What is a Reasonable Price for a Mattress?

What is a Reasonable Price for a Mattress?

When’s the last time you got a good night’s sleep? According to the National Sleep Foundation, for adults age 18 to 64, people should get an average of seven to nine hours of sleep every night. For older adults age 65 or older, they need an average of seven to eight hours each night. Sleep is crucial to our well-being, as we can only operate to the best of our ability when we are well-rested. Plus, no one likes to try to get through their day half-awake. If you’re tossing and turning throughout the night, unable to sleep, it could have something to do with your mattress.

A mattress that’s overdue for a replacement can make for an uncomfortable sleep, while an excellent mattress can keep your rest uninterrupted through the night. Mattresses are one of the most important investments you can make, and as the global mattress market is predicted to grow from $28 billion in 2017 to more than $43 billion by 2024, more and more people recognize that.

Mattress Cost Factors

When it comes to specific mattress prices, expect to see a broad range. Mattresses vary significantly in price — some can cost a couple of hundred dollars while others may exceed thousands of dollars. Typically, though, the majority of shoppers can find the mattress they need within $1,000. However, these total costs associated with buying a new mattress depends on several different factors:

  • Mattress comfort and durability
  • Type of mattress
  • Size
  • Different mattress styles
  • Shipping and delivery
  • Returns and exchanges policy

Before you plan to budget for your new mattress, consider the following cost factors and be on your way to a better night’s sleep.

Comfort

Being comfortable when you go to bed is key to sleeping soundly through the night. Before you start the hunt for a new mattress, think about your sleeping habits and consider what you specifically need in a new mattress. Maybe you are a stomach sleeper and are looking for a firm or even extra firm mattress to help keep your spine straight as you sleep and prevent any back pain. Firm mattresses start around a couple of hundred dollars but can exceed $1,500 in some cases, too. Extra firm mattresses will cost more than the regular firmness, often somewhere in the thousand dollar range.

If you’re a side sleeper, you probably want something soft, at least starting at medium but typically plush or even extra plush. If the mattress is soft and has more padding, your shoulders, hips and other pressure points will feel comfortable as you lie on your side. If you sleep on your back, you likely also want something plush or ultra-plush, like memory foam or a hybrid mattress, that can conform to your back, head and neck. Mattresses with medium firmness usually run several hundred dollars while plush is similar to firm pricing — starting around several hundred dollars and in some cases, exceeding $1,500. Ultra plush mattresses are more elite mattresses, and the cost is reflective of this. They usually start around $1,000 but could reach several thousand dollars, sometimes even exceeding $5,000. However, it pays to invest in your comfort.

Type

The type of mattress you’re looking at can also have an impact on price. For instance, innerspring mattresses can cost several hundred dollars on the low price range end, around $1,000 in the middle and exceed $1,200 in some cases. There are also linked coil mattresses, which typically stay within several hundred dollars, and pocketed coil mattresses, which may start around $700, but could potentially cost several thousands of dollars.

Foam mattresses can also start around several hundred dollars but could easily exceed $1,000 depending on the type of memory foam, for example. Latex mattresses start a little higher, roughly around $1,000 or so, but average out in a middle price range of about $1,500 to $2,500 and could go up from there potentially. Hybrid mattresses are similar in cost to latex, but often just slightly more.

We cover the different types of mattresses more in-depth below.

Size

Another key cost-deciding factor when it comes to a mattress is the size. Think about what size mattress you need — are you sleeping alone or with someone else? Do you have any pets that sleep with you? Do you have space in your bedroom for a new, bigger mattress? Here is a full breakdown of mattress size options:

  • Twin/single
  • Twin/single extra long
  • Double/full
  • Queen
  • Split queen
  • King
  • Split king
  • California king
  • Split California king

While the ultimate mattress cost won’t be based on size alone and instead will be a combination of factors, size has a say. For twin/single mattresses, you could pay as low as a couple of hundred dollars for a regular or slightly more for an extra long, while you could potentially spend more than $1,000 for a regular twin/single or several thousand dollars for an extra long.

Both full/double and queen mattresses start at slightly more than a couple of hundred dollars while both could potentially exceed several thousand dollars for the top mattress. Split queens, however, start closer to $1,000 and could reach $2,000 in some cases while a king starts at several thousand dollars and could go up to $5,000. Split kings generally cost several thousand dollars. California king mattresses could start as low as several hundred dollars but go up to $5,000, while a high-quality split California king could run several thousand dollars.

Styles

You also have different styles of mattresses, like euro pillow top or tight top mattresses, for example, that could influence the total mattress cost. Euro pillow top mattresses are plusher and created with premium quality materials for a more technical design. If you opt for a euro pillow top mattress, you’ll feel more support, especially if you suffer from neck or back pain. These typically cost a bit more than the tight top mattress, which doesn’t have the extra layer of cushion like the euro and is usually firmer. Tight tops can start just above a couple of hundred dollars but still exceed $2,000 in some cases, whereas euro pillow tops typically start in the mid-several hundred dollar range and go up.

