Why Are Mattresses So Expensive?

There’s no substitute for a quality mattress. It’s an essential part of your bedroom — the one that determines whether you’ll experience high-quality sleep or toss and turn all night. Unfortunately, great mattresses have a hefty price tag. That’s the reason why many customers pass on them, but you don’t always have to break the bank for a good night’s sleep.

Struggling to find a mattress you love at a price you can handle? In this guide, you’ll learn what determines the cost of mattresses and how to save money on one when you’re ready to buy. Keep reading so you can score impressive savings without compromising on comfort.

Why Are Mattresses So Expensive? 

If you want a better night’s sleep but are wondering, “Why are mattresses so expensive — and how much does a good mattress cost?” The answer’s, well … complicated. That’s because two trends tend to drive mattress prices: urgency and lack of competition. 

Most people replace their mattresses before they need to, and this urgency makes them more susceptible to less-than-impressive deals.

Because there aren’t a lot of mattress stores vying for your business, that lack of competition drives up the product price, making it tough to find a great mattress at a reasonable price. This is changing, though, with many smaller stores offering great deals without the markups.

Mattress Type and Material Impact Mattress Costs

Mattress price largely depends on build and the materials used. While most mattress comparisons typically focus on foam versus innerspring, there are many other types to consider. Here’s a look at some.

Cotton Mattresses

Decades ago, most mattresses were made from cotton. That changed as foam began taking over. In recent years, though, cotton’s made a comeback. Highly breathable and durable, this material typically provides better quality for the cost.

The price you pay for a cotton mattress depends on the quality of the cotton. Basic cotton mattresses are often quite affordable, especially if they don’t have special features like gel foam. Organic models are far more expensive but may be worthwhile to those concerned about long-term exposure to various chemical components found in standard cotton mattresses. 

Foam Mattresses

Soft and cushy, foam mattresses appeal to anyone who dreads the idea of sleeping on an extra-firm mattress. Designed to cradle the body, memory foam optimizes the nighttime experience for anyone. 

Foam mattresses vary dramatically in terms of cost. Some high-end memory foam products are among the most expensive mattresses available, while many others cost less than certain innerspring mattresses. 

Bed-in-a-box solutions with rolled-up foam mattresses are often the most affordable. These initial savings don’t always reflect well on quality or durability, though. Many have to be replaced not too long after they’re bought.

Latex Mattresses

Among the most durable mattress materials, latex is a great option if you want your mattress to stand the test of time. It also contains antimicrobial properties, which appeal to those with seasonal or year-round allergies.

The price, durability, and comfort of these mattresses depend on which type of latex is used. Types include:

• Synthetic. Built from a special type of plastic known as styrene-butadiene rubber, synthetic latex is frequently found in tires, conveyor belts, and even artificial turf. It’s less springy and durable than its natural counterpart but also tends to be cheaper.
• Natural. An eco-friendly alternative to synthetic latex, the natural variety is by far the most durable. While it’s a bit more expensive, natural latex offers pressure point reduction that’s typically worth the extra cost.
• Blended. More durable than the strictly synthetic kind, blended latex mattresses are typically at least 30% natural. These are among the most common latex mattresses currently available. 

Air Mattresses

Inflatable mattresses are the most affordable solution mentioned in this guide. They’re usually made from either polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or urethane plastic. Air mattresses aren’t generally meant to be everyday sleep solutions. They’re much more preferable for travel or accommodating temporary guests. 

Hybrid Mattresses

Hybrid mattresses provide the best of both worlds: the sturdiness of a traditional spring mattress with the comfort of foam, latex, or gel. While it’s common for standard innerspring mattresses to have foam or latex on top, the hybrid approach takes this structure to a new level, forgoing the tufted appearance of a typical spring mattress.

Because the manufacturing process tends to be more complicated for hybrid models, they’re often among the most expensive mattresses. They’re a popular choice, though, for anyone who wants to bypass the potential downsides of other mattress styles.

A Bigger Size Means a More Expensive Mattress

Large mattresses tend to be the most expensive. That’s because they require more materials than smaller mattresses. Shipping costs may be higher, though this extra cost can be worked around if you opt for a bed-in-a-box solution.

Many stores add prestige markups to these mattresses, knowing that customers expect higher quality from a king-sized bed, for example. That expectation means customers are generally willing to pay far more kings than for a full or queen of similar quality.

Quality Mattresses Have a Longer Life

While cost is an important factor, if you’re looking to buy a new mattress, you should also consider the quality — or whether it’ll stand the test of time. Durability can vary dramatically based on the materials and structure of the mattress, so paying a little more might not be a bad thing. You’ll likely end up with a much more comfortable, longer-lasting bed. 

It’s often worth paying more early on, but don’t mistakenly assume that only the most expensive mattresses are durable. Lower-priced options may sometimes last surprisingly long. It all boils down to the types of materials used and the quality of the construction. 

Mattress Stores Add a Retail Markup — Try Online Retailers

Most people like to check out a bed in person before they buy it. Many online retailers have found the virtual equivalent: ship a mattress to the shopper so they can sleep on it for several days to test it out.

Buying a mattress online tends to be much more affordable than at brick-and-mortar retailers, which often add huge markups to the base price.

Some might be willing to pay a bit more because buying a mattress is a need, not a want. With a little research, it’s possible to score the perfect mattress online at a great price, giving you a good chance to upgrade your mattress and your sleep.