They’re also the brand behind one of the best cooling mattress brands in the world, the PRObreeze Medium Hybrid.

The PRObreeze Medium Hybrid is part of their previous generation of the TEMPUR-breeze° mattress collection, which features innovative cooling technology called PRObreeze (this cooling tech was actually developed by NASA). Their temperature-regulating features include a relaxing, cool-to-the-touch cover and their trademarked PureCool Phase Change material for a soothing sensation.

However, Tempur-Pedic are also notorious for their premium price

Testing notes: 

We haven’t had chance to conduct a proper review of the Tempur-Pedic Bro Breeze yet, but we’re already impressed with its temperature cooling credentials. In terms of firmness, the mattress has a medium hybrid feel, which should suit most sleep styles, but especially back sleepers. A word of warning, though, stomach and heavyweight sleepers may want to opt for a firmer mattress to avoid lower back pain. It’s medium firm rating, however, does offer a good middle ground for couples with different firmness preferences. Plus, bed sharers may benefit from the bed’s motion-absorbing properties, as you’re less likely to feel a restless partner’s movements. 

Deal analysis: 

This 30% site-wide saving is hands down the best we’ve seen from Tempur-Pedic. With this discount a queen size Tempur-Pedic PROBreeze is reduced to $3,149.30 from $4,499. However, one thing to flag from the offset is that this mattress sale is marked ‘final sale’, which means no sleep trial, no returns and no exchanges. So don’t buy this bed unless you’re 100% sold on it, as you won’t be able to send it back. 

Why price doesn't always indicate quality when buying a new mattress

Just because a mattress is expensive doesn’t necessarily equate to high-quality. There are some excellent luxury mattresses on the market, which we’ve rounded up in our best luxury mattress guide. But you can also find some fantastic mattresses for more affordable prices that will offer you just as good a night’s sleep. Our best affordable mattresses guide highlights some of the best mattresses you can find for between $500 and $1200 for a queen, with options to suit all.

With the competition in the mattress world, mattress brands are finding and using quality materials that don’t break the bank. All-foam mattresses in particular can be very cheap – the Nectar Original, for example, is a fantastically supportive mattress with a contouring memory foam ‘hug’ that does a great job of easing sore joints is never sold at full price, with a queen currently costing $659.

What is the best mattress in the US right now?  

The Saatva Classic is a luxury mattress, but you get a lot for the price tag. And we’ve got an exclusive Black Friday offer that gives you $400 off all sizes, meaning a queen mattress will cost you $1,595. This is an astonishingly good price for a high-end mattress.

With three firmness ratings (plush soft, which is 3/10 on the firmness scale, luxury firm, 5-7/10, and firm, 8/10) as well as two heights (11.5” or 14.5”), the Saatva is one of the most customizable mattresses on the market. We rate the Saatva Classic as the best mattress you can buy, as well as one of the best hybrids and best mattresses for back pain. 

The Saatva Classic feels like sleeping on a luxury hotel bed, with a dual layer of coils, high-density foam rails to reinforce the perimeter, contouring memory foam and a 3” Euro pillow top with Lumbar Zone quilting. If you’re looking for a memory foam ‘hug’ though, this isn’t the mattress for you as you will sleep ‘on’ it. 

Our testers slept on the Luxury Firm Saatva and found it suitable for all body types and sleeping styles, although heavier bodies will probably prefer either the firm version or the Saatva HD, which is one of the best mattresses for heavy people. You can read more in the Saatva Classic Mattress Review. 

Cancel the sleep divorce with the The Sleep Number i8 

Cancel the sleep-divorce! The Sleep Number i8 smart bed is the most popular model in the brand's ground-breaking Innovation Series; a collection of sleep tracking beds that deliver customizable firmness and pressure relief tailored to your body — and 100% independent to your partner's side of the bed. 

I think you’ll love the Smart Adjustability feature of this bed, which describes how the i8 smart bed adapts its firmness levels constantly in accordance to your body pressure on the mattress (which is one of the reasons it tops our smart bed and smart mattress roundup). So you won’t even need to shift positions to get comfortable, your bed will do it for you. That is smart! 

