I'm a sleep expert and I'm tracking the best Black Friday mattress deals of 2024 live

An affordable side sleeper alternative

Did you know more than half of Americans are reported to be side sleepers? That's a lot of people, but our best mattress for side sleepers buyer's guide has an option for pretty much every one of you. The Helix Midnight Luxe might be our number one pick for side sleepers (and Sleep Editor Nicola's favorite mattress), but if you're after something cheaper, I recommend the Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress.

The Zinus Memory Foam is an Amazon best seller and what it does best is deliver bucketfuls of pressure relief at a low price. I should know — I spent several weeks sleeping on it for our Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress review.

This mattress embraces side sleepers in a squishy, comforting hug, and right now you can save big on the Zinus 12" Memory Foam Mattress on Amazon. Available from just $138 for a twin (was $1,68.97), this is a rare super saving on an already cheap mattress.

• Read more: Are memory foam mattresses good for side sleepers?

The best Black Friday mattress deals for side sleepers

So you've read Nicola's tips for buying a mattress, but if she were to follow her own advice, what mattress would she buy?

Nicola: The Helix Midnight Luxe is the Black Friday mattress deal I’ve been hoping for. Helix mattress sales usually range between 20% and 30% off, with discounts reaching a dizzying 32% off during July’s Amazon Prime Day sale event. But while 32% off is incredible value, it’s not the Helix Black Friday mattress deal I’m after.

I need to replace my entire sleep set up, so I’ve been holding out for a strong discount that also comes with a free bedding bundle. And it's here: with the Helix mattress Black Friday deals every Luxe mattress comes with pillows, a mattress protector and bed sheet set — all for free. Combined with the current exclusive 27% off you’ll get when you use the discount code TOMS27 at checkout, that translates to an incredible saving of up to $1,193. In terms of value for money, that’s actually stronger than the straight saving of up to $919 back in July.

Why is the Helix Midnight Luxe my favorite mattress? After testing it earlier this year, I was really impressed with its blend of incredible pressure relief across the shoulders, hips and knees and enhanced lumbar support. So much so that it shot to the top of our best mattress for side sleepers guide and landed a spot in our best mattress for back pain guide. If you’re a side sleeper looking for a luxury mattress at a great price, this is it.

• Read more: Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress review

Side sleeper luxury

Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress: from $1,373.75 $1,002.84 at Helix
Use code TOMS27 to take 27% off this luxurious bed that earned the top spot in our best mattress for side sleepers guide (we also recommend it for back sleepers). And you'll get a free bedding bundle with pillows, mattress protector, and sheets included. Right now a queen is just $1,732 (was $2,373).

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5 quick tips for buying a new mattress this Black Friday

Buying a new mattress for the first time in a while and not sure how to get started? I've got you covered, with all the best advice from the mattress experts here at Tom's Guide. I asked Nicola Appleton, Sleep Editor and side sleeper, for her top tips. Here's what she had to say:

1. Get clear on what sleep position you spend most time in
Mattresses differ in firmness levels, ranging from soft, medium-firm and firm. The feel of the mattress you need will depend on your body type and dominant sleep position. For example, side sleepers will need a mattress with a bit of give, while back and stomach sleepers will need a mattress on the firmer side. Check out our guide on how firm a mattress should be for more info, but heavier people tend to find firmer mattresses more comfortable, while lighter people get on better with a softer mattress.

2. Think carefully about your sleep needs
Before adding anything to cart, think carefully about what you need from a mattress. Does it need a sturdy edge so you can sit safely on the side of the bed before standing? Do you share a bed with a restless partner and therefore need something with strong motion isolation? Do you frequently wake in a hot sweat and need one of the year’s best cooling mattresses?

3. Opt for a mattress with a decent trial period
Unless you’re 100% sure that you’re buying the right mattress for you (and can you ever really be?), steer clear of a mattress that doesn’t come with a trial period this Black Friday. All major brands offer a trial period ranging from the minimum 30 nights to a lengthy 365 nights, which you’ll get with Saatva, Nectar and DreamCloud. A mattress sleep trial is the window of time within which you can return your mattress if it isn’t quite right.

