PayLessHere mattresses sit in the budget end of the all-foam market, and most shoppers run into them through big online marketplaces. We tested the lineup to answer a simple question: which thickness feels supportive enough for everyday sleep, and which ones make more sense for guest rooms, kids, or short-term use?
Table of Contents
- 1. Product Overview
- 2. Testing Team Takeaways
- 3. PayLessHere Mattress Comparison Chart
- 4. What We Tested and How We Tested It
- 5. PayLessHere Mattress: Our Testing Experience
- 6. Compare Performance Scores of These Mattresses
- 7. Best Picks
- 8. How to Choose the PayLessHere Mattress?
- 9. Limitations
- 10. Policies at a Glance
- 11. FAQs
- 12. Related Post
Product Overview
| Mattress | Pros | Cons | Ideal For | Price* | Overall Score |
| PayLessHere 6 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress | Lowest cost, good motion isolation, less heat build-up than thicker foams | Limited support depth, weak edges, can feel firm for light side sleepers | Kids’ rooms, bunks, guest beds, lighter sleepers | Budget pricing; varies by size and retailer | 3.7 / 5 |
| PayLessHere 8 Inch Bamboo Charcoal Gel Memory Foam Mattress | Better pressure relief than 6", strong motion isolation, fresher feel than basic foams | Edges still compress, not ideal for very heavy sleepers | Side sleepers on a budget, couples who want less motion transfer | Budget pricing; varies by size and retailer | 4.0 / 5 |
| PayLessHere 10 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress | Most balanced feel, stronger support than thinner models, great for couples | All-foam bounce is limited, heavier sleepers may want more depth | Most average-weight sleepers, combo sleepers, everyday use | Budget pricing; varies by size and retailer | 4.1 / 5 |
| PayLessHere 12 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress | Deepest support in the lineup, strongest pressure relief, stable for larger bodies | Can trap some heat, still-average edge support | Heavier sleepers, back/combination sleepers who want more support depth | Budget pricing; varies by size and retailer | 4.2 / 5 |
| PayLessHere 12 Inch Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress | Plush pressure relief, very quiet motion control, odor fades faster than basic foam | Softer feel may not suit strict stomach sleepers, edges compress | Side sleepers, scent-sensitive shoppers, couples who prefer a soft hug | Budget pricing; varies by size and retailer | 4.1 / 5 |
Testing Team Takeaways
Cooling was the one category where expectations need to stay realistic: these are all-foam beds. The thinner models felt less heat-trapping at first, but our cooling scores favored the bamboo-charcoal and green-tea variants overall. If you run very hot, look for breathable bedding and consider pairing any of these with a frame that allows airflow.
- If you want the cheapest workable option for a bunk or guest room, the 6" can do the job, but it feels thin and the edges collapse quickly when you sit.
- The 8" bamboo charcoal gel model is the first one that felt meaningfully comfortable for side sleepers under roughly 190 lb in our rotation.
- The 10" gel mattress was the most ‘normal’ feeling of the group—balanced enough for combination sleepers and solid for couples thanks to strong motion isolation.
- For heavier bodies (Marcus is 230 lb) and anyone who wants deeper support, the 12" gel model held up best in our notes and scored highest for pressure relief.
- The 12" green tea model leaned plusher. It was the most forgiving for shoulders and hips, and it stayed quiet when a partner moved.
Across five PayLessHere all-foam models, the main difference was thickness. The 6" and 8" options felt better as value-driven beds for lighter bodies and occasional use, while the 10" and 12" builds handled daily sleep more confidently—especially once body weight and pressure relief entered the picture.