Of course, as a smart bed, one of this mattress's big draws is its sleep tracking, with the mattress using a range of sensors to monitor different aspects of your sleep (duration, quality, sleep stages). You can then review your ‘Sleep IQ’ the following day, should you want to. 

The Sleep Number i8 smart bed is a strong choice for anyone who has differing sleep preferences to their bedfellow (that’s why it tops our best smart mattress guide), and right now you can buy a queen size Sleep Number i8 smart bed for $2,799.30, instead of $3,999. Of course, it’s still incredibly expensive but it could be one to add to your wish list this holiday season. 

Testing notes: 
We haven’t yet had the opportunity to properly test out the The Sleep Number i8 smart mattress, but it’s the brand’s best-selling mattress, so it’s hugely popular among consumers. 

No doubt they’re attracted to the smart bed’s pressure-relieving properties that also come courtesy of supportive and plush layers of CertiPUR-US certified foam designed to provide comfort and soothe pressure points. It also has some impressive cooling credentials, thanks to a layer of ceramic gel that works to draw away heat all night, so also will suit hot sleepers. 

Deal analysis:
The Sleep Number Black Friday sale is always one to watch, and this year is no exception with a (frankly, huge) 30% off, with prices starting on the Sleep Number i8 at $2,379.30. This is a considerable increase on Sleep Number's early access Black Friday sale, when prices started from $2,599. It’s still a lot of money, but if you can afford it and you think it could improve your sleep, it could be an incredible investment.

Get set for some brilliant sleep tips

Ok, this is Nicola signing off for now, and I'm handing over to our Sleep Editor Claire, who will be sharing some tips on how to sleep better on a new mattress and how long a new bed takes to break in.

How to sleep better on a new mattress

Hi everyone, it's Claire again, Sleep Editor at Tom's Guide. In my work as a Certified Sleep Science Coach, I often get asked for tips on how to sleep better on a new mattress. And I get it: while some mattresses feel comfy from the first night, others time a little time to break in. 

And that's exactly why mattress brands offer sleep trials of at least 30 nights – that's the minimum amount of time it takes your body to get used to a new bed. 

Most of my mattress testers agree that you can expect some initial aches and pains when sleeping on a new mattress, especially when you're switching to a new type of bed. For example, if you're switching from a memory foam mattress to a hybrid mattress as the feel of those beds is really different. 

So the truth is, you may be a little uncomfortable to begin with when settling into a new mattress but it shouldn't last beyond a few weeks and you shouldn't be in pain. Some brands offer free mattress toppers to add extra firmness or softness to your new mattress to make it feel just right for you. 

There are lots of great deals on organic mattresses this Black Friday

During last year’s Black Friday mattress sales, there seemed to be a pull towards buying some of the most budget-friendly entry-level memory foam mattresses – such as standard all-foam beds from brands such as Zinus and nectar – for even less. 

However, during this year’s Black Friday, we’ve noticed shoppers are now seeking out affordable luxury beds. From beds found in the rooms of the finest hotels to mattresses from luxe sleep brands such as Stearns and Foster – this buying trend means people want to bring home hotel luxury with high-quality mattresses. 

Organic mattresses are part of this trend. Using natural materials such as hypoallergenic latex and breathable organic wool and cotton, organic mattresses tend to come with a premium price tag – but their durability make them a fantastic investment and their fiberglass-free, eco-friendly materials are good for both you and the environment. 

Stay tuned for our favorite Black Friday organic mattress deal so far...

Avocado Green Mattress has dropped in price this Black Friday

If you're shopping for a non-toxic organic mattress this Black Friday, you're in luck as right now you can save 10% on the Avocado Mattress with the code TG10, which reduces a queen size to $1,799 (was $1,999).

When we slept on the Avocado green mattress, we were impressed with its cooling properties, while heavyweight and back-sleeping testers felt the most comfortable with this firm bed. While the standard model is firm, it also comes in medium and plush models (which are more expensive).

Extras include free shipping, a 25-year warranty and a one-year sleep trial. These extras are considerably generous, seeing as the average sleep trial lasts 100 nights. Overall, this is a good deal on a mid-range organic bed from a trusted eco luxury brand that will keep you on trend.

Do you need a mattress or would a topper be enough?