4. Don’t be swayed by discount alone
We all want a great deal this Black Friday, but shopping on discount alone is a false economy when the mattress you end up with isn’t particularly comfortable or supportive. Instead, shop for a mattress that you know will suit your body type, sleep position and needs.

5. Do you need a new mattress or a mattress topper?
If your mattress isn’t particularly old but not especially comfortable either, buying a new mattress topper could be a cost-effective solution to boosting your bed’s overall comfort. A mattress topper can add support, adjust the firmness and improve temperature regulation. We’ve rounded up the strongest Black Friday mattress topper sales.

• Read more: How to buy a mattress online

$300 budget? We've got you sorted

Frances Daniels, Sleep Writer at Tom's Guide (and mattress topper expert, she'll be dropping some advice for you later) has rounded up the best deals for shoppers on a tight budget. The mattresses below are all less than $300 for a queen size and comfortable enough for an adult bedroom. They're also perfect for a spare room, just in case you're having guests over this holiday season...

Rare saving

1. The Allswell 10" Hybrid Mattress: from $217 $194 at Walmart
You’ll find the Allswell Hybrid in our best cheap mattress guide thanks to our Allswell mattress review praising its affordable price for a hybrid mattress. Boasting quilted memory foam comfort, the Allswell Hybrid also has a tier of individually-wrapped springs to provide exceptional motion isolation. I've tracked this mattress price throughout the year and can tall you it's rarely on sale, but right now a queen is just $284 (was $317). We don’t know how long this discount will last, so it’s best to take advantage now than waiting until the big day.

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Cheap hybrid

2. 10” Linenspa Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress: from $199.99 $159.99 at Linenspa
The 10” Linenspa Memory Foam Mattress is one of the best hybrid mattresses for those on a budget. Even though Linenspa rarely discounts this bed, you’ll always get a queen-size for under $350. However, thanks to a well-hidden 20% off sale (you need to add the mattress to your cart to see the sale price), a queen is now $255.99 down from $319.99. We’ve never seen a discount higher than 20% off, so we suggest snagging this deal while you can. Our Linenspa Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress review praised the incredibly cheap price, but if you want an affordable hybrid with better cooling and motion isolation, go for the Allswell Hybrid above.

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Natural materials

3. Tulo Bamboo 10" Medium Plush Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress: from $569.99 $215.99 at Mattress Firm
Designed for side sleepers in need of body-contouring pressure relief, the Tulo 10” Memory Foam Bamboo Mattress is an all-foam model made from naturally clean materials. This includes naturally breathable bamboo threads and antimicrobial green tea infused into the memory foam. Right now, a queen is an impressive 62% off, taking the $789.99 MSRP down to just $299.99. We doubt we’ll see such an epic discount drop further, so now is the right time to buy. While its memory foam design will suit side sleepers, front and back sleepers may want to try a supportive hybrid like the Linenspa and Allswell above.

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Looking for something cheaper?

The Saatva Classic might be our number one favorite mattress here at Tom's Guide but this premium buy is pushing the budget for many of us (trust me, I can relate). That's why I'm presenting an alternate pick: the DreamCloud. The DreamCloud Hybrid mattress has a cushioned yet supportive feel that suits pretty much every sleep style, and the cashmere blend cover gives it a touch of luxury that makes climbing into bed even more of a treat.

It’s not quite the indulgent comfort of the Saatva Classic, but the DreamCloud does have one major advantage — it’s over $1,000 cheaper for a queen size. That’s incredible value for money on a mattress our expert mattress tester described as "one of the coziest mattresses [she's] slept on".

Still need convincing? Check out DreamCloud Mattress review for the full run-down and the DreamCloud Black Friday mattress sales. Or head across to the DreamCloud mattress site, where you can save up to 50% on all mattresses.

Save on our all-time favorite mattress

Let’s dive right in with my favorite mattress sale of Black Friday 2024 so far: the Saatva Classic. Our Senior Sleep Editor (and Certified Sleep Science Coach) Claire Davies described the Saatva Classic as the “comfiest, most supportive mattress [she’s] ever slept on”. She’s re-testing it right now and experiencing first-hand just how much it can boost your sleep comfort — everyone on the team is more than a little jealous. This has been a Tom’s Guide favorite for years and even at full price we think this luxurious innerspring hybrid is worth the money. So the fact that you can save $400 on the Classic Mattress at Saatva today is, in my opinion, excellent value.

