Where to try out innerspring mattresses on a budget in NYC

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Hi there!

I’ve been dealing with lower back pain exacerbated by a very soft mattress. I traveled last week and sleeping on a firmer bed felt so much better. I want a new one ASAP. I went to PC Richard’s and Sons and liked some innerspring mattresses but I know the S-brands are not a great value. I went to Sleepare but they are all hybrids and I really don’t like the feeling.

I’m looking for a full mattress with a price less than a thousand (ideally less than 700). I don’t plan on having a full forever, but I’d like it to last 5ish years. Majority back sleeper, sometimes stomach (trying to break the habit). 155lbs, 5’8”.

I’d really like to test the mattress out in person before buying, and am not having a lot of luck finding non-chain affordable mattress showrooms in NYC.

It appears that there are not any “trusted members” on this site in NYC. I’ve looked up some NYC places I’ve seen mentioned on here but they appear to be rather high end.

Thank you in advance for your recommendations!

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Hi plop,
Welcome to the mattress underground.

To specifically address where you can buy a traditional innerspring mattress, there are a couple of choices within a half hour from Manhattan.

Shovlin Mattress

Orange Mattress in New Jersey

While these folks make superior quality mattresses, not all will cost the kings ransom.

The Clean Bedroom in NYC

The Clean Bedroom has a nice innerspring, but it is over your budget even with TMU discounts

It’s advisable to steer clear of chain stores when shopping for mattresses in your price range, as many of the options they offer tend to be subpar in quality.

Mattresses from reputable manufacturers like Trusted Members of TMU are more likely to endure for five years or even longer. From personal experience, my mother-in-law purchased a BeautyRest mattress from Raymour and within a year, it developed a sizable indentation under her hip—quite a disappointing outcome for an $1800 investment. Considering this, it’s concerning to think what they might offer for $700.

Independent retailers such as Beloit Mattress and Gardner Mattress (that offer traditional innerspring mattresses, albeit, no in your local vicinity) prioritize product quality regardless of price point because they directly interact with customers and face scrutiny if their products fall short of expectations. In contrast, larger chain stores and marketing-focused mattress companies handle such issues differently—they typically levy a restocking fee to offset costs and swiftly move on as it becomes a volume play for them.

Companies like @EngineeredSleep offer a classic mattress which is a hybrid but acts like a traditional mattress.

@DLX Has their essential mattress which is a bit firmer, which is perfect for stomach and back sleepers and when on promotion falls right in your budget. Also a hybrid, the two sided acts more like a traditional mattress.

Both of these “classic” mattresses offer generous trial periods, and if you reach out to them, they’ll gladly discuss the assurance of purchasing based on specifications and expected comfort.

Living here in NJ there are several options in the southern part of the state, but the ones mentioned above are within a half hour from NYC so it is an easy trip. Probably easier than getting around the city.

We can address guidance on the mattress specifics and matching one to your specific profile, but the folks at all of the independents mentioned are seasoned professionals to place you on the right track.

Best of luck,

Maverick

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Hi Maverick,

Thanks so much for your detailed answer. Unfortunately, I don’t have a car so those NJ stores are more like 2 hours each way via public transport. It’s seeming like I may have to just buy without trying, which is not my preference but I think should be okay.

I totally agree about avoiding the chain mattress places, which is why I was trying to avoid them, but have been stymied by the lack of options near me (which is kind of crazy, it feels like New York City of all places should have more mattress stores!)

I was already looking into Engineered Sleep and had contacted them with some questions about their 8” classic, so I’m encouraged you mentioned them. Between that and the Beloit Value E’Lan, would I expect there to be a big difference?

I reached out to Shovlin about their pricing on their classic and classic plus models since it’s not listed online; is there somewhere that might be listed?

I’m a bit confused about the bed spring situation; if I have a bed frame like this currently, is that good? Should I a) get a different bed frame b) get a box spring or c) get a bunkie board? I really like the storage I get underneath currently (again, nyc)

Thanks again!!

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Hi plop,

Glad you found us here.

Maverick is correct that our mattresses do not fit the under $1000 range in an adult mattress in full size - although the mattress he linked is close, as it is on sale now.

I would encourage you to stop by if you are in the city. We are on the corner of 27th and 5th and open every day. The Chorus mattress by Naturepedic that Maverick linked is a comfortable innerspring mattress with a 10-year warranty. It has a comfort layer over the springs that provides some cushioning - it depends on how firm you like your mattresses.

The Naturepedic mattresses have a sale for a few more days.

Hope this helps a little.

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I suppose there might be some local stores in the city offering more affordable options from independent vendors. They may require some searching, though. When it comes to brands like @EngineeredSleep and @DLX, the balance between risk and reward leans toward the latter. Their mattresses are of high quality, and with a bit of advice from them, purchasing without seeing them firsthand can be done with confidence.

If it helps, before I joined TMU, I purchased my BB Plank Luxe without ever seeing it in person. I based my decision solely on its specifications. Now, with @DLX and @EngineeredSleep offering super firm versions of their mattress models, my options for an extra firm, yet not overly rigid mattress, have significantly increased.

Shovlin never seems to post pricing, likely because they do a lot of customizing to their mattresses. When you check their website, they do indicate lower pricing category vs higher pricing categories of mattresses.

Regarding that bedframe, I’d lean towards caution, as I haven’t seen it in person, but it doesn’t seem to be the most supportive option I’ve encountered. If you’re intent on using this frame, I’d strongly consider adding a bunkie board for your mattress to rest on.

While some companies may recommend slat spacing of 4" or less, I advise keeping the spacing under 3", or even less. You have the freedom to choose the frame height for storage space beneath it, but the surface where the mattress sits should prevent any springs or foam from protruding through.

Sometimes you just need to take a leap of faith, go with your gut and make a sensible decision even if it means choosing without testing first, you always have your trial period.

Maverick

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Hi Plop,

Fellow New Yorker. We went to The Sleep Loft this weekend. It’s on West 18th. They have Brooklyn Bedding, Puffy, Helix, and maybe one or two other mainly online brands that you can lay on. Basically, they got deals with Wirecutter/CNET 5-star brands to have a showroom.

Worth a shot, especially if you aren’t willing to order online and pray. Expect a fairly hard-sell at the end, but hey - that’s kind of their job. They also aren’t going to answer questions on materials really - you’ll have to come back here for that…

Might also try Room & Board across the street (they carry a manufacturer mentioned by phoenix), and see if Saatva in Flatiron has anything in your price range.

Good luck!
-Eric