If your mattress isn’t as comfy as it used to be, you may be shopping the Black Friday sales for a new bed. But what if you only need a topper? We're looking at this exact question in an article we've just published, covering the 5 signs you need to buy a topper and not a mattress this Black Friday.

Those signs are:

• 1. You aren't in pain when sleeping on your mattress, but you aren't super comfy either
• 2. The firmness is just ok – not perfect, but not bad either
• 3. Your mattress is only a few years old and still has plenty of life left in it
• 4. It has some slight sagging but no major dips
• 5. Your mattress is starting to sleep a little warm (a cooling topper can help here)

 How to choose the right mattress firmness 

On the firmness scale (1 being marshmallow soft and 10 being ultra-firm), medium firm (5-7) is the most popular firmness level for a mattress. Here are two things to consider when choosing a firmness level:

Sleeping position: Generally, side sleepers need a medium to medium-soft mattress to soothe pressure points, back sleepers should choose medium-firm for neutral spine alignment, and front (or stomach) sleepers should choose a firmer mattress to prevent lower back pain. If you tend to sleep in different positions, choose the top choice for your dominant style or opt for the crowd-pleasing medium-firm. 

Body weight: Sleepers weighing 130lbs suit softer options (between 2 and 4) on the firmness scale. However, a medium-firm mattress would also be a good choice, sleepers weighing 130-230 lbs suit medium or medium-firm mattresses, and sleepers who weigh 230lbs or more can be well-suited to firmer mattresses (between an 8-10 rating).

OK, this is officially the cheapest Black Friday mattress deal this year

As a mattress writer, I’ve been keeping track of the best Black Friday mattress deals since the early access sales – and I can officially say that this is the cheapest deal I’ve seen. Walmart has only knocked $30 off the twin-size The Allswell X10 Hybrid, but this means you can get your hands on a new mattress for $70, while a queen is now $100 and a king is just $110. 

To put this into perspective, you’d be hard pushed to find a king size for $1000, let alone $110. The hybrid bed combines the airflow and bounce of coils with the pressure relief of a memory foam for a best-value mattress. 

Extras also include a 10 year warranty, free shipping and returns and 90-day sleep trial  (double the recommended adjustment time period). Overall, this is the cheapest Black Friday mattress deal I’ve seen so far. 

How to choose the right mattress size

For the right height, make sure the mattress is 10 cm longer than the tallest person sleeping on it. Width-wise, you and your partner should be able to put your hands under your head without your elbows touching. If you sleep alone, you'll have the right size mattress if you can put your hands under your head without touching the edges. 

Most options listed in our best mattress guide are available in: twin size, twin XL, full size, queen size, king size and California king. Some come in split options too, which enables you to choose a different firmness to your partner.

The best mattress topper on the planet is 40% off in the black Friday sales  

Toppers are a great cost-effective way to soften, firm, or cool down your bed without reporting to buying a new mattress. While it’s a great way to upgrade your sleep experience for less, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t think about buying a more high-end topper. Our favourite topper, the Tempur-Pedic’s Tempur-Adapt Topper is now 40% off, making a queen size $251.40 (saving you $167.60). 

This topper provides excellent pressure relief thanks to its NASA-developed memory foam, and our Tempur-Adapt Topper review awarded the topper a high score for its ultra-plush pressure relief, but those who sleep warm may want something cooler.

It also comes with a 10-year warranty and free shipping, but doesn't come with a sleep trial. This lack of a trial is a pity, but it shouldn’t be a deal breaker thanks to the ultra-comfy features of this topper. 

Which is the best type of mattress? 

It’s not about what the best mattress type is, it’s about what the best mattress type is for you. Here are the main mattress types, plus their pros and cons:

Memory foam mattresses: Soft and contouring, memory foam mattresses are the best option for lightweight sleepers and those who sleep on their side. They're also good for couples as they limit motion transfer. Hot sleepers should be aware, however, that they have a tendency to trap heat. 

Innerspring mattresses: Made up of coils, these are the most affordable mattresses. Better airflow, bounce and firmness means they’re perfect for hot sleepers and those who sleep on their front or back. They have a shorter lifespan, though, and have poor motion isolation – though individually wrapped coils can fix this issue. 