Returns and Exchanges

Some companies give 30- to 90-day sleep trials that allow customers to return their mattresses for a full refund. However, these lengths depend on the specific company you bought your mattress from. Keep an eye out for any shipping and handling fees when it comes to returning your mattress during the trial period and be sure to read the fine print when making a substantial investment like a mattress. Some companies also let customers exchange their mattresses during the trial period to try a different model, size or firmness, for example. However, any shipping and handling fees would still apply.

What’s Your Budget

With any investment, it’s essential to set a realistic budget for yourself. However, be cautious trying to cut any corners when it comes to cost, as the quality of your mattress could suffer. Most mattresses cost anywhere from a couple of hundred dollars to maybe a couple of thousand dollars, and most people can find a nice quality mattress that works for them within $1,000 or so. If you’re starting your mattress search at the lowest price range, such as $200 or fewer, you’re likely looking at a used mattress or something very low-quality. You never know where used mattresses have been, and odors that you don’t initially notice could appear later. Plus, a used mattress may have an existing sag and be close to the end of its life, so it will likely need to be replaced again very soon.

If you have a budget of up to $500 or so, you could probably find an innerspring or foam full or queen-sized mattress that could last you up to five years. Anything larger than a queen size at this price point will likely have to sacrifice quality. If you have a budget of up to about $800, you can start getting into some of the nicer, higher-quality mattresses and can probably find a mattress of high-quality synthetic materials, like latex or a thick memory foam mattress. Many mattresses with 10-year warranties fall into this price range, as well as many well-recognized mattress brands, giving you more options as your price range increases. With this budget, you could expect your mattress to last about eight to 10 years.

With a budget exceeding the $800 price point, you can invest in a premium mattress with the highest quality materials and have even more options to choose from. Many mattresses beyond $800 to $1,000 will also come with even better warranties. If you have any sleep-related health issues, you should invest in a higher-quality mattress. Plus, these mattresses usually include at least a 10-year warranty, with some companies even offering a lifetime warranty depending on your mattress cost. It’s not always about finding the lowest price — you need to invest in something that will last and works for you. Don’t be afraid to treat yourself to a better night’s sleep.

Different Types of Mattresses

Mattress price can also depend on what type of mattress you’re looking to purchase. For instance, you likely won’t find an innerspring mattress that costs the same as a hybrid mattress. Plus, there are cost factors within each specific type of mattress, so be sure to consider the following about each mattress type as you continue to look for a new one.

1. Innerspring

Innerspring mattresses use coils, which can vary in shape, design and quality, as the primary mattress support. Some innerspring mattresses will even use two coil layers rather than one. They are often considered the most traditional type of mattress and are usually covered by foam, fiber or other upholstery material. These mattresses are excellent at supporting more weight than some of the other mattresses, as the coils form a firm core that doesn’t sag as quickly as other materials. The coils also result in a bouncier bed, still with firm support. Generally, innerspring mattresses are the most affordable mattress option, although not always the most comfortable if there isn’t enough padding. Some people are switching to hybrid mattresses for the sturdy coils from these mattresses with added plush comfort.

One of the most significant cost factors with innerspring mattresses is durability, which ultimately affects its lifespan. Cheaper innerspring models usually use Bonnell coils and polyfoam comfort layers, which typically last anywhere from three to five years. However, costlier models that use latex or memory foam and more durable coils will last longer. Innerspring mattresses with higher coil counts can also give you more support but may be more expensive. The coil gauge can also affect the price as low-gauge coils that are thicker are more durable and give firmer pushback. Generally, innerspring mattresses last anywhere from five to seven years.

2. Foam

If you’re looking for something with better conforming ability, look for a foam or memory foam mattress. Memory foam can change shape, conforming to your body, which helps any aches and pains you may have and quickly returns to its original form. One of the most significant benefits of a memory foam mattress is its ability to absorb motion, so if you sleep with someone else or a pet, the foam can absorb the vibrations when they move around so that your sleep goes uninterrupted. However, since people sink into the foam, these mattresses are known for sleeping hot. Some companies have integrated cooling technology like cooling gel into these foam mattresses for a cooler sleep.

There are plenty of cost factors when it comes to foam mattresses, including the type of foam used. In low budget foam mattresses, manufacturers may use polyfoam, which is known to degrade faster and is often more uncomfortable than memory foam. Lower cost comes at a sacrifice, so it’s worth investing in a foam mattress that will last. Plus, some may even use specialty memory foam, like copper-infused or gel memory foam, which will also add on to the total mattress cost. Some foam mattresses will use lower density foam, which is usually cheaper, but significantly less durable than a firmer, denser foam that will last longer. Foam mattresses typically last at least six to seven years.

3. Latex

Similar to memory foam, latex mattresses are known to help relieve pressure due to their supportive material. However, there are still differences between the two. For instance, latex has a little bit of bounce to it and can come from synthetic materials or natural material, like tree sap. Since latex is resistant to mold and dust mites, it’s a hypoallergenic material, making latex mattresses an excellent option for those with allergies. Latex mattresses also sleep much cooler than memory foam, since you’re sleeping on top of it rather than sinking down in it.

