High-quality mattresses can last between seven and ten years. Mediocre beds can give up on you a lot sooner. Cost is always a crucial consideration whenever buying a mattress. So, how much should you pay for a new mattress? What alternatives do you have in case no mattress fits your budget? Let us find out.
How Much Should You Pay For A New Mattress?
What Kind of Mattress Can Your Budget Get?
The very first thing we have to determine is your budget. In general, budget-friendly mattresses have pretty straightforward materials that may not last long. On the other hand, luxury beds can provide you the best in comfort, support, and innovation.
- Less than $400 – Budget mattresses with inexpensive materials and pretty straightforward mattress technologies. These products may only last two to three years with continuous use. They are perfect for guest rooms since you will not use them frequently.
- $401 to $600 – You can get a good-quality polyfoam or innerspring mattress at this price range. It is the perfect solution for small households or those who want a durable and reliable mattress.
- $601 to $1,000 – The majority of mattresses, regardless of materials, fall in this price range. They provide a good balance between comfort and support while lasting up to ten years.
- $1,001 to $1,500 – Products in this range can offer you advanced mattress features, including better cooling and organic materials. You should be able to pick one to help you sleep better by relieving your back pain.
- $1,501 to $2,500 – Considered as high-end mattresses, these products have different support and comfort features, premium-quality materials, and extra-long warranties. Some companies cover their mattresses for a lifetime, making them a worthy investment.
- More than $2,500 – The world’s most expensive mattress comes in with an eye-popping price tag of $1.6 million, which Janjaap Ruijssenaars designed as a levitating bed. Obviously, not everyone needs such a mattress.
Different Mattress Materials have Different Prices
Here is a helpful guide. The more advanced the mattress material, the more expensive it is. For example, an innerspring mattress is more affordable than a gel-infused memory foam bed because of the cutting-edge processes involved in the latter’s creation. Here are the average mattress prices by materials.
- Innerspring – This late-20th-century mattress design can cost you between $500 and $1,200, depending on the size.
- Memory Foam – Invented in the 1970s, memory foam mattresses can cost you about $900 to $3,000. They are perfect for side sleepers because of their body-hugging characteristics.
- Polyfoam – Polyurethane foam mattresses are the cheapest, ranging from $250 to $1,200. The price depends on the foam’s thickness and density.
- Latex – On average, latex mattresses are more expensive than innerspring beds. They can cost you between $1,000 and $2,500.
- Hybrid – A very popular option, hybrid mattresses can set you back by at least $1,000 and as much as $3,000.
- Airbed – High-end air-filled mattresses can cost you a minimum of $1,000 with high-end units costing more than $2,000. If you are not ready to spend that much, you might want an alternative for a puffy mattress, such as a conventional air mattress you can get for less than $100.
Other Factors Influencing How Much a Mattress Costs
By now you should already recognize that mattress prices are not only a function of their materials. Other factors can also play into the mattress’s final price.
Craftsmanship
Not all mattresses of the same type have the same price. For example, two innerspring mattress brands can have different prices. You may need to learn how each brand makes its mattresses to determine which has better quality craftsmanship.
Size
The smallest mattress you can buy is a Twin, measuring 38 inches across and 75 inches long. There is also a Twin XL that is five inches longer than the Twin. A full-size mattress, also known as Double, can accommodate one adult and a child because it is wider than the Twin.
Most Americans choose a Queen-sized bed, perfect for couples. If you want to sleep with your partner and child on the same bed, a King or California King mattress is ideal. The only difference between the two is that the latter is longer but narrower than the King size.
A rule of thumb to follow is mattress price increases with size.
Purchase Method
It may seem counterintuitive to purchase your mattress online instead of in-store. However, Sleep.org observed that mattresses sold online typically cost 15% lower than in-store-bought beds. Most online mattress retailers also provide 60 to 90-day trials, allowing you to test your new mattress.
Warranty and Return Policy
Mattresses with an extra-long warranty, such as 20 years, are more expensive than those with a short five-year warranty. You may also have to look at how attractive the return policy is. The more advantageous it is for you, the pricier is the mattress.
More Affordable Mattress Alternatives
If you are still cash-strapped and only want a mattress to cradle your body when you sleep, there are mattress alternatives you can choose from.
Sleeping Bags
You can purchase a good-quality Twin-sized sleeping bag for less than $30. If you want something you can share with a partner, there are $50 to $70 products on the market. These mattress alternatives may not be as supportive as real mattresses, but they can make for a comfortable sleep, nevertheless.
The best part is they come in different designs. They can be a good alternative for purple mattress your kid wants. Sleeping bags are compact and easy to store, making them ideal for small living spaces.
Futons
These mattresses look like sofa beds. However, you can remove the cushion and place it on your floor for an instant bed. Futons or Shikibutons feature a sofa frame and a mattress. You can buy these mattress alternatives for about $150 to $200, perfect for small and budget-conscious households.
Camping Mats
Another cheap mattress alternative is a camping mat, ranging from $20 to $70. Some products even come with a built-in pillow. These mattress alternatives can provide sufficient comfort to aid in your sleep.
Determining how much a new mattress costs you depends on your needs and your working budget. In a nutshell, the larger and more innovative the mattress is, the higher is its price tag. If you are not willing to part with your $500, you may want to buy mattress alternatives instead.
About the Author
Charles is the editor-in-chief at TheSleepMatters.com. He manages a team of sleep experts who provide researched insights, guides, and alternative reviews on mattresses. Follow SleepMatters on Facebook here.
