Entertainment
Testing the Top 5 Mattresses Under $500 in Our Homes

Finding the best mattress can be a daunting task, especially when you’re on a budget. With so many options available, it’s hard to know where to start. That’s why we took the time to research and test six different mattresses under $500 to help you find the perfect one for your needs.
Best for Back Pain: Allswell 10-Inch Hybrid Mattress
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If you struggle with back pain, the Allswell 10-Inch Hybrid Mattress is a great option. It offers a good balance of firmness and cushion, distributes body pressure evenly, and expands quickly when unboxed. Our tester, who has a history of back pain, found that their energy increased, and their discomfort decreased after using this mattress. While it may not have the best cooling technology, it’s still a worthy pick for those looking for comfort and support.
Firmness: Medium-firm | Filling Material: Gel-infused memory foam | Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, California king | Return Policy: Free 90-day returns
Best for Side Sleepers: Novilla Bliss Mattress
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Side sleepers need a mattress that offers a balance of plushness and support, and the Novilla Bliss Mattress does just that. The gel memory foam cradles your body while providing enough firmness to keep you supported. Our tester noticed less tossing and turning and felt more well-rested after using this mattress. While the cooling technology may not be as effective as advertised, the overall comfort and support make it a great choice for side sleepers.
Firmness: Medium-plush | Filling Material: Gel memory foam | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Return Policy: Free 100-day returns
Best Firm Mattress: Nod by Tuft & Needle 8” Mattress
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For those prioritizing support and spine alignment, the Nod by Tuft & Needle 8” Mattress is a fantastic choice. This mattress inflates quickly, feels cool to the touch, and provides excellent support throughout the night. While there may be a slight adjustment period for those transitioning from a softer mattress, the benefits of improved sleep quality and reduced pain make it worth it.
Firmness: Medium | Filling Material: Memory foam | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Return Policy: Free 100-day returns
Best Memory Foam Mattress: Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress
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The Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress stands out for its high-quality memory foam and affordable price. It inflates quickly, provides even pressure distribution, and reduces back and hip pain. While it may feel slightly firm at first, the plush, cradling feeling it offers makes it a comfortable and supportive choice for a wide range of sleepers.
Firmness: Medium | Filling Material: Memory foam | Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, split king, California king | Return Policy: Free 30-day returns
Best Value: FDW Gel Memory Foam Mattress
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If you’re looking for an affordable yet supportive option, the FDW Gel Memory Foam Mattress is a great value pick. It offers joint support, reduces tossing and turning, and provides a higher-quality sleep experience. While the cooling properties may not be as noticeable, the overall comfort, quality memory foam, and ease of setup make it a worthwhile purchase.
Firmness: Medium | Filling Material: Memory Foam | Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, California King | Return Policy: Free 100-day returns
Other Mattresses Under $500 We Tried
- Linenspa 10-Inch Memory Foam and Spring Hybrid Mattress: While this mattress offers quick inflation and good motion isolation, some testers found it too firm for their liking.
What to Know About Mattresses Under $500
Firmness: Different firmness levels cater to different sleepers, from side sleepers to stomach sleepers.
Material: Consider the material of the mattress, especially for temperature regulation.
Break-In Period: Most mattresses require a break-in period, so be patient and give it a chance to adjust to your body.
Behind the Scenes
Our team of testers spent over 1,300 hours evaluating these mattresses based on unboxing experience, comfort, support, sleep quality, and value.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Our commerce contributor Olivia Avitt thoroughly researched and reviewed each mattress to deliver informative insights for your purchase decisions.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
The PEOPLE Tested seal of approval ensures that our recommendations are based on rigorous testing methods and unbiased evaluations.
Whether you’re dealing with back pain, looking for the perfect mattress for side sleeping, or seeking a budget-friendly option, these five mattresses under $500 offer a range of options to suit your needs. With comfort, support, and quality in mind, you can rest assured that you’ll find the perfect mattress for a good night’s sleep without breaking the bank.
Entertainment
Mel B marries Rory McPhee at star-studded London wedding

When two become one.