Some factors affecting cost in latex mattresses include choosing between natural and synthetic materials. Since natural latex costs more to make, you should expect to pay a little bit more for a natural latex mattress than a synthetic. The actual manufacturing process can also affect the price. There are two different processes in creating latex mattresses — the Dunlop process or the Talalay process. The Dunlop process creates thick, heavy latex used in support cores while the Talalay process makes lighter, less dense latex used in comfort layers. The Talalay process generally costs more, but sometimes mattresses will have both. Lastly, look for the number of layers in the latex mattress as the thicker mattresses typically cost more. Overall, these mattresses are known to be very durable and usually last eight years or longer.

4. Hybrid

Hybrid mattresses mix the elements like coil support from innerspring mattresses and the comfort from latex or memory foam mattresses into one. These mattresses must have a pocketed coil support core and at least 2 inches of latex and/or memory foam in the comfort system for them to truly be a hybrid. Hybrid mattresses, however, aren’t quite as bouncy as innerspring mattresses, although they do have some level of bounce and are relatively easy to move around on. Since they use memory foam or latex atop the springs, any motion from a partner or pet is absorbed. Plus, hybrid mattresses are cooler than memory foam since the coils don’t allow the sleeper to sink in too much. If you’re looking for some conformity but still want the firm support of coils, a hybrid mattress could be your best bet.

Hybrid mattress cost factors include the quality of foam or latex used, the number of layers and the quality of coils. Micro-coils, which are like ordinary coils but smaller and made to increase the mattress’ flexibility, are relatively new and can increase the price of a hybrid mattress that uses them, for example. These mattresses are also a bit harder to move than others as they are extremely heavy. All in all, these mattresses offer the best of both worlds and last six to seven years on average.

Would You Like to Purchase a Warranty?

With any investment, like a new mattress, consider getting a warranty to go with it. While most standard mattress warranties last at least 10 years, others may go 25 years or longer. Warranties depend on each mattress manufacturer. Still, many require the customer to cover the shipping and handling fees when it comes to repairs for defects as well as shipping and handling to replace their mattress with a new one. When it comes to warranties, you’ll likely hear of non-prorated and prorated warranties.

If you have non-prorated coverage, owners aren’t responsible for extra fees when it comes to replacing a mattress except for shipping and handling. On the other hand, prorated coverage periods require the customer to pay the additional charges associated with replacement. Manufacturers calculate these charges by multiplying the number of years of ownership with a percentage of the original mattress price — usually 5% to 10%. Most 10-year warranties are entirely non-prorated while other longer warranties might be non-prorated but have prorated coverage periods. In any case, be sure to look at the length of your mattress’ non-prorated coverage period when it comes to warranties. Also, consider the life expectancy of your mattress when determining the warranty length.

How to Get the Best Deal on a Mattress

While you shouldn’t purposely seek out only the most inexpensive mattresses due to lower quality, there are still ways you can save money when you buy a new high-quality mattress.

First off, make sure you do your research. By doing your homework, you can decide what mattress is best for you and compare prices and customer reviews to get the best bang for your buck. Do you know someone who recently bought a mattress or is also looking for a new one? You could potentially save money on your new mattress if so. Check out referral deals among different companies to see how you could save.

Another excellent way to save money on a mattress is to wait for sales. Generally, mattress retailers will have holiday specials that can save you quite a bit. Consider these common holidays and sales days as you continue the hunt for a new mattress:

  • President’s Day: Check out mattress deals on President’s Day — the third Monday in February — to ring in the new year with a deal.
  • Memorial Day: Many shops, both small and large, will offer savings on Memorial Day, the last Monday in May.
  • Independence Day: Although some stores might close on July 4, many offer steep mattress savings on July 3 or 5, so be sure to keep an eye out.
  • Labor Day: Labor Day mattress sales may start as early as the Friday before, so look for coupon codes and promos.
  • Veteran’s Day: Get an early start to the holiday season and look out for mattress sales in mid-November, as many stores are trying to empty their inventory before the new year.
  • Black Friday: On the most significant discount day of the year, check out mattress shops to see what sales they’re running, and don’t forget to do some research and compare prices.

You could also save money on your mattress by skipping the box spring. If your box spring is in good working condition already, save a couple of hundred dollars since it’s not a necessity.

Find the Perfect Mattress at Lancaster Mattress Company

Ultimately, the best mattress deal is a comfortable, good night’s sleep that can only be achieved when you invest in a high-quality mattress that’s sure to serve you for years to come. At Lancaster Mattress Company, we have a wide variety of mattresses from top industry brands, like Stearns & Foster and Sealy, so you have plenty of options. We’ve been serving the area for more than 30 years, offering personal and professional service and the expertise to answer your mattress questions. Lancaster Mattress Company also offers competitive prices as well as financing options and a 90-day comfort satisfaction guarantee. With an investment like a new mattress, it’s essential to try it out before you buy. Stop into one of Lancaster Mattress Company’s three convenient locations today or contact us to be on your way to uninterrupted sleep.