I’m a mattress expert — 3 beds I’d buy this Prime Day and 3 I’d get in the 4th of July sales

Amazon launched its Prime Day Deals earlier this year, kicking off on 23rd June and sneaking in ahead of the 4th of July mattress sales. While there are plenty of good Prime Day discounts on sleep tech and a few good cheap and mid-range mattress deals (Zinus, DreamCloud, and Nectar), Amazon's Prime Day mattress deals have been mostly underwhelming this year.
So if you want to buy a new mattress and are wondering whether to get one in the Prime Day sale or shop elsewhere in the 4th of July sales, here's what we recommend...
Stick with Prime Day if you want an affordable mattress that costs less than $550 for a queen, and if you want to stock up on affordable bedding, or nab a good sleep tracker for less.
If you're looking to invest in a hotel-style bed or luxury mattress, browse the 4th of July sales instead. Many of the top-rated options in our best mattress guide are on sale this week, so now is a good time to upgrade.
Here's what you need to know about buying a mattress in the Amazon Prime Day sales vs 4th of July...
Today's best deals on top-rated mattresses
- Best mattress overall – Saatva Classic: From $1,049 (was $1,449) at Saatva
- Best cooling – Bear Elite Hybrid: From $1,198 (was $1,998) at Bear
- Best value – DreamCloud Classic: From $429 (was $1,346) at DreamCloud
- Best cheap – Zinus 10" Green Tea: From $137 (170.99) at Amazon
- For side sleepers – Helix Midnight Luxe: From $1,119 (was $1,492) at Helix
- Best organic – Avocado Green: From $1,359 (was $1,599) at Avocado
- Best smart – Sleep Number ComfortNext: From $2,199 (was $2,599) at Sleep Number
Prime Day vs 4th of July: Top mattress deals compared
Top 3 Prime Day mattress deals
-$200 for a queen
At $167 for a queen, this is only $3 off the lowest price we've seen the Zinus sell for in the last year. It's a good mattress for side sleepers seeking a softer, cozier bed, but it does trap heat so consider the SweetNight CoolNest ($399 for a queen at Amazon) if you're a hot sleeper. The 90-day Amazon mattress returns policy is tight compared to what sleep brands offer.
Hotel bed for less
We re-tested the DreamCloud Classic hybrid in April and still rate it the best value mattress for couples (it scored 4/5 for edge support and 3.5/5 in our motion isolation test). Prime Day has the cheapest queen price at $535 (was $699) compared to $552 at DreamCloud, and you get the same year's sleep trial, free shipping and lifetime warranty. Don't miss this one.
Body-hug comfort
We found the Nectar firmer than advertised when lab testing it, so we recommend it to back and stomach sleepers, and side sleepers who want a foam mattress that keeps them on top of the bed (rather than sinking in). Amazon Prime Day is selling a queen for $537 (was $699) compared to $552 at Nectar. Year's sleep trial, free shipping, and lifetime warranty included.
Top 3 4th of July mattress deals
Our No 1 mattress
The Saatva Classic is the highest-scoring bed we've tested, earning a 5/5 in our Saatva Classic review. It sleeps cool, relieves pain, and has excellent lower back support. A queen costs $1,829 in the Saatva 4th of July sale, which is $50 more than Memorial Day sales prices. It could rise again, so now is the time to buy. Comes with a year's trial, lifetime warranty, and free White Glove Delivery.
-$300 for a queen
The Siena Signature 10" Memory Foam is the best cheap mattress we've tested – it even outscored our best hybrid mattress, the Saatva Classic, at motion isolation. At $294 for a queen is Siena's new sale, this firm all-foam bed delivers impressive support with no sag and the motion isolation is among the best we've tested (and we've tested some pricey beds.) We haven't seen a cheaper price than this in the Prime Day sale.
Best cooling support
The Bear Elite Hybrid aced our temperature regulation tests, shedding several degrees of heat in just one minute to earn the number one spot in our best cooling mattress guide. There's 40% off all sizes in the Bear 4th of July sale, with a queen reduced to $1,370 (was $2,284) when you use the code TOMS40 at checkout. Comes with a 120-night trial, limited lifetime warranty, and free shipping.
Benefits compared: Prices, sleep trials and warranties
- Amazon Prime Day is better for cheap mattress and sleep tech deals
- 4th of July sales are better for mid-range, luxury and smart mattresses
- On the whole, buying direct from top sleep brands nets you better benefits
Let's start with a generalization: if you want a cheap mattress, stick with the Amazon Prime Day sales. If you want a good mid-range or luxury mattress, browse the 4th of July sales (many already have started).
In recent years, Amazon has expanded its arsenal of mattresses to included top-rated brands including Nectar, DreamCloud, Purple and Casper (see our guide to the best Amazon mattresses). However, Amazon is still primarily home to budget beds, and it's the place to look for a queen mattress under $400.