Spice Girls singer Mel B and hairstylist Rory McPhee said “I do” Saturday in London.
The couple tied the knot at a romantic ceremony in The Crypt of St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Mel B, whose real name is Melanie Brown and was known to her adoring fans as “Scary Spice,” wore an ivory custom gown from Josephine Scott that had a stunning neckline covered in pearls.
“Mel was a dream to work with, bringing her own sense of style to the occasion,” Caroline Black, the owner of Evelie Bridal Boutiques in London, told People on Saturday.
The outlet also reported that after the nuptials, the “Wannabe” singer changed into a dress from designer Justin Alexander for a star-studded reception at the Shangri-La Hotel inside The Shard.
Notable guests present were fellow Spice Girl Emma Bunton, also known as “Baby Spice,” who appears to have been the only other member from the popular girl group at the wedding.
Victoria Beckham a.k.a “Posh Spice,” Melanie C a.k.a. “Sporty Spice” and Geri Halliwell a.k.a. “Ginger Spice” were reportedly not in attendance.
Other famous faces on Mel B’s big day, though, included Cara Delevingne, Canadian comedian Katherine Ryan and Gavin Rossdale’s daughter, Daisy Lowe.
For her bridesmaids, the “Say You’ll Be There” singer kept it intimate, making her three daughters Phoenix, 26, Angel, 18, and Madison, 13, have the honor.
Mel B, 50, and McPhee, 37, got engaged in October 2022 after three years of dating.
“He said, ‘I love you, you’re my best friend and I want to spend the rest of my life with you,’” the pop star announced on the UK TV show “Celebrity Gogglebox” at the time.
“There were rose petals everywhere, a log fire, a hotel — which was Cliveden. It was very romantic. I love flowers.”
The couple reportedly met through Mel B’s cousin, Christian Cooke, who is friends with McPhee.
This is the “2 Become 1” singer’s third marriage. She was previously married to Jimmy Gulzar from 1998 to 2000 and Stephen Belafonte from 2007 to 2018.
Mel B previously accused Belefante of abuse and filed a restraining order against him. However, the film producer, 50, has emphatically denied those allegations.
Entertainment
Bobby Flay Planted a Tree in His Yard in Honor of His Late Cat Nacho

NEED TO KNOW
- Bobby Flay shared a video on Instagram on July 3 showing off the tree he planted in his yard in honor of his late cat, Nacho
- The Food Network star announced the news of Nacho’s death on social media in October 2023
- At the time, Flay wrote, “Nacho had a magic about him that was truly special”
Bobby Flay is sharing the special way he has kept his late cat Nacho’s memory alive.
The Food Network star, 60, shared a video on Instagram on Thursday, July 3, to show fans the tree he planted in his yard in honor of his beloved pet. Over footage of the tree, he wrote, “I planted a tree for Nacho… It’s surrounded by orange flowers.”
He then panned the camera to give a close-up look at the tree’s branches to show flower buds, which he said “bloom every summer.” At the base of the tree, Flay placed a plaque featuring an image of Nacho — who was 9 years old when he died — and the message, “In Loving Memory of Nacho Flay.”
“Though Nacho crossed the Rainbow Bridge, His Magic Was Truly Special,” the memorial message continued. “Rest Peacefully. Forever In Our Hearts.”
Flay announced the sad news of Nacho’s death on Instagram in October 2023, sharing a photo of the Orange Maine Coon perched on his shoulder. “It is with an absolute broken heart that I report Nacho has passed away peacefully,” the celebrity chef began his lengthy caption.
“I usually don’t post private family business but I truly believe he was everyone’s cat in some way. Nacho had a magic about him that was truly special. He came into my life when I needed him most and brought joyful moment after joyful moment to my household,” he continued.
Bobby Flay/Instagram
Flay went on to share how his pet inspired the creation of his cat food line.
“As any cat parent will tell you, the communication between you and your kitty is real and Nacho’s inclusiveness in our home inspired me to create something that would nourish cats everywhere,” he wrote. “At the moment my only soothing thought is knowing his likeness and legacy will live on forever through Made by Nacho.”
