Why Are Mattresses So Expensive and How to Buy Them Cheaper

By
Bella
Bella
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Bella is a skilled copywriter who holds a degree in English studies. Her lifelong passion for decor and interior design is evident in her work, which is inspired by the beau read more
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Tommy
Tommy
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Tommy is an expert consultant at HouseAndBeyond, with extensive experience in home improvement. A master of all trades, he offers invaluable expertise in areas such as carpe read more
Last updated: August 18, 2023
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Each day you regularly move between chairs, your car and your bed. But overall, you probably spend more time in your bed than anywhere else. That’s why you need to make sure that you invest in a good quality mattress. Mattress comfort and support is vital, no matter what type of consumer you are. Your body actually needs this to rest properly and enjoy optimal functioning. This is because our bodies take so much strain during the day as they perform our daily activities. They need proper rest, so sleep shouldn’t bring your body any further discomfort.

Experts would say there’s no reason for you to spend a lot of money on a mattress so you may be thinking, why are mattresses so expensive? Do they need to be so expensive? What exactly am I paying for?

It is well known that furniture can be expensive and the same goes for a mattress. More expensive furniture sometimes provide more benefits. For your bed, back support is extremely important and without a comfortable mattress you might not get a good night’s sleep. These factors can eventually affect your overall health. So picking the right one is essential but can bet complicated when shopping on a budget. Luckily, although there are expensive mattresses out there, there are also options that will give you the comfort you need without causing you to lose sleep over a high bill. Use the information below to shop for a mattress like a pro.

Does price mean quality?

Why Are Mattresses So Expensive and How to Buy Them CheaperWhen you’re spending your money on an expensive item, it’s important to consider whether you’re getting quality. You’ll be investing in a mattress that should preferably last for at least 10 years. If they’re designed for that lifespan, you’d want to know that the level of quality is worth the price. However, does price mean quality? Do you have to spend a lot of money in order to get a good mattress? The simple answer is yes and no.

You can get a good quality mattress that won’t break the bank but it would be unreasonable to believe that you can get a really cheap mattress that could last as long as the suggested 10 years. You need to keep in mind that paying a good price will in return get you a good mattress.

How much does a mattress cost to make?

When it comes to choosing a mattress and comparing prices, there are different types to consider but also the factor of the different sizes. You need a mattress that is comfortable but also the right size for your needs. If you’re a single person you might be interested in a twin mattress. If you need more space for a couple to sleep comfortably, you could get a queen size mattress. There really is an option for everyone but you can imagine that size affects the cost.

Not only does size affect the overall cost but also the materials used in the mattress. As with most things, materials are expensive but each has its own price tag. The type you pick can drastically change how much you pay for the end result. To make sure that you have the best mattress suited for you, you’ll need to know exactly what mattresses are out there for you and what each one’s benefits are. Then you can go about researching the costs of each different material and which one is worth the price.

Each material has its own advantages, so not all consumers will find the same mattress material valuable. It’s vital that you make sure that you purchase a mattress that will take care of your unique body when you sleep.

Because it’s such a long-time investment you’ll need to know exactly what each mattress type is and what they do. Here’s a handy guideline.

Foam

Why Are Mattresses So Expensive and How to Buy Them CheaperCommonly known for giving you that ‘sink in’ feeling, a foam mattress is now one of the most bought mattresses out there. Due to how popular foam is, it is also used in everyday furniture, such as chairs, couches and cushions. The foam was invented in 1966 by NASA to improve aircraft cushions but only in 1991 was it used for the first foam mattress, the Tempur-Pedic Swedish mattress.

With today’s advances, foam mattresses are more expensive, especially Tempur-Pedic and you may be asking why, why is a foam mattress so expensive? Why is Tempur-Pedic so expensive? This is because of its unique design where the foam can be compressed and rolled up, before springing back to its original position once rolled back out. Storage and excessive use won’t easily affect the support it provides.

Due to its sinking structure, a foam mattress is best suited for people who sleep on their sides as it will cradle your body and give you the support you need. Foam mattresses can also be used on adjustable beds. This could be the mattress for you if you’re looking for something that will hold its shape over time and give you the comfort and support you need.

There are several different foams that you can look into such as polyurethane foam which is the most inexpensive. It is mostly used on top of springs but with changes in the industry you’ll now also find the foam is placed at the bottom of the base instead of on the springs.

There is also memory foam which is a type of polyurethane that has added compounds. They will give the foam that ‘slow moving’ effect that everyone looks for.

If you’re looking at getting a foam mattress, look out for reviews and most highly rated mattresses on the internet. The Amerisleep AS5 Memory Foam for example, is extremely high rated and if you’re looking for a good investment then it could be the way to go. It is a little on the pricier side but it will be worth it in the end. With its multi-layer design, it’ll give you that ‘sunk in’ feeling while remaining strong enough to support your body.