In the July 4th mattress sales you'll find a wider variety of prices, including discounts on some of the best luxury mattresses you can buy online. If you have a bigger budget — say, upwards of $1,000 for a queen —you'll have more chance to use it well if you look outside Amazon.
You'll also find better benefits outside Amazon... for the most part.
A standard mattress trial for a bed sold online is 100 nights (that's the time you can test it at home.) However, on Amazon many cheap beds come with no trial at all. That means once it's out of its packaging, it's yours. Luxury sleep favorites, on the other hand, sometimes offer as much as a 365-night trial.
You're also likely to get better warranties shopping outside Amazon (although even budget brands often include a 10-year warranty.)
The mattresses, bedding and sleep tech to look out for in each sale
The mattress might be the big ticket item but it's not the only thing that can help you sleep better. Here's which sale to shop for all your snooze essentials.
Mattresses
- Amazon sells excellent all-foam beds with Prime Day discounts
- For organic and luxury, shop the 4th of July deals
- The 4th of July sales will also have more variety
If you're looking for a budget-friendly mattress in the Amazon Prime Day sales, we recommend opting for a low-cost memory foam mattress.
That's based on our testing experience: brands such as Zinus, EGOHOME and Sweetnight have impressed our review team with their all-foam beds and budget price points. They're particularly good for side sleepers, as the dense foams hug the shoulders and hips to reduce pressure build-up (a must in the best mattresses for side sleepers.)

The 4th of July sales have a much wider variety of mattresses in a box on sale, including some of the best organic mattresses and our favorite hotel beds.
It's also the place to look for traditional beds (in other words, those delivered flat, like the Saatva Classic.)
Pillows & bedding
- Pillows and bedding are discounted for Prime Day and July 4th
- For affordable upgrades and guest room favorites, try Amazon
- For durable, premium bedding picks, shop the 4th of July deals
Many of our favorite sleep brands now run Amazon stores. So if it's one of the best pillows or fresh bedding you're after, there's a lot of choice.
As with mattresses, Amazon Prime Day will be the time to shop if you want a budget-friendly pillow or bedding set. And thanks to the typically quick delivery dates, you can order new bedding now and have it set up in your spare room before your 4th of July visitors arrive.
Alternatively, if you have your eye on mid-range to premium brands such as Coop, Brooklinen, and Nest, hold off for the 4th of July sales.
Sleep tech
- There are massive sleep tracker discounts in the Prime Day sales
- Plus bargains on sleep accessories, like ear plugs and eye masks
- For a smart bed, you'll find more options in the 4th of July sales
You'll find sleep tech discounts during both sales periods but if you're after one of the best sleep trackers, it's got to be Prime Day: we're already seeing deals from Oura and FitBit.

Prime Day will also be your best chance to save on sleep accessories; eye masks, ear plugs, sleepy time teas, pillow sprays... the small add ons that can elevate your sleep set-up. While you'll find a few deals over the 4th of July, we recommend adding these to your Prime Day basket.
But July 4th is likely to come out on top if it's one of the best smart beds you're after, with brands including Sleep Number and Eight Sleep leading the sales.
Amazon Prime Day vs 4th of July mattress sales: Which sale is better for you?
Shop the Amazon Prime Day mattress deals if...
✅ You want a cheap bed: Amazon is the home of affordable mattresses and with the Prime Day price drops, you can expect even cheaper deals. And it's not just Amazon, as rivals Walmart and Best Buy are running rival offers.
✅ You want high-quality sleep tech: From FitBit to Oura Rings (and their dupes), we're seeing plenty of sleep offers this Prime Day. We doubt the 4th of July will bring the same level of savings.
✅ You want some sleep-boosting accessories: A mattress is the foundation of good sleep but accessories such as ear plugs and eye masks can improve your zzzs for less.
Shop the 4th of July mattress sales if...
✅ You want more choice: Amazon's mattress line-up has expanded significantly in recent years but you'll still find more options when you go direct to the brand. Particularly if you want to save on a luxury or organic bed.
✅ You want better benefits: A sleep trial gives you time to break in a mattress and decide if it's right for you. They're standard from most sleep brands but can't always be expected when shopping from Amazon. You'll often find better warranties and perks shopping from the brand, as well.
✅ You want a smart bed: For most sleep tech, it's got to be Prime Day. But for smart beds, the 4th of July has the edge. Brands like Sleep Number and Eight Sleep are expected to run big 4th of July sales.
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