PayLessHere Mattress Comparison Chart
| Mattress | Firmness Feel | Height | Construction | Cooling Performance | Support (Our View) | Pressure Relief | Responsiveness | Motion Isolation | Durability Expectation |
| 6" Gel Memory Foam | Firm–medium-firm (thin) | 6" | All-foam (gel memory foam) | Less heat build-up; still foam | Best for lighter bodies | Basic; back-sleep friendly | Slow memory foam | Very good | Better for occasional use |
| 8" Bamboo Charcoal Gel | Medium-firm with softer top | 8" | All-foam (gel + charcoal) | Above-average for budget foam | Good for average-weight sleepers | Good for side sleepers | Slow-to-moderate | Excellent | Decent for the price |
| 10" Gel Memory Foam | Medium-firm (balanced) | 10" | All-foam multi-layer | Average for all-foam | Best all-around support | Good for most sleepers | Moderate | Excellent | Better long-term pick |
| 12" Gel Memory Foam | Medium–medium-firm (deep) | 12" | All-foam thicker stack | Average; may trap heat | Strongest support depth | Best pressure relief | Slow, controlled | Excellent | Good for budget foam |
| 12" Green Tea Memory Foam | Medium-plush | 12" | All-foam (green tea memory foam) | Slightly better; still foam | Supportive but softer feel | Very good for side sleepers | Slow, huggy | Outstanding | Good, but softer |
What We Tested and How We Tested It
Because PayLessHere is sold through marketplaces, small spec details can vary by listing. We focused on what you feel—firmness, contouring, stability, and heat—rather than treating every marketing term as a separate ‘model.’
- Support and spinal alignment: back, side, and stomach time for multiple body types.
- Pressure relief: shoulder/hip checks during longer side-sleep sessions.
- Cooling: how fast heat built up and how quickly the surface released it once we moved.
- Motion isolation: partner movement, entry/exit, and mid‑sleep shifting.
- Edge support: sitting and lying right at the perimeter to gauge collapse.
We tested five PayLessHere all-foam mattresses that are commonly listed online in multiple heights. Each one went through the same basic routine so the differences you see below come from feel and performance, not a different test setup.
PayLessHere Mattress: Our Testing Experience
PayLessHere 6 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress



The 6" gel model is the thinnest mattress we tested, and it feels like it. On my back it was fine for short stretches, but on my side my shoulder found the firm base quickly. Marcus (230 lb) compressed it fast and could feel how little support depth was available. The upside is that it stayed quiet and didn’t hold much heat because there’s simply less foam to warm up.
- Best for: kids’ beds, bunks, trundles, and occasional guest use.
- What we liked: very low cost, strong motion isolation, and a straightforward feel.
- Watch-outs: weak edges and limited pressure relief for side sleeping.
PayLessHere 8 Inch Bamboo Charcoal Gel Memory Foam Mattress



The 8" bamboo charcoal gel mattress was the first model that felt comfortable enough for regular adult sleep in our rotation. The top has more give than the 6" version, so Mia could side-sleep longer without the same shoulder pinch. It still has the slow memory-foam hug, but it didn’t feel overly sticky, and partner movement stayed muted in Jenna and Ethan’s tests.
- Best for: budget side sleepers and couples who want low motion transfer.
- What we liked: better pressure relief than the 6" and a fresher feel after unboxing.
- Watch-outs: edge compression and lighter support for very heavy sleepers.
PayLessHere 10 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress



If you’re buying one PayLessHere mattress for a main bedroom, the 10" gel model is the safest all-around pick. It felt the most balanced—enough contouring for side sleep without the deep sink of the plushest 12" options. Motion isolation stayed excellent (getting in and out didn’t ripple much), and support felt more dependable than the thinner models for everyday use.
- Best for: average‑weight sleepers, combination sleepers, and shared beds.
- What we liked: balanced medium-firm feel and consistently strong motion isolation.
- Watch-outs: limited bounce and less support depth for heavier sleepers who want a firmer platform.
PayLessHere 12 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress



The 12" gel mattress delivered the most ‘adult mattress’ feel in this lineup. Marcus noticed the biggest jump in hip and lumbar stability here, and I felt more secure on longer back-sleep sessions. It also scored best for pressure relief in our notes, which is what you want if your shoulders or hips tend to ache on firmer foam. Like most all‑foam beds, it can run a bit warm if you’re extremely heat-sensitive.
- Best for: heavier sleepers, back/combination sleepers, and anyone who wants deeper support.
- What we liked: the strongest support depth and the most convincing pressure relief of the group.
- Watch-outs: average edge firmness and typical all-foam heat retention.
