I test $3,000 mattresses for a living — but these 3 budget beds impressed me most (from $270)

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My life as a mattress tester means I'm sleeping on a cheap memory foam bed one month and then a luxury hybrid mattress the next — and this experience has made me realize that price isn't always a good indicator of comfort. For example, the CoolNest Memory Foam Mattress, now down to $360 (was $599) in a queen at SweetNight, is a budget mattress whose cooling comfort has impressed me more than some of the luxury hybrids I've slept on.Yes, most of the beds that grace this year's best mattress guide are luxury hybrids. But I've tested plenty of mattresses that offer exceptional support and comfort for under $500 in a queen. For instance, I'm currently testing the CopperFlex Essential, now $489.30 (was $699) in a queen at Brooklyn Bedding, and it's great for lighter weight side sleepers like me.So, now that the Labor Day mattress sales are well and truly upon us, I've rounded up the my favorite mattresses under $500 in a queen. Here's why I loved testing them and why you should buy them before Labor Day weekend is up...7 best Labor Day mattress sales I'd shop this weekend — from $179Labor Day mattress sales: At a glanceSaatva Classic – best overall: From $1,049 (was $1,449) at SaatvaZinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress – dorm room savior: From $173 at AmazonHelix Midnight Luxe – best for side sleepers: From $1,119 (was $1,492) at HelixDreamCloud Classic – best value: From $429 (was $1,346) at DreamCloudBear Elite Hybrid – best cooling: From $1,298 (was $1,998.80) with TOMS40 code at BearBrooklyn Bedding Copperflex Pro – best value cooling: From $652 (was $932) at Brooklyn BeddingTempur-Pedic Tempur Cloud and smart base – best bundle deal: From $1,718.40 (was $2,598) at Tempur-PedicAvocado Green – best organic: From $1,279 (was $1,599) at AvocadoPurple Plus - best for joint pain relief: From $1,280 (was $1,599) at PurpleLabor Day sales: 3 budget mattress deals to shop now