Alright Reddit, I need your help because I'm absolutely losing my mind trying to pick a new mattress. I've been sleeping on the same hand-me-down mattress from my college days for the past 8 years (yes, I know, I know) and I finally have the budget to invest in something decent. The problem is, the more research I do, the more overwhelmed I get. Every website claims their mattress is revolutionary, "best mattress ever" every review site seems sponsored, and don't even get me started on the endless YouTube videos of people jumping on beds with wine glasses.

Here's my situation: I'm a side sleeper mostly, sometimes stomach, about 180 lbs, and I tend to run hot at night. My partner is around 140 lbs and sleeps exclusively on her back. We both wake up with some lower back pain on our current disaster of a mattress, and she says I toss and turn constantly (though I blame the 20-year-old springs that sound like a haunted house every time I move).

I've been down the rabbit hole looking at Purple, Casper, Tuft & Needle, Tempur-Pedic, Saatva, Helix, and honestly my brain is melting from information overload. The Purple looks interesting with that weird gel grid thing, but some people say it feels bizarre. Tempur-Pedic seems like the gold standard but holy hell those prices - are they actually worth it? And what about those bed-in-a-box brands versus traditional mattresses? Is there really a difference or is it all marketing? My budget is around $1500-2000 for a queen, though I could stretch to $2500 if it's truly life-changing.

Also, what's the deal with mattress firmness? Every website has different definitions of medium-firm, and what feels soft to one person apparently feels like concrete to another. How am I supposed to know what I need without trying them all? And yes, I know about the trial periods, but the thought of returning a massive mattress sounds like an absolute nightmare.

If you've bought a mattress in the last couple years, what did you get and do you actually love it? Or did you get buyer's remorse after the honeymoon period ended? Any brands I should absolutely avoid?

I’ve been trying to upgrade my sleep with a new mattress, but honestly, it’s been tough to find one that actually works for me. Struggling to find the right mattress too many options and issues like firmness, overheating, and lack of support make it overwhelming.

Have any of you found a mattress that made a noticeable difference in your sleep? Looking for recommendations on mattresses that offer great support, stay cool, and are durable all without breaking the bank.

I’ve seen brands like:

• Tempur-Pedic

• Purple

• Casper

• Saatva

Thanks in advance.

I did everything right. I researched, read reviews, even laid on this Sealy mattress in a showroom for 15 minutes while the salesperson awkwardly hovered. It felt amazing... until it didn't. After spending the last THREE YEARS on a mattress that cost me $850 and developed a body-shaped crater within 8 months, I'm super skeptical and literally trust no one.

The first 90 days were great, then it started freaking sinking in the middle. By the time I tried to use the warranty, they hit me with "normal wear and tear isn't covered" and "body impressions under ‘x’ inches aren't considered defects." EXCUSE ME?

Anyway. I'm now mattress shopping again, but THIS time, I want a simple, well-made mattress under $1000 that won't become a hammock within a year.

I'm looking at some online brands, but also considering going back to basics with something more traditional.

Has anyone found a good mattress under $1000 that's actually held up over time? What's your experience with hybrid vs all-foam designs? Any brands to absolutely avoid? (I’ve read that a lot of those trial periods often have ridiculous return processes and that most mattress reviews online are paid.)

Edit: WOW, didn't expect so many responses! I tried reading through all your suggestions, but they were too many… thanks so much everyone!

I ended up going with the Boring Hybrid Mattress (https://www.boring.co/products/hybrid-mattress) after a decision paralysis, since it checked all the boxes for me: under $1000, a 365 night trial period, good support, and plenty of positive reviews here on Reddit.

It might not be the most exciting pick, but it felt it was one of the safest bets. I’m super excited to finally try it out and see if it lives up to the hype (or at least doesn’t sag within 8 months)!