Gel

Why Are Mattresses So Expensive and How to Buy Them CheaperGel is infused into foam in order to help regulate your body temperature. It is said that due to the denseness of foam heat can be trapped.

Of course, while you’re sleeping you wouldn’t want to wake up all sweaty. So, a gel infused foam could be the right way to go. The structure of the foam will still support your back while the gel makes sure that you don’t overheat.

It is known that the Modway Aveline Gel Infused Memory Foam mattress comes highly recommended as it will be able to give you the comfort you’re looking for. This mattress has gel infused open cell memory foam so you’ll stay cool throughout the night while you sleep comfortably and soundlessly.

Spring

Why Are Mattresses So Expensive and How to Buy Them CheaperBefore foam became the most popular mattress, a spring mattress Trusted Source Mattress coil - Wikipedia Mattress coils, also known as mattress springs, are coil springs used in a mattress. Coils are primarily used in the core (support layer) of innerspring mattresses, which is their original use. en.wikipedia.org was on top of the list. One of the main reasons why it was most popular is more to do with its affordability than anything else. Unfortunately, because springs can wear out extremely fast, it doesn’t give you your money’s worth.

Spring mattresses have, of course, springs inside that can lose their bounce rather quickly. These mattresses are not always the most popular because, depending on the size of the mattress, the number of springs can change. So the bigger the bed, the more expensive it is.

Hybrid

Why Are Mattresses So Expensive and How to Buy Them CheaperAs the name suggests, a hybrid gives you a bit of everything. It gives you the support of an innerspring and the comfort of either foam or latex. Due to how this mattress is made, there is something for everyone. You’d need to do your research on exactly what mattress desires you have so you can get the mattress you’re truly looking for, because each mattress is unique.

Some can have spring, foam and even gel. You can look for the right mix that will work for your sleep preferences. The Tuft & Needle Adaptive Foam mattress is a hybrid of its own as it’s unlike any other foam mattress out there. It has gel beads and high-density foam, making it the perfect mattress for those who need support, comfort and a built-in cooling system while they sleep.

Latex

Why Are Mattresses So Expensive and How to Buy Them CheaperLatex is considered the most natural mattress you can get, especially if you choose a natural latex which is made of sap from a rubber tree. Although it doesn’t give you the same structure and support as a spring mattress does, it does give you that bouncy feeling you may be looking for in your mattress.

When it comes to latex, there are also a few different ways that they manufacture the mattress that changes the way the mattress feels. Options are Dunlop and Talalay. Dunlop types are made by pouring the latex in one single pour, making the mattress dense on the bottom and soft on the top. However, Talalay is the result when the latex is poured into the mold but then is vacuumed to get all the air out. It is then frozen, making the overall consistency equal throughout the mattress.

What makes mattress’s price so high?

When you’re paying for a mattress, you’re not just paying for the actual mattress but all the other factors that go into making a mattress such as the material, production and labor. As with everything in today’s society, prices are marked up to also cover the expenses and activities we don’t see because they happen behind the scenes. Let’s go through some of the biggest factors that add to the overall price of a mattress.

Marketing

Why Are Mattresses So Expensive and How to Buy Them CheaperAdverts, radio announcements and flyers all cost money. When a company is trying to make a sale they have to invest a lot of money into making sure that everyone hears about the product. This way they can make the most sales. It is important to realize that as a customer those marketing costs can sometimes be paid by you.

There is no denying that the manufacturing cost of a mattress doesn’t always add up to the amount you end up paying. For a consumer, there’s no way of truly knowing exactly how much a mattress costs without all the added expenses the company has to cover before you make that purchase. The best you as a consumer can do is to compare mattresses in order to get the best price.

Size and materials

With the different range of sizes that mattresses come in, it’s no surprise that prices may vary. The bigger the mattress, the more material goes into making it which therefore makes the price higher. It’s common to expect this on any product that comes in different sizes.

The different sizes are there to help you get the right bed for your needs. It also means you can shop according to need. There would be no reason to get a king size bed that will cost you a lot more money when you really don’t need such a big surface to sleep on. A smaller size can still be comfortable for a single person. Also, measure the space you have available so you don’t get a bed that will make the room seem cluttered. You need a balance between comfortable size and practical size.

Some materials cost more than others which will also influence the price.

Delivery

Why Are Mattresses So Expensive and How to Buy Them CheaperOf course, as with anything that is delivered straight to your doorstep, an added cost is placed on top of the original price. Most places charge quite a bit when it comes to delivery because of everything that goes into it. This includes, paying the driver, putting gas in the vehicle and even insurance. Sometimes it could be more cost effective to look into picking up the mattress yourself if you need to save some money.

Should you buy mattresses from physical stores?

It is often suggested that buying your mattress in store is the best option. You can experience the touch and feel you need to choose the right mattress.