Astrid Stawiarz/Getty
Flay concluded the post by encouraging fellow animal owners to “give your pets an extra long hug today and please say a short prayer for Nacho,” noting, “They mean so much to all of us.”
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In 2017, when he posed with Nacho for PEOPLE’s Sexiest Man Alive issue, Flay shared the interesting detail that Nacho was “doglike for a cat.” He explained that “he’s incredibly affectionate with me and will follow you around like a dog would.”
He also proudly revealed that Nacho was a “food connoisseur.”
“He’s always with me when I’m cooking. If I make a piece of striped bass, I’ll cook the end for him as a little treat,” Flay told PEOPLE.
Up until his death in 2023, Nacho’s antics and adventures were chronicled on his own Instagram account, run by Flay. The Bobby at Home cookbook author shared clips of the cat hanging out on the kitchen counter while Flay whipped up a tasty treat.
Bobby Flay/Instagram
Nacho could also be seen playing with Flay’s other cat, Stella Flay, a white and brindle Maine Coon. He even shared his predictions for which team would win the Super Bowl.
Just days before his death, Nacho celebrated his ninth birthday with a little family celebration. At the time, Flay shared a post on Nacho’s account from Stella that said: “This is Stella logging in to wish my big brother a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! You are most certainly the sunshine of our lives! Thanks for being the best friend and mentor and partner in crime. We love you, Nach!”
Entertainment
‘Tone deaf’ Gia Giudice slammed for asking Trump to pardon dad Joe

Gia Giudice is facing backlash after she asked President Donald Trump to pardon her dad, Joe Giudice, who was deported back to Italy in 2019.
Inspired by Todd and Julie Chrisley’s prison pardons, the “Next Gen: NYC” star shared a video of herself signing a stack of letters that she addressed to the president in an emotional Instagram post on Friday.
“Hey, guys, my name is Gia Giudice,” she narrated in the video. “I’m the daughter of Joe Giudice and today I’m using my voice for something deeply personal.
“My dad was deported over four years ago. Since then, our family has lived in an emotional limbo. No matter how strong we try to be in the absence of a father, of a parent, it’s something that never stops hurting.”
“Growing up, my dad was present at every cheer competition, every dance recital, holiday,” she continued of her father, who now lives in the Bahamas. “He was our provider. Our protector. And he still is, just now from thousands of miles away.”
She continued, “Watching the Chrisley family receive a second chance inspired me.
“It showed me that people can be forgiven, that families could be restored and that sometimes the justice system has room for grace. That gave me hope. Hope that maybe my dad could come home too.”
While Gia’s message had a positive tone, it failed to land with many of her followers who called out the reality star for being “tone deaf.”
“Privilege at its finest………what advice would you give all the other young people who are having their families torn apart for far less reasons? Im curious,” one commenter wrote, referring to the controversial ICE deportation raids across the country.
Another follower added: “Mind u, this is an ACTUAL convicted felon. but go off.”
“I’m big confused because aren’t y’all flying to Italy to see him all the time anyway? So not only do you have the financial privilege to go and see him basically whenever you want, but you also have the privilege of having a big enough platform to even ask the the president for a pardon for your father,” said another netizen.
“Man, I’m sick of rich people thinking they can do whatever they want and then begging for mercy just because they have status or money. Meanwhile, people who are just trying to support their families are being deported to God knows where. TONE DEAF.”
The young reality star, 24, was at least supported by her mother, Teresa Giudice, who shared several heart emojis under the post.
The post comes not long after Gia’s father Joe, 51, also asked the president for a pardon last month.
Alonh with Gia, the former Bravolebrity is also dad to daughters Gabriella, Audriana and Milania, all of whom he shares with ex-wife Teresa.
Joe and Teresa, 53, were indicted on federal fraud charges in 2013 and were both sentenced to prison.
Joe ultimately spent 41 months behind bars after pleading guilty to failing to pay taxes and mail, wire and bankruptcy fraud until March 2019.
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