Hybrid mattresses: As they combine the benefits of innerspring and memory foam, hybrids are generally suitable for all kinds of sleepers. The downside of their wide appeal is that they tend to be quite expensive. 

Latex mattresses: The best organic mattresses are normally made from natural latex, which is an excellent cooling material, and these beds have good motion isolation. They’re expensive, but their longer lifespans makes them a good investment. 

Black Friday sales are brimming with queen beds under $500

If you’re shopping today’s Black Friday sales because you want a queen size mattress for less, we have great news for you: we’ve found the top five queen mattresses for under $500 among today's deals.

These aren’t from brands that no-one has heard of either: we’ve found big sales on queen mattresses made by the likes of Emma Sleep, Zinus and Siena Sleep.

Our favorite is the Siena Memory Foam Mattress, made by Resident Home, the parent company of Nectar Sleep. The Siena sits at the top of our best cheap mattress guide because it's surprisingly cool for an all-foam bed and it offers decent support and pressure relief for back and stomach sleepers. 

Our testers don't recommend this one for side sleepers though because it doesn't offer enough contouring comfort for that sleeping position. The edge support is very good on the Siena Mattress though, meaning you can sleep right up to the edges of the bed to maximize your sleep space. Getting in and out of bed with this mattress is also easy. 

You can save 50% off the Siena Memory Foam Mattress today, but this isn't a Black Friday special – we normally see this saving on the Siena. However, it's such good value that we simply had to share it here in case you want a reliable queen mattress for less – just $399 at Siena Sleep and you get a 10-year warranty. 

The best mattress for couples and restless sleepers is now up to $400 off

We’re always talent scouting for the best mattresses around to add to our best mattress guide – and when they’re on sale it’s a huge bonus. Latest best mattress entry Leesa Sapira Hybrid is now up to $400 off, with a queen size down to $1,699 from $1,999. 

The hybrid bed earned a spot on our list for its excellent motion isolation, making it an excellent choice for couples who don’t want to be disturbed by their restless partners’ movements at night. Our Sapira Hybrid review also pointed out that the high-quality foams add excellent pressure relief for side sleepers 

The Sapira Hybrid comes with added benefits such as a 100-night trial, free shipping, and a 10-year limited warranty. While this bed may be a bit too soft for heavyweight or stomach sleepers, this is still a good chance to score an ultra-comfy newcomer for less.  

5 quick tips for buying a new mattress in the Black Friday sales  

1. Get familiar with your sleep position and needs 

The number one rule to buying a new mattress, whether that’s during the Black Friday mattress sales or not, is to get clear on what your sleep needs are beforehand. 

Do you like to sleep on your side, front, or back — or perhaps a combination of all three? Different mattresses have different firmness levels which cater to different sleep positions, so it pays to do a bit of homework first. 

2. Pay attention to the trial period 

A mattress with a short trial period is not worth your investment. You need to be able to make your purchase safe in the knowledge that you can return it if it doesn’t suit your sleep needs. 

Some of the best mattress brands — including Saatva, Emma, Nectar and DreamCloud — allow a trial period of up to 365 nights, so you can really be sure if it’s a mattress that supports your sleep. 

3. Check the returns period and warranty 

It’s important to get knowledgeable about your consumer rights before you buy your mattress, that way you’ll know if you’re protected against any damages or defects. 

Most brands offer a warranty of at least 10 years, but some of the more trusted ones (again, such as Saatva, DreamCloud, Nectar) offer lifetime warranties. Head here for our pick of the top 5 Black Friday deals with lifetime warranties. 

4. Don’t be swayed by the discount alone 

It can be hard to resist a brilliant bargain, but don’t be swayed by big discounts alone. A mattress is only worth your hard-earned cash if it is the right mattress for you. 

Even the most expensive, high-end, mattress that has been heavily reduced will be worthless to you if it doesn’t support your sleep needs.

5. Make sure the firmness suits both of you  

f you share your bed, you’ll have to take both of your sleep needs into consideration before buying a new bed. If you prefer a firm mattress but your partner prefers something a little more plush, a split king could be a good compromise. 

As its name suggests, a split king will allow you each to have your own side of the bed that caters specifically to your sleep needs. Head here for more Black Friday mattress shopping tips.  

