2024-08-02
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If you've shopped for a mattress lately, you've probably noticed how expensive they can be. Even the more affordable models can run around $1,000 for a queen-size mattress, which begs the question: Why are mattresses so expensive?
The selections in our best mattress guide this year come at a wide range of prices, which is enough to show you how different mattress prices can be. The price of a mattress depends on a lot of factors, so let’s take a look at them.
Below, we explore why mattresses are so expensive and how much you should spend on the right mattress for you. We also rounded up the five best mattress deals at every price point to help you prepare for Labor Day mattress sales.
While most mattresses aren't cheap, you may have noticed that some are cheaper than others. It all comes down to the materials used, the complexity of the design and manufacturing, and of course, the overall quality. Let's take a look at the factors that affect the price of a mattress:
The materials used in mattresses vary widely, which directly affects the price. Cheaper mattresses are often made of synthetic materials, such as memory foam or polyester covers. Of course, more expensive mattresses may also use memory foam, but they usually have improvements. For example, to offset its heat-retaining properties, memory foam may be perforated or have cooling materials such as copper added to make it cooler.
Expensive mattresses are made with premium materials. For example, the best organic mattresses are more expensive than non-organic mattresses because they are filled with durable, sustainable, non-toxic, hypoallergenic organic or natural materials. These materials include natural latex and organic cotton, and often have strong environmental certifications and certificates, such as:
Cheap mattresses tend to have simpler designs, such as all-foam construction or traditional spring construction. They only have one or two layers, with classic spring mattresses having only springs or coils, while budget memory foam mattresses have only a layer of soft foam on top and a firmer, supportive foam layer underneath. Because of the small number of layers, cheap mattresses are usually thin (about 6 to 10 inches high).
More expensive mattresses, like the best hybrid mattresses, have thicker, more complex designs with multiple layers for greater support. Hybrid mattresses typically have a comfort foam layer on top and a stable, dense foam layer on the bottom. They also contain a layer of coils or springs (usually the thickest layer) topped with a transitional foam for support and motion isolation. Take the Saatva Classic, for example, a luxurious innerspring hybrid mattress. It has five internal layers, including high-density memory foam and two layers of coils for extra support.
Even pricier all-foam mattresses may have multiple layers: the Nectar Premier Copper Mattress, for example, is available in all-foam models up to 14 inches tall and has five layers, including transition layers between support and comfort foam.
Mattresses that have features that target specific sleeping needs or issues will generally cost more than basic, all-purpose mattresses. For example, a mattress with advanced cooling features for hot sleepers or enhanced weight-bearing capacity for larger sleepers will tend to cost more than a mattress without those features.
Mattresses may also be certified or endorsed by professionals to prove their usefulness in relieving a certain condition. For example, a mattress with special lumbar support to relieve back pain may be endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), which increases its value.
The best smart beds and mattresses are a prime example of premium features that drive up the price of a mattress. For example, Sleep Number’s i8 smart bed has a host of built-in smart features, from advanced cooling technology to health and sleep tracking, that put it firmly in the premium price bracket.
Special features may also include free extras such as white glove delivery, extended sleep trials, free shipping, and lifetime warranties.
A mattress isn't something you replace every year, which is why the price is so high. If you buy a mattress that will only last seven years or less, it's not cost-effective in the long run. That's why it's a good idea (if you can) to buy a mattress that will give you comfort and support for several years.
A regular box spring mattress lasts about five to seven years, which is why they are affordable. Memory foam and hybrid mattresses generally last about ten years, while a well-made organic latex mattress can last up to twenty years. Their durability also means that latex mattresses tend to be more expensive.
We always recommend that people spend as much as they can on a mattress, but the exact amount varies from person to person. Some consumers will want to buy a mattress within their budget, while others will want to go for a more expensive product.
Below, we'll look at the materials, design features, and build quality of mattresses you can expect to buy in different price ranges.
In our guide to the best cheap mattresses, you'll find a lot of queen mattresses for under $500. Beds in these budget ranges are usually all-foam (though there are some affordable hybrids as well) and are usually around 10 inches tall (we generally don't recommend buying anything lower than that). They often come with 10-year warranties, free shipping, and decent trial services, but be aware that some may not offer trial services.
In terms of heat dissipation, these mