Classic Hybrid

To be fair, showroom testing can kinda suck depending on how long the beds have been sitting out there and how old/worn out they are. That said, if you wanna narrow it down and take advantage of those sweet sleep trials at home, the new DreamCloud Classic and Premier hybrids are really good for side sleepers (especially if you have hip pain). They also aren't prone to overheating in my experience. Tempur-Pedic and Leesa are good too, but I'd say their foam models are infinitely better than their hybrids. If you're willing to give foam a try, it might be easier on your hips. The Saatva Rx is great for side sleeping, the Classic is a little too firm imo.

I just went through the mattress gauntlet when my back gave up on our old one. A mattress topper bought us a few years but then it was time. We ended up with a dreamcloud hybrid (base model). We’ve had a foam for over 20 years and I wanted the springier feel of our guest bed which has springs, is an old Serta beautyrest or something. Knee between the legs. Supportive neck pillow. I have gotten a few of those weirdly shaped pillows off the internet. They work but don’t last very long (6 months?). I have been milking them for every last drop and then get a new one. Btw, I am a huge believer in PT and mobility. I think anyone can benefit at any time. However, I slept on the guest bed, my back/hips were fine. If I slept on the old bed my back was horrible. PT/stretching, etc was not going to fix that. Sometimes it’s just literally the mattress. I have a WILD story that I was in denial and my back pain was so bad one night it triggered my vaso-vagal response (that’s when someone passes out in response to pain or injury or blood) and I ended up with a concussion. I cannot make this crap up! So we ended up getting a new mattress… 🙈 my back is now up to its normal antics and not make you pass out in the middle of the night spasms antics

I got the dreamcloud recently - their more expensive hybrid - and I love it. Wanted plush and soft as well as I’m a side sleeper.

I don’t have AS but I do have chronic back issues, and my dreamcloud has been great for support while still having a bit of cushion for side sleeping. It’s on the medium-firm side, so not rock hard, but it’s kept my spine feeling a lot better than other mattresses I’ve tried.

If you prefer semi-firm do not get the nova form. 100% memory foam will not provide the support you want. I had a dreamcloud before the one I bought and I’m thinking about going back. My hips and lower back are death on a stick every morning

Mattresses are difficult to recommend. I loved my Dream cloud mattress until I lost a ton of weight and then it was too firm for me. I am a hot sleeper as well, I would recommend getting a good quality set of 100% bamboo or lyocell sheets and blankets. Linen is also great, but the already soft kind is quite expensive

Some brands really do make a noticeable difference. A firm Brooklyn Bedding, Glacier Sleep, Engineered Sleep, or DLX mattress can feel completely different from a firm Amazon, Nectar, DreamCloud, or other imported models, especially those that use lower-quality or lower-density foams. This is where a bit of research and education pays off. It’s not just about how a mattress feels during the first month; it’s about how it performs over time. Mattress build and construction, material quality, foam density, and overall design all influence long-term comfort and support. So, while trying mattresses in-store or taking advantage of trial periods is helpful, understanding what’s inside the mattress can save you from disappointment later. A mattress that maintains its firmness and support over years is worth a little extra attention upfront. Of course to address your question of balancing budget, firmness and comfort may depend on what you consider "budget." Once a budget range is established, age, height and weight along with sleep position, that is when you can move on to an educated way to select your mattress.