 What is fiberglass and why is it in some mattresses?

While comfort and price are big deciding factors when choosing the best mattress in the Black Friday sales, materials are also important. Some cheaper materials in mattresses are not as safe as their more expensive alternatives, and one cost-effective mattress material is notorious for its risks: fiberglass.

Mattresses are flammable, so fiberglass is used in mattresses as it is a cheap, highly effective fire retardant. The downside of this material is that it can cause health and safety risks. 

When fiberglass is buried underneath the cover and deep inside the mattress, it is totally harmless. However, if the cover splits open or becomes damaged and you are exposed to the synthetic material, you could suffer extreme skin irritation or even respiratory problems. 

If you want to find out if your current bed is fiberglass-free, take a look at our guide on how to know if your mattress has fiberglass inside. If it does (and you can afford to), now could be the best time to go fiberglass-free – so check out our 5 best fiberglass-free mattresses to buy in Black Friday sales 

How often should you replace your mattress?

Knowing how often you need to replace your mattress can be confusing, especially when some mattress brands offer lifetime warranties. While some mattresses are certainly more long-lasting, no mattress is designed to last forever. 

Experts generally recommend replacing your mattress every 6-10 years, but it’s a good idea to pay close attention to signs your mattress could need replacing sooner. Any dipping, sagging, rips or bulges are all string indications that you’re in dire need of a new mattress. 

However, the quality of your sleep is the strongest indication of whether your mattress needs replacing or not. Even if it’s in perfect condition, your mattress will need to be replaced if it no longer supports you in getting good, quality sleep. 

If your mattress is still in pretty good condition or your budget quite allows for a brand new mattress, a mattress topper could transform your current mattress’ comfort levels. The best mattress toppers can offer additional support, provide cooling temperature regulation, and even alter your current firmness level.  

Save $400 on Saatva's newest luxury mattress for back pain

Claire here, Tom’s Guide Sleep Editor. I just wanted to share a great deal on the Saatva RX, our new best mattress recommendation for back pain. I suffered from lower back and hip pain during my recent pregnancy and it ruined my sleep for a long time. 

The only thing that saved me at the time was adding the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt mattress topper to my bed (the Tempur-Adapt Topper is currently 40% off at Tempur-Pedic). The Saatva RX wasn’t released at that time, but if it had, I’d have loved to have tried it to see if it eased my back pain. 

It worked for my lead mattress tester Alison, who wrote in her Saatva RX mattress review that it gave her instant relief from her ongoing lower back pain and mild scoliosis from the very first night. 

The Saatva RX is designed especially to ease chronic back pain and joint issues such as arthritis when you’re lying down to sleep, but it is a firmer mattress so we don’t really recommend it to very lightweight side sleepers. 

If you want to try it for yourself, Saatva run’s a year’s sleep trial with free mattress installation in your bedroom of choice. The brand will also remove your old mattress and foundation to save you a job. If back pain is ruining your sleep, this could be the best Black Friday deal for you today. A queen size is down to $2,895 with our exclusive $400 saving at Saatva.

Keep bed bugs at bay with this mattress topper 

You’ve just bought a new mattress in the Black Friday mattress sales? Hurrah! You’re probably wondering how you can keep your new mattress bed-bug free in the midst of a global outbreak of the little critters. 

Claire Davies, Tom’s Guide Sleep Editor and Certified Sleep Science Coach, recommends investing in one of the best mattress protectors you can afford. “A fully zippered mattress encasement is the best way to prevent bed bugs in your mattress,” explains Davies. “Whereas normal mattress protectors just cover the top and sides, a mattress encasement covers the top, bottom and sides. It then zips shut, so bed bugs have zero chance of reaching your mattress.”  

Make your mattress bedbug-proof with the Linenspa Zipped Waterproof Mattress Encasement. It's available in a variety of sizes and is designed to fully encase your entire mattress, zipping closed to provide maximum protection. 

Linenspa's zipped mattress protector is currently 16% off on Amazon, with positive user reviews stating how it provides good quality protection, especially if you suffer from allergies, and at a reasonable price.

Can you use a mattress topper as a mattress? (Yes, with conditions.)

A mattress topper is meant to improve the feel and comfort of your mattress. It’s an affordable alternative to just replacing your bed outright, but can you use a mattress topper as a mattress? 

