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Mattresses vary quite a bit in terms of quality at difference price ranges. Should you stretch your budget and spend more than you want? Is that cheap mattress with the amazing price going to hold up over the long run? Here’s how to decide how much you should spend.
How Much You Should Spend on a Mattress
The average price of a decent-quality mattress is about $1,500 for a queen-size.
But like with anything else, it all depends on what you need.
Here’s an example:
- You’re a couple and neither of you sprawls or tosses and turns much. The ideal size for you is Queen.
- You sleep hot and would appreciate a mattress made of natural and organic materials that cools you down. This means you probably need a latex or latex hybrid mattress. These are expensive but are a great choice for hot sleepers.
- Let’s say you paid less than $500 for your old mattress and are not happy with the quality, so now you want to invest more and would like a mattress that lasts longer. Now you’re ready to pay up to $1,500.
So, you need a Queen-size latex mattress and are willing to pay no more than $1,500.
This is tight but not impossible.
There are manufacturers that make latex mattresses in this size for $1,000-$1,500, but if you really want high-quality materials, you should add a couple hundred more to your budget.
You’re investing in a mattress that’s going to last you for about 15 years (with any luck), so it’s worth spending a bit more than you ideally want to.
And if your budget is lower than that, there’s room for compromise – look for mattresses made of different materials, with fewer layers, or similar mattresses by a different manufacturer.
Any of these compromises can lower the cost.
You can also try to negotiate the price at the store or simply wait for a good sale – some times of the year carry more discounts (Memorial Day and Presidents Day are the big ones).
And yes, there is such a thing as the ideal time to buy a mattress.
If you’re on an extreme budget it’s not the end of the world. You can also get a relatively solid mattress for under $1,000, they’re just harder to find so you’ll have to do a lot more research.
Factors You Need to Take Into Account
There are four factors you need to take into account – mattress size, type, quality, and your own budget.
Mattress Sizes
The smallest sizes are also the cheapest because less material goes into making them.
A Twin mattress just can’t cost as much as the Queen version of the same model.
Bigger sizes mean more materials, increased shipping and logistics costs, increased storage costs. All of these get transferred to you, the end consumer.
Mattress Types
Mattress type plays a big role in the price.
Simple foam is the cheapest kind whereas hybrid mattresses and natural latex fall into the most expensive group.
These are typical price ranges for a decent model from each type:
- Innerspring mattress price range $300-$1,200
- Foam mattress price range $250-$1,200
- Hybrid mattress price range $500-$2,300
- Latex mattress price range $500-$2,500
- Airbed mattress price range $50-$1,000
And these are average mattress prices:
- Innerspring mattresses $800-$900
- Foam mattresses $$1,000
- Hybrid mattresses $1,500
- Latex mattresses $1,500
- Air mattress $200
Mattress Quality
Quality matters.
For example, a foam mattress can start breaking down after only a couple of years if it’s made of cheap materials, but it can also have a lifespan of 15 years or more if the quality is there.
The best thing you can do is research mattress brands and see which ones are up to par. Reputable brands can usually be trusted to make good products.
If you really don’t know where to start, I recommend looking at these mattresses:
- Saatva Classic
- Helix Midnight Luxe
- SweetNight CoolNest Memory Foam
- Bear Elite Hybrid
- Egohome Black
- Sweet Zzz Honey Hybrid
Your Budget
Of course the amount you’re able and willing to spend is the main dealbreaker.
If you can’t afford it, you can’t afford it.
It’s that simple.
But I always recommend stretching your budget to the maximum of what you can afford.
More expensive mattresses are simply better (and sleep is something you want to spend on, trust me it’s worth it).
Here’s what you can expect from different price tiers.
- $300-$499 – These are budget-friendly mattresses. An average mattress that costs up to $500 is usually made of foam, but you may be able to find an innerspring mattress (it’s becoming increasingly rare though). Expect cheap materials and not a lot of pressure relief or durability. These are really only good for guest rooms, or for yourself if you need a mattress right now and you’re fine with replacing it in a couple of years. The Novilla Bliss falls into this price range.
- $500-$899– Although still on the affordable side, these aren’t ultra-cheap mattresses. Here you can find memory foam, innerspring, and even some basic hybrid beds. You’ll probably be able to get a 10-year warranty and a couple of months of sleep trial. If you find a mattress made of latex in this price range, it’s probably going to be synthetic latex. A natural latex mattress costs a few hundred more. The Bear Original is a good example of a mattress in this price range.
- $900-$1,499 – This is where you’ll truly be able to find a quality mattress. You can choose from a variety of materials, including higher quality memory foam, cooling properties, some organic materials, etc. Here you can find excellent support, complex mattress structure, and special features. The Helix Midnight is a good example of a mattress in this tier.
- $1,500-$2,499 – This price range is where things start to feel more luxurious. Think organic latex that’s going to last at least 15 years. Expect more durable materials. Helix Dusk Luxe is a mattress in this price range.
- Over $2,500 – Basically everything in this price range is going to be fantastic. Everything feels luxurious and high-end. The mattress WILL be comfortable. Helix Midnight Elite is a great example of a high-end mattress in this tier.
Don’t Forget About…
- Sleep trial. Make sure the mattress comes with a sleep trial period of at least three months. This is enough time for the mattress to fully break in. If you decide it’s not right for you within this time frame, you can return the mattress for a refund.
- Warranty. Always read the fine print, especially if you’re looking at budget mattresses. Look for a warranty of at least 10 years (the Purple mattress warranty, for example), and be careful about the details. Some companies have different warranties for their innerspring mattresses and memory foam mattresses, whereas others have the same warranty covering all of their products.
- Your sleep style. It doesn’t matter how good of a mattress you buy, if your new bed is very firm and you’re a side sleeper you’re going to have a bad time. As in, sore-hip-painful-shoulder bad time. Don’t be one of those people who learns this the hard (and painful) way. Be sure to learn about which mattress firmness level is right for your sleeping position.
- Your medical conditions. Depending on your situation, you may need to consult a doctor or physical therapist on what kind of mattress you need. People with hip problems typically need a tall mattress (e.g. the Nolah Evolution) with good edge support, for example. Take your own needs into consideration.
- Payment plans. Many mattress brands offer flexible payments with Afterpay or Klarna. It’s important to check the interest rate and terms to make sure the plan fits your budget before buying.
Psst… the sleep review industry is full of liars, sharks, and thieves. It’s a modern-day version of getting ripped off at your local mattress store. So, why should you trust us?