A mattress is all about comfort so buying a mattress online could be a little difficult but not completely impossible. Why not simply test out a few in a brick-and-mortar store and then go online shopping since you’ll have a vast range to pick from compared to the limited stock in a store. Then simply have it delivered.

Nowadays you’d really want to cut the part where you wander for hours in a mattress store only to find nothing that fits your needs. Online shopping suggests more variety, plus almost every mattress brand offers 30-day trial period for you to truly feel the comfort of their product.

How to cut down expenses to the max

When purchasing anything, there are ways to cut down on the overall price. It is important to look into all your options so you can truly take advantage of a good price opportunity. There may come a time where you can get anything at a great price, even a mattress below 500 dollars! It’s all about making sure you’ve looked at all of your options.

When do mattresses go on sale?

When looking for a mattress sale it is important to do your research. You’ll have to spend the time and energy looking through ads, newspapers and online stores, comparing prices so you can find the perfect mattress that suits your budget. This will also stop any rip-offs because you’ll a lot of information to look at and you’ll identify a scam easily.

Of course, if you truly want that sale price you’re looking for you will have to wait until the moment is right to make your purchase. Don’t rush into the decision unless you’re 100% sure it’s what you’re looking for. It’s suggested that the best time of the year to look into getting a mattress is May. This is when most stores are trying to clear out their old stock as new products tend to roll out in June.

Online-shopping

Why Are Mattresses So Expensive and How to Buy Them CheaperWhen it comes to online shopping, it would seem that Labor Day weekend is the time for you to get the best price. However, you can also make sure that you keep an eye out throughout the year for random sales that tend to pop up every now and again. Subscribing to a website could help you get notified when there’s a sale; this way you can start off your shopping process with the lowest price options.

Online shopping often also gives you the possibility of a free trial as well as a few other perks such as free pillows and even free delivery. With all the added costs that come with purchasing a mattress it could be a good idea to look into buying online rather than having to actually go into a store.

Ask for price reduction

You may not feel comfortable trying to bring the price down, however, there can be a little wiggle room. Some retailers have already upped the price because they know some customers ask for discount. Therefore, if the talk of a price reduction comes up they may be open to accommodate you. Sometimes, asking is all you need to do to get the results you’re looking for.

It is suggested that you do your research, compare prices and then try to see how companies will react to the suggestion of beating a price you saw elsewhere. Speak to the manager if you’re really determined to get the best deal.

It’s important not to rush the process in order to get the best bang for your buck. Good research and communication with sellers could get you what you need. So, you don’t have to spend a fortune. Some mattresses are available for under $1000. If you’re looking for a custom type however, you may pay more. So, it’s all about your needs and how high a price you’re willing to pay.

APR Finance Deals

It is possible to get finance for a bed, with interest over a couple of years but you could end up paying more for a mattress than you really want to. If you’re looking into this option to furnish a new house, it would be a good idea to try and finish the payments on the mattress as soon as possible.

Why we do not recommend second-hand buy

Why Are Mattresses So Expensive and How to Buy Them CheaperNo matter how many times someone washes their underwear, no one else is going to buy it and buying a second-hand mattress is pretty much the same. Of course, mattresses can be deep cleaned but does that make them clean? If you think about it, people spend hours on their mattresses, sometimes sweating, drooling and shedding dead skin cells. Will you be comfortable sleeping on such a surface? You may not be able to see the dirt and the mites Trusted Source Who Should Worry About Dust Mites (and Who Shouldn’t) THE other night my husband and I were having serious pillow talk. But not the kind you might think. www.nytimes.com that could be looming deep within the mattress and because of that it’s not recommended that you purchase a second-hand mattress. Rather just keep your eye out for specials and sales.

If you’re desperate for a mattress you could always look into getting an air mattress as a short-term fix. This can give you the comfort you need before taking the plunge of buying. In addition it gives you a back-up mattress option if you have unexpected guests wanting to sleep over.

Final thoughts

There’s always the question of why are mattresses so expensive but in some cases it’s understandable. It’s good to know the ins and outs of an industry, because it empowers you to make an informed decision. Knowing exactly what’s going on behind the scenes will help you put things into perspective.

Mattresses should be a form of comfort and support which is why it’s important to make sure you know all the facts. Getting a mattress is a commitment and you’ll want to have the best mattress around! Yes, mattresses can be expensive but with the right research you’ll be able to find the perfect one.

It can be overwhelming choosing a mattress, not just because of the prices but also considering there are so many options out there for you to choose from. Hopefully after breaking everything down for you, you’ll be able to make the right choice not just for your wallet but also for your body.

References

1.
Mattress coil - Wikipedia
Mattress coils, also known as mattress springs, are coil springs used in a mattress. Coils are primarily used in the core (support layer) of innerspring mattresses, which is their original use.
2.
Who Should Worry About Dust Mites (and Who Shouldn’t)
THE other night my husband and I were having serious pillow talk. But not the kind you might think.

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