Yes, provided it’s a short-term solution – for example, you have unexpected house guests or you need to sleep near your sick child in their bedroom. Just make sure the topper is at least 5cm / 2in deep so you don’t feel the floor or base beneath you.

However, a mattress topper is meant to work in tandem with a mattress. Just sleeping on a topper will wreak havoc on your back and joints in the long run since it lacks sufficient support and pressure relief on its own. Plus, a mattress topper won’t last as long as a mattress, so you’d need to replace it more often. (Want to save money on a new bed? Look for a deal on one of the best cheap mattresses instead.)

Fortunately, Black Friday is a great time to buy a mattress topper at a fantastic price. Right now, we’re seeing 40% off the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt Topper, which we consider the best mattress topper overall. 

Do forever mattress warranties *really* last forever? 

Greetings! Contributing expert mattress tester Alison here to share some of my favorite Black Friday deals and shopping tips.

I recently pondered the existence of forever warranties that come with some mattresses. To paraphrase Andre 3000 of OutKast, if what they say is "nothing is forever," then what makes these mattress warranties the exception?

Well, they last for as long as you own the mattress, which could be as little as a year or even well over a decade. The key phrase here is as long as you own the mattress because if you happen to give or sell your mattress to someone else, that warranty won't carry over.

Considering that the average lifespan of a mattress is 7 to 10 years, a brand that offers a forever warranty must have a lot of faith in its products. We consider it a positive indicator of quality.

As with any mattress warranty, you'll need to read the fine print. (Don't gloss over it like you do any time you sign up for a new social network!) For instance, brands offer 10 years of free replacements and repairs but beyond that, you'll be on the hook for transit fees and/or repair fees.

If lifetime warranty coverage is a big selling point for you, I rounded up the 5 best Black Friday mattress deals with forever warranties – featuring discounts from Saatva, Nectar, Nolah, and more.

For a queen memory foam mattress under $300, go to Amazon

Hello - Alison here again with a super cheap mattress deal for you...

The 10-inch Siena Memory Foam Mattress is a fantastic value for the price. A queen costs $399 and it comes with a 180-night at-home trial, which is unheard of for a mattress that cheap. (You'll be lucky to get 100 nights at that price point.)

However, the Amazon-exclusive 8-inch Siena Memory Foam Mattress is even cheaper, and now it's 15% off for Black Friday. That brings the price of a queen to $254. It still comes with the 180-night trial, as well. 

That's an incredible price for a memory foam mattress, but there are a few of caveats to heed you of...

First, an 8-inch mattress may not offer enough support for most adults. I'd recommend it for a child, teenager, or a petite adult. Everyone else, opt for the original 10-inch version.

Second, though it appears the warranty and trial period are covered by Siena, you'll still want to be up on what to expect when buying a mattress from Amazon.

Finally, the original Siena mattress is decidedly firm – at least I thought so in my Siena Memory Foam Mattress review. This shorter one may feel even more unyielding so unless you like feeling as if you're resting on a slab of stone, look elsewhere.

Is it worth waiting for Cyber Monday mattress deals?

Getting to the Black Friday mattress deal party late? Here's the good news – you're not really late at all since Cyber Monday mattress deals will be immediately following.

When it comes to Cyber Monday vs Black Friday mattress deals, we find there's virtually no difference between discounts. Most brands are keen to slap a Cyber Monday sticker right over the Black Friday one on the sale banners, so to speak. But that's not really a bad thing as Black Friday mattress deals are the year's best.

(That said, there are a few brands that like to increase their discounts or add extra freebies for Cyber Monday – Purple and Casper, to name a couple.)

The only thing you might have to watch out for is stock selling out and items going on backorder if you shop on Cyber Monday. The sooner you buy, the better your chances of not having to wait several weeks for your mattress to arrive. 

But whether you buy now or want to give it another day or two, you'll be flush with excellent mattress deals. Happy shopping!

Don't need to wait until Travel Tuesday for deals on hotel mattresses

Alison here again! Over the summer I had the opportunity to reacquaint myself with the Westin Heavenly Bed, a supportive innerspring with a dreamy pillow-top that I comfortably sank into. It was almost a shame that I couldn't bring it home with me.

