It’s not hard to see why having a good mattress matters. It can improve your sleep quality, which means a healthier you. The problem is that comfort is a subjective concept. It’s challenging to know what “good” means when it comes to your mattress. How firm should it be, for example?
What about the price? How much does a mattress cost? Is a luxury mattress worth the money, or is a budget product just as effective? These are fair questions because a mattress is an investment. You are investing in your sleep quality, which touches almost every part of your personal and professional life.
A more rounded question might be, “How much does a good mattress cost?” Not every mattress is created equally, so finding balance is critical. There are many choices available. A new mattress can cost anywhere from $200 to over $3,500. How much do you have to pay for mattress features that can help improve your quality of sleep?
Let’s explore the finer details of shopping for a mattress, considering factors like the average mattress price, materials, and other features that could enhance your sleep quality.
What Makes a Mattress Good?
Experts seem to agree that a mattress with a medium-firm structure is the best option for most people. Even better, one that has adjustable firmness levels and provides you the flexibility to adjust your comfort level, promoting deep sleep.
An ideal mattress should support proper spinal alignment, accommodating the natural curvature of your body. The average lifespan of a mattress ranges between 7 to 10 years, but your needs may change over time. Hence, it makes sense to invest in a high-quality one.
Understanding Mattress Pricing
If you are asking, “How much is a mattress?” then understanding factors affecting mattress pricing can provide valuable insight. These factors include:
Materials
Materials and mattress construction are likely the biggest price influencers. It takes craftsmanship to design and build a quality mattress. Certain materials cost more. For example, latex is more expensive than other types of foam.
Mattress Size
The bigger the mattress, the more materials go into its construction. You’ll find a twin mattress costs around half the price of a king.
Bigger mattresses take up more storage space and are heavier, too. That means transport and warehousing expenses factor into the retail price.
RELATED: King vs. Queen Bed: A Comprehensive Comparison
Online Buying vs. Brick and Mortar Store
Many consumers opt for online purchasing these days because of convenience and cost, especially since many retailers have introduced financing to their online stores in recent years. Additionally, most offer at-home risk-free trials which allow you to try out the mattress for a set period and send it back without any fees if it’s not a good fit.
Buying at a brick and mortar store allows you to test the mattress out before purchasing. That comes at a cost, though. Retail stores markup prices to cover expenses and to make a larger profit.
Warranty
Cheaper mattresses often come with limited buyer protection. Manufacturers offering warranties and return policies may charge more to cover that cost. It is money well spent for the consumer, though.
Manufacturers tend to lump mattresses into pricing categories based on the quality of the material used. For example:
- Budget – These are attractively priced but may lack durability and advanced features. They tend to be thinner and less durable. They likely won’t absorb body heat the way better-quality mattresses can. They also may not support the weight of a heavier person or two people. That is one reason they wear out quickly. Budget mattresses range in price from $200 to over $999 for queen size.
- Medium – A medium mattress will take you a step above the budget products. They offer better quality and typically last longer. A medium-priced mattress will fall into the range of $1,000 to $2,000 for a queen.
- Luxury – As the name suggests, these are top-of-the-line mattresses offering exceptional comfort, durability, and quality. A luxury queen mattress will typically cost $2000+.
Different Kinds of Mattresses
There's a wide variety of mattresses available, making the shopping process a bit overwhelming. Here's a breakdown of some common types of mattresses on the market:
- Innerspring – An innerspring mattress has a layer of coils in the center surrounded by layers of material for padding. Innerspring mattresses can cost from $650 or less to over $2,000.
- Foam – Foam mattresses, like memory foam or latex are softer and able to adjust to the body. They are also effective for isolating movement and relieving pressure. A 2015 study found that people with memory foam mattresses with at least medium firmness have less chronic pain. Foam mattresses run from $200 or less to over $2,000.
- Hybrid – A hybrid mattress combines all the best features of an innerspring and foam product. They include both layers of coils and foam. Hybrid mattresses will cost, on average, $1,200 to over $2,000.
The material of the mattress impacts both the price and how you sleep.
How Much Does a Queen Mattress Cost?
A multitude of factors contribute to the pricing of a mattress, making it difficult to provide a single answer to this question. The cost ultimately depends on the type of mattress you choose and its quality. Picking out a mattress is a personal choice. A good rule of thumb is to ignore the marketing jargon and look at the features.
Things to Consider
Start by mapping out what you want from the mattress, beginning with the material. The two most common types are innerspring and memory foam.
Pros and Cons of the Innerspring Mattress
Innerspring mattresses are firmer, so they have more bounce to them. That might not be a practical choice if you sleep next to someone else. Every time you move, your partner may feel an aftershock.
On the other hand, the firmness of an innerspring mattress can be helpful if you have back pain or joint issues.
Pros:
- Ideal for solo sleepers or those with partners who sleep deeply.
- Suitable for back or stomach sleepers.
Cons:
- It can be too firm for some
- Generally less durable than other types.
If you opt for an innerspring mattress, the average price hovers around $850. When you are shopping, pay attention to the coil gauge—the lower the gauge, the firmer the mattress. Also, ensure that a quality queen-sized innerspring mattress has at least 400 coils. Pocket coil models might cost more, but they offer targeted support.
Pros and Cons of a Memory Foam Mattress
Memory foam can be tricky. There are many things to consider. Cheaper memory foam mattresses can have unpleasant odors and present other issues. However, a quality memory foam mattress can relieve pressure points because they conform to your body. They help promote proper spine alignment by putting less pressure on the shoulders and hips. They also absorb motion, reducing the chances of waking your sleeping partner.
Pros:
- Suitable for both solo sleepers and couples
- Good for any sleep position, including side sleepers
- An effective choice for someone with chronic back pain
Cons:
- Not all memory foam mattresses are created equally. Quality matters when it comes to purchasing memory foam mattresses.
If you decide to buy a quality memory foam mattress, you can expect to pay around $1,500. Make sure to look for key features such as:
- Cooling
- Airflow channels
- Ventilation channels
- Moisture and odor control
Also, consider if a hybrid might be the better option for you. On average, a hybrid bed costs around $1,600 but gives you the best of both types.
RELATED: How Long Do Memory Foam Mattresses Last?
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