PayLessHere 12 Inch Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress



The 12" green tea model leaned plusher and more cradling than the 12" gel. Mia’s shoulder comfort notes were strongest here, and Jenna appreciated how quiet it stayed even with a restless partner. The trade-off is the deeper hug: if you dislike a slow, enveloping memory-foam feel—or you’re a strict stomach sleeper—this one can feel too soft.
- Best for: side sleepers, scent-sensitive shoppers, and couples who prefer a softer hug.
- What we liked: gentle pressure relief and a very calm, motion-dampening surface.
- Watch-outs: softer feel for stomach sleeping and moderate edge compression.
Compare Performance Scores of These Mattresses
| Mattress | Overall Score | Support | Pressure Relief | Cooling | Motion Isolation | Durability | Responsiveness |
| 6 Inch Gel Memory Foam | 3.7 | 3.4 | 3.3 | 3.6 | 4.5 | 3.2 | 3.4 |
| 8 Inch Bamboo Charcoal Gel Memory Foam | 4.0 | 3.8 | 4.1 | 4.1 | 4.4 | 3.5 | 3.7 |
| 10 Inch Gel Memory Foam | 4.1 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 4.0 | 4.6 | 3.8 | 3.9 |
| 12 Inch Gel Memory Foam | 4.2 | 4.3 | 4.5 | 4.1 | 4.6 | 3.9 | 3.8 |
| 12 Inch Green Tea Memory Foam | 4.1 | 4.0 | 4.4 | 4.2 | 4.6 | 3.9 | 3.7 |
Looking across those numbers, the 12 Inch Gel Mattress stands out as the most balanced performer, with strong support and pressure relief without major weaknesses. The 10 Inch Gel model follows closely as a versatile everyday option at a lower price tier. The 8 Inch Bamboo Charcoal acts more like a specialist for lighter side sleepers who still want firm structure, while the 12 Inch Green Tea shifts toward softer comfort and freshness. The 6 Inch Gel Mattress fills its role as a budget guest or kid bed yet clearly trails the others for full-time adult use.
Best Picks
- Best all-around: PayLessHere 10 Inch Gel Memory Foam (balanced feel and strong motion isolation).
- Best support and pressure relief: PayLessHere 12 Inch Gel Memory Foam (deepest, most stable option we tried).
- Best for side sleepers who like a plush hug: PayLessHere 12 Inch Green Tea Memory Foam (softest surface and very quiet).
- Best budget upgrade over the thinnest model: PayLessHere 8 Inch Bamboo Charcoal Gel Memory Foam (more give without going ‘too plush’).
- Best for a guest room on the lowest budget: PayLessHere 6 Inch Gel Memory Foam (works, but feels thin for adult daily use).
If you want a quick short list, these were the models that made the most sense after hands-on testing:
How to Choose the PayLessHere Mattress?
No matter which height you choose, set it on a stable base. A sagging foundation will make any all‑foam bed feel softer and less supportive than it should.
- For kids, bunks, trundles, and short stays: 6" is the simplest pick, especially for lighter sleepers.
- For side sleepers on a budget: 8" bamboo charcoal gel is the first model with noticeably better pressure relief.
- For most adults as a primary bed: 10" gel is the safest blend of support and contouring.
- For heavier sleepers or back-support priorities: 12" gel gives the deepest support in this set.
- If you love a softer, more cradling feel: 12" green tea is the plush choice—just be cautious if you sleep on your stomach.
Start with how you sleep and how often the bed will be used. With PayLessHere, the thicker mattresses generally feel more supportive and more forgiving, while the thinner ones are better as occasional-use options.
Limitations
These are hands-on tests, not lab certification, and we can’t replicate years of ownership in a short window. Because PayLessHere mattresses are sold through marketplaces, small details (covers, exact foam descriptions, and policies) can vary by listing. Use the performance notes as guidance, then confirm the specs on the exact product page you plan to buy.