Well, actually, I could. And you can, too, this Black Friday. Right now, the Westin Store has a queen Westin Heavenly Bed on sale for $1,871 (was $2,495). However, you'll need a box spring for this so if you don't already have one, add it to your purchase.

A 10-year warranty is included, but you'll need to wait 4 to 6 weeks for delivery since this bed is made-to-order. If you want to add Westin's signature pillows and sheets, they're all on sale for 25% off, as well.

That's not the only Black Friday hotel mattress deal we're finding. From the Ritz Carlton to the Kimpton, check out our favorite hotel mattress deals in the Black Friday sales.

Should you buy a Black Friday mattress deal with white glove delivery?

The biggest advantage of buying a mattress in a box is free, quick shipping right to your door – but then that means setup will fall on your shoulders. If you have mobility issues and can't easily find someone to assist you, consider buying a mattress that offers white glove delivery.

What is mattress white glove delivery? This is a premium service in which a crew will come out and set up your new mattress, and in some cases, they'll even remove your old one. All you'll have to do is schedule a time for them to come to your home.

This isn't a common amenity among online mattress brands, although you can add this service for a fee from the likes of Nectar and GhostBed. Meanwhile, it's more commonly included with luxury mattresses – Saatva, Tempur-Pedic, and WinkBed are a few examples.

If you're willing to pay a little extra for convenience, white glove delivery is certainly worth the investment. 

(And if you're like me and struggle with occasional back pain, going the white glove route means you won't have to risk worsening your condition by hauling a hefty mattress all by yourself! - Alison)

This luxury memory foam mattress is $400 off and great for back pain

Alison here again! Keeping on the subject of white glove delivery, here's a Black Friday deal for one of my favorite mattresses that includes this service... for free!

At the time of my Saatva Loom & Leaf mattress review, I was in a world of pain as my back injury had flared up again. I would have been a lot grumpier during my recovery if not for the sumptuous, sink-in surface of this luxury memory foam mattress. 

There's also a gel-infused foam lumbar crown plus dual-foam quilting on the top cover in the middle third of the bed, which is exactly what my achy lower back needed. It comes in two firmness levels: relaxed firm (which I slept on) and firm.

Ready to improve your sleep quality (and soothe your bad back) in a major way? Our exclusive discount cuts $400 off all orders over $1,000 at Saatva. That includes all sizes of the Loom & Leaf, which is now $1,995 for a queen. (Saatva's general Black Friday sale only drops it to $2,095 so make sure to click our special link!)

To save your back from further strain, free white glove delivery is included, as is the optional removal of your old mattress. You'll also get one year to trial it at home, as well as a lifetime warranty to back your purchase.

A word of caution if you sleep warm: the Loom & Leaf's major weakness is heat retention. In that case, I'd recommend going for the Saatva Classic or even splurging on the Saatva RX, both of which are spring-based mattresses. (They're also on sale.)

This Amazon best-selling mattress topper is 20% off for Black Friday

The Linenspa 3 Inch Gel Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper is an Amazon #1 best-seller among mattress toppers – and now you can bring it home at a 20% discount for Black Friday. The price of a queen topper is $71.99 (was $89.99) with free shipping (free two-day shipping for Prime members).

Whether your bed needs a slight boost in plushness or you want to make your guests feel more comfortable in the spare bedroom, this cheap foam topper will provide an instant upgrade while leaving you with enough money to shop the other Black Friday sales we're tracking here at Tom's Guide.

Zinus is selling a king size cooling mattress for only $299!

Hi everyone, it’s Claire again. I’ve been busy shopping the Black Friday mattress sales online and I’ve uncovered some brilliant deals that I’ll be sharing with you in the next hour.

First up, top-rated affordable mattress brand Zinus is having a big holiday sale and they have just announced a time-limited deal on the Cool Comfort Mattress.

If you head to the brand’s website now, you can get a king size Cool Comfort Mattress for just $299 at Zinus. That’s the lowest price I’ve seen yet for a king mattress this Black Friday – not even the Siena Mattress comes close to this rock bottom price. 