This is a special discount that we've teamed up with Saatva to offer Tom's Guide readers — it's better than the deal you'll see on the Saatva site, so make sure to follow our link to claim your saving. I don’t expect the price to drop any further from here on out, so if you want to experience all-round sleep luxury, shop now.

Read more: I’m a sleep coach — the best mattress I’ve slept on is now $400 off in Black Friday sales

$400 off all sizes

The Saatva Classic (queen): $2,095 $1,695 at Saatva
Claire Davies, Senior Sleep Editor: The Saatva Classic is the best hybrid mattress I’ve slept on. It excels in three specific areas. The first is a double whammy of pressure relief and lower back support. I still have twinges in my lower back and hips post-pregnancy, and the Classic is the first mattress in two years that has reduced all pain for me. The second area is edge support – it’s the strongest I’ve felt in a mattress, giving me and my family more space to spread out and sleep on every inch while still feeling supported. Lastly, the temperature control is excellent. I’m a very hot sleeper, but I sleep comfortably all night long on the Classic. Apart from a few minor cosmetic imperfections, I can’t fault this mattress.

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A-Z of Black Friday mattress sales

There are plenty of Black Friday mattress sales to shop right now if you're looking to upgrade your bed. Here's a brief rundown of the biggest and best deals currently live:

• Amazon: budget mattresses from $80
• Amerisleep: $500 off all mattresses
• Avocado: up to 20% off organic mattresses
• Awara Sleep: up to 50% off
• Bear: 40% off + two free pillows with code TOM40 at checkout
• Beautyrest: up to $1,000 off mattresses and adjustable bed sets
• Casper: 30% off for Black Friday
• DreamCloud: 50% off - from $299
• Helix: 27% off + free bedding with code: TOMS27 at checkout
• Layla: up to $200 off + two free pillows
• Leesa: 30% off mattresses + two free pillows
• Macy’s: big discounts on older models
• Naturepedic: 20% sitewide sale + two free pillows
• Nectar: 50% off memory foam and hybrid mattresses
• Nolah: 35% off sitewide sale + two free pillows
• Puffy: up to $1,350 in savings with code: EARLYFRIDAY
• Purple: up to $100 off for Black Friday
• Saatva: $400 off luxury mattresses - back to best price
• Siena: from $199 - 50% off our best cheap mattress
• Stearns & Foster: save up to $600 + $300 Visa gift card
• Tempur-Pedic: Big discounts on quality mattresses
• Titan: sitewide 30% off sale
• Walmart: Allswell, Zinus + more affordable brands
• Winkbed: $300 off mattresses

Before we dive into the sales, some shopping advice. We’re just a week away from Black Friday (yes, Thanksgiving is this time next week) and as we move closer to the big day, the deals have only gotten better — Bear, Emma and Leesa have impressed us by boosting their savings this week. All the major sleep brands have launched their sales, and you’ll find Black Friday deals on mattresses at most of the biggest retailers in the country. So are they any good? And should you buy now - or wait?

It used to be that Black Friday was the time to buy a mattress, but sales have changed recently. The Black Friday 2024 deals aren't blowing us out of the water, with many of the best prices matching discounts we saw earlier in the year (say hello, Memorial Day). But the good news is that some of the offers on this page are still outrageous value for money.

And now is a good time to buy. I’ve been tracking mattress prices throughout this year and based on previous sales patterns, I expect the prices to be fixed from now until Black Friday at most brands. There’s no harm in waiting another week or so to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible, but my money is on this being the biggest saving in most cases.

Good morning
Ruth Jones, Sleep Writer

Good morning and welcome to the Black Friday mattress deals live blog. Black Friday is just a week away and if you’re hunting for a mattress deal, I’m rounding up all the best offers here with help from the rest of the mattress experts on the Tom’s Guide sleep team. As well as my favorite discounts, I’ll be dropping some hints and tips about how to choose the perfect mattress — and how to grab a bargain! Stay tuned.