Policies at a Glance
| Mattress | Shipping (Cost and Region) | Trial Period | Return Policy / Fees | Warranty Length | Notable Conditions |
| 6" Gel Memory Foam | Seller/retailer-dependent; often free boxed delivery | Varies by retailer | Retailer return policy; commonly ~30-day window | Often listed around 10-year limited | Terms vary by seller; check listing for conditions |
| 8" Bamboo Charcoal Gel | Seller/retailer-dependent; often free boxed delivery | Varies by retailer | Retailer return policy; commonly ~30-day window | Often listed around 10-year limited | Terms vary by seller; check listing for conditions |
| 10" Gel Memory Foam | Seller/retailer-dependent; often free boxed delivery | Varies by retailer | Retailer return policy; commonly ~30-day window | Often listed around 10-year limited | Some listings mention removable covers; verify details |
| 12" Gel Memory Foam | Seller/retailer-dependent; often free boxed delivery | Varies by retailer | Retailer return policy; commonly ~30-day window | Often listed around 10-year limited | Versions may differ (e.g., cover details); confirm on product page |
| 12" Green Tea Memory Foam | Seller/retailer-dependent; often free boxed delivery | Varies by retailer | Retailer return policy; commonly ~30-day window | Often listed around 10-year limited | Availability can vary by size; confirm stock and policy |
PayLessHere doesn’t operate like a typical direct-to-consumer mattress brand with one universal trial and return program. Most buyers purchase through marketplaces, so shipping, returns, and warranty handling follow the seller and retailer rules. Before you check out, read the specific listing for the exact window, fees (if any), and warranty claim steps.
FAQs
1. Are PayLessHere mattresses good enough as primary beds or just for guests?
They can be, but the thickness matters. In our tests, the 10" and 12" models felt supportive enough for regular adult sleep, while the 6" is better as a guest-room or kids’ option. If you’re heavier or very sensitive to sagging, the 12" gel model held up best in our notes.
2. Which PayLessHere mattress works best for side sleepers?
For a budget pick, the 8" bamboo charcoal gel mattress offered the first real jump in shoulder and hip comfort. If you want a plusher, deeper hug, the 12" green tea model felt the most forgiving for side sleeping. Lighter side sleepers may find the 6" too firm at the shoulder.
3. How do PayLessHere mattresses handle motion transfer for couples?
All five models isolated motion well for the price. The 10" gel, 12" gel, and 12" green tea versions were the calmest when a partner got in and out of bed, with very little ripple across the surface. If motion is a top priority, any of these all‑foam builds are a safe bet.
4. Do these mattresses sleep hot?
They’re still all‑foam, so don’t expect the airflow of a hybrid. That said, the thinner models felt less heat‑trapping at first, and our cooling scores leaned slightly toward the bamboo charcoal and green tea versions. If you run hot, use breathable sheets and avoid heavy toppers that block airflow.
5. How firm are PayLessHere mattresses compared with other brands?
Most of the lineup sits in the medium to medium‑firm range, with feel changing by height. The 6" model can feel firm because you reach the support foam quickly, while the 12" green tea mattress feels noticeably plusher and more cradling. The 10" gel is the most ‘middle of the road.’
6. Will a PayLessHere mattress sag quickly?
Like most budget all‑foam beds, long‑term support depends on body weight, foundation quality, and how often the bed is used. The thicker 10" and 12" models should hold up better than the 6" simply because they have more support material. Use a stable base and rotate periodically to help wear stay even.
7. Can I use these mattresses on adjustable bases or slatted frames?
In most cases, yes—foam mattresses are generally compatible with adjustable bases and platform or slatted frames. The key is support: slats should be close enough together to prevent the foam from dipping. Always double-check the requirements on the specific listing you buy.
8. Do PayLessHere mattresses have strong chemical smells?
Expect a light ‘new foam’ smell at first, especially right after unboxing. In our testing, airing the room out helped and the odor faded quickly for most models. If you’re sensitive to smells, the bamboo charcoal and green tea versions tended to feel fresher sooner.
9. Are PayLessHere mattresses suitable for stomach sleepers?
Stomach sleepers usually need a flatter, firmer surface to keep the hips from sinking. The 10" gel and 12" gel options are the better picks in this lineup, especially for average‑weight sleepers. The 12" green tea model is the most likely to feel too soft for strict stomach sleeping.
10. Which PayLessHere mattress offers the best value overall?
For most people, the 10" gel mattress is the best value because it balances support, pressure relief, and motion isolation better than the thinner models. If you mainly need a side‑sleep upgrade on a tight budget, the 8" bamboo charcoal gel is a strong runner‑up. The 6" is only the value leader if you truly want the lowest cost.