So is it worth buying? The Zinus Cool Comfort Foam Mattress isn’t one we’ve tested, but we have reviewed the Zinus Green Tea Luxe Mattress, which did fairly well in our tests for a budget bed. Zinus mattresses are never going to compete with the Caspers and Saatvas of the mattress world, but they aren’t designed to.

What they are designed to do is provide you with a decent balance of comfort and support for the price. The Cool Comfort also adds in temperature regulation, though I wouldn’t expect it to be powerful enough to keep hot sleepers cool.

I think this Zinus mattress could be a good choice for guest rooms, for college students, and for couples seeking their first mattress on a very tight budget. This deal ends tomorrow, so move fast if you’re interested.

Tempur-Pedic’s anti-snoring bed base gets a $200 price cut

In my work as a Certified Sleep Science Coach, I write about lots of sleep conditions, including snoring. According to Yale Medicine, as many as 90 million Americans snore to some degree. That’s a lot of noise at night!

If you snore, or if you share with a snorer, you might be shopping the Black Friday sales looking for something to help you stop snoring. Unfortunately there aren’t many tried and proven products that stop snoring in its tracks.

But with some lifestyle changes and the right adjustable bed and pillow, you could definitely reduce the frequency and volume of your snoring. Losing weight and changing your sleeping position to sleeping on your side will help, as will choosing a pillow that supports and elevates you head in this position. 

What about smart beds? Can they help too? The Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Ergo Smart Base is known for its Snore Response technology, which kicks in as soon as it hears you begining to rumble up a snore. It responds by elevating your side of the bed by up to 12 degrees under your head, tilting your head into a position that opens your airways and reduces snoring. 

It’s clever, right? If you’re heading for sleep divorce because of your snoring, then the Tempur-Ergo Smart Base, on sale from $1,699 (was $1,899) at Tempur-Pedic, could be your saving grace. 

As a bonus, it has a built-in massage function and sleep tracking. 

My favorite pillow for all sleep styles is on sale at Amazon today

Black Friday isn't just about mattress deals – it's a great time to buy new bedding and accessories too. If you're shopping for a new pillow, I highly recommend the Coop Home Goods Adjustable Pillow, on sale in today's Amazon Black Friday deals.

This is the best pillow for many simply because it's adjustable in terms of height (loft) and fill. So you can make it as thin or as full, and as shallow or as tall, as you need for your sleeping position. 

I find this pillow to be nice and breathable too, which is a pretty genius stroke considering it isn't made of naturally cooling materials such as wool or latex. 

The Coop Home Goods Adjustable Pillow is on sale for $57 at Amazon today, saving you 20% on the normal retail price. I think that's a bargain for such a comfy, versatile and customizable pillow. 

Pro mattress tester picks the best of the Black Friday deals

I work with lots of mattress testers here at Tom's Guide, and one of my favorites to work with is Alison Barretta. Alison has been reviewing mattresses for us for years now, and there aren't many beds she hasn't tested. 

From hybrid and organic to memory foam and cooling mattresses, Alison has tested every type of bed you can buy online in the Black Friday sales. So naturally I had to pick her brains to see what mattresses she recommends buying this holiday season. 

You can read Alison's 7 very best picks round-up in full, but for those short on time, these are the deals she recommends: 

Ok, this is Claire signing off now from our live Black Friday mattress deals coverage, but I'd like to share some quick mattress shopping tips to help you find the right bed for you this Black Friday. 

Don’t buy based on price alone: Just because a mattress is expensive doesn't mean it's the right choice for you. Similarly, just because a bed has a huge discount doesn't mean it's the best buy for you.

Pick a mattress that suits your sleep position: Whether you sleep on your side, back, stomach or switch between all positions, choose a mattress that suits your main sleeping position. That way you'll get the best pressure relief and support for your body in that position.

Only buy a mattress if it comes on a trial basis. If a bed doesn't have a risk-free trial period of at least 30 nights, choose another mattress. Mattress trials are vital to help you test out the bed at home to ensure it's right for you. On average, it takes around three weeks for your body to get used to a new bed, so you need a trial period.

Investing in a good mattress can give your sleep a huge boost, and seeing how good sleep makes a positive difference to your mental and physical wellbeing, this is one product that’s worth the investment. 

Happy Black Friday mattress deals shopping!

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