I'm a professional mattress reviewer, and this is the early Black Friday deal I'd tell my friends to buy

Awara Natural Hybrid mattress with deals graphic overlaid
(Image credit: Awara / Future)

Black Friday is still a couple of weeks away, and the big bed brands are starting to launch their sales. As a professional deal hunter and product tester who's put the best mattresses through their paces, the early deal I would recommend is the Awara Natural Hybrid. It's on sale right now for an all-time low of $949 in a queen, and is the standout Black Friday mattress deal right now.

I've tested out this mattress personally and you can read all my thoughts in my Awara Natural Hybrid mattress review, but the short version is that if you're in the market for a quality organic mattress that won't set you back too much financially, the Awara is it. It has a firm, responsive feel that's great for combi sleepers, as well as delivering superb pressure relief for anyone dealing with joint or back pain. Plus, it comes with a full year's trial (so you can put it through its paces before fully committing) and a lifetime warranty. Today's best organic mattresses tend to sit in the premium price bracket, but the Awara is remarkably affordable even without this standout deal. 

That said, Awara won't suit everyone, especially if you're a lightweight side sleeper or coupled with a restless partner. Thus, I've included several other deals you'll want to keep an eye on – or shop TechRadar's general mattress sales hub to find your dream bed at a low price.

Awara Natural Hybrid mattress

Awara Natural Hybrid mattress

 Was $1,299 now from $599 at Awara

Overview: The 10-inch Awara trades synthetic foam for natural Dunlop latex, a breathable material that excels at relieving pressure without too much sinkage. Combined with a layer of 8-inch coils, this hybrid has plenty of bounce to it, which will suit solo sleepers who switch positions during the night. (Couples, on the other hand, may not approve.) Wrapped in organic cotton and New Zealand wool, the Awara has a luxurious feel usually found in pricier mattresses but it stands out as one of the most affordable organic hybrids on the market.

Price history: With up to $765 off the MSRP, this is the lowest price I've ever seen for the Awara. For most of this year, a queen size has been been discounted to $999, and last year it was generally $1,099. Right now, it's on sale for $949. I don't know how long this lowest-ever price will last, but even if it vanishes I reckon it'll make an appearance once again come Black Friday.

Extras: Awara doesn't skimp on the perks. A lifetime warranty and a 365-night at-home trial are included. Shipping and returns are free, as well. While the brand used to include a free bedding bundle, you can now add one for an extra $159 (originally valued at $499), if you want.

Buy it if...

You want a firmer, more responsive bed: Unlike memory foam, which has a sink-in sensation, latex subtly cradles your joints for ample pressure relief without feeling like your bed is 'swallowing' you. Plus, if you toss and turn, the Awara's combo of latex and springs will make it easy to switch positions at night.

You're seeking your 'forever mattress': Latex mattresses can last up to 25 years with proper maintenance. Add to that the Awara's forever warranty and you're bound to enjoy your mattress for about a couple of decades. (Speaking from experience, my fellow testers and I were impressed with the Awara's build quality – TechRadar rates it amongst the best organic mattresses around.)

You struggle with allergies and/or night sweats: Latex is a naturally breathable material that's also resistant to dust mites, mold, and mildew. Paired with an organic cotton-wool blend cover, the Awara will keep sleepers cool while providing relief for those with asthma and airborne allergies.

Don't buy it if...

You share a bed with a fidgety partner: The Awara's responsive latex and springs combo means you're prone to feeling your partner's movements, which doesn't bode well if they're a restless sleeper. And since the Awara doesn't come in a split king, couples might want to look elsewhere.

You're a side sleeper under 130lbs: If you're petite – and especially a side sleeper – you'll have a difficult time breaking in the Awara's firmer surface. Consider a medium or plush bed instead, like the one in our Helix Midnight mattress review.

You like sinking into your mattress: Latex is excellent for pressure relief, but it achieves that goal differently than memory foam. If you love being enveloped in comfort, the Awara's subtle cradling won't be enough for you. Instead, consider a memory foam mattress – check out our top pick in our Nectar mattress review.

Alternatives to consider

The Awara may be the right price for your budget but the wrong fit for your sleep preferences. Fortunately, there are several options if you want to find something else on sale...

Nectar Memory Foam mattress: $699$359 at Nectar

Nectar Memory Foam mattress: was $699 now from $359 at Nectar
The Nectar will suit plenty of tastes and sleep styles. In our Nectar mattress review we found it to be among the firmer memory foam beds we'd tested, but it still provides plenty of sink-in comfort that'll help those with achy joints. It's also a fine choice for couples thanks to its superb motion isolation. It comes with a lifetime warranty and a year's risk-free trial, so you'll have plenty of time to make sure it suits you. 

Helix Midnight mattress: $936 $749 at Helix

Helix Midnight mattress: was $936 now from $749 at Helix
The Helix Midnight is a softer memory foam hybrid that's especially geared towards side sleepers (in fact, it's TechRadar's best mattress for side sleepers). It's also good at absorbing movement from anyone you're sharing the bed with – whether it's a partner or a pet. Right now there's 20% off all sizes, with two pillows thrown in for free. That drops the cost of a queen size down to $1,099 – a 20% discount and the standard Helix deal. Wait until Black Friday for 25% off.

Avocado Green mattress: $1,399 $1,259 at Avocado

Avocado Green mattress: was $1,399, now from $1,259 at Avocado
The Avocado is one of the best organic options out there today. It's a sturdy latex hybrid that's excellent for back sleepers and heavier bodies. In our Avocado Green mattress review, we found it offered excellent motion isolation, which is good news for bed sharers, as it means less disturbance from your partner's movements. After 10% off, you can bring home a queen for $1,799 (was $1,999). It comes with a 1-year trial and a 25-year warranty, too. These mattresses aren't discounted often, though we'll likely see this 10% deal again on Black Friday.

Alison Barretta

Alison is a freelance writer and editor from Philadelphia, USA. She is an expert mattress tester and sleep product reviewer, and has been sharing trusted buying advice and retail news for over a decade. When she isn't reviewing mattresses or hunting for deals, Alison can be found teaching/training in martial arts, fawning over skincare, and indulging in her quarantine-borne hobby: cooking.

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