Ultra Hybrid

My family replaced all our mattresses when we moved and I spent weeks looking into options. I like firm, my wife likes soft. We didn't have a ton of money to spend on them. I went through everything. Here's what I'd recommend: * For in-person stores, a local chain is where you'll find the best deals, but the selection will be smaller. Independent stores will cost more but will likely be more knowledgeable. National chains will have the most options, but they are also the most likely to be a bad deal. * Use the store to find out what fits you best, then look online. Do your best to find a spring mattress, a memory foam, a latex foam, a hybrid, or any other kind. Lie on each one for at least 10-15 minutes and see how you feel. Then look online for options. If you find something better, go for it, if not, the store will still be there. * Don't forget the pillows. Good pillows help just as much as a good mattress. I started getting shredded memory foam pillows and they've been so nice. I ultimately chose to get a DeamCloud Hybrid, and it's been great. I like the support from the springs, there's very little motion transfer. The foam and pillow-top makes it soft enough for my wife. The biggest downside we've had is that the mattress is really tall, so finding sheets with deep enough pockets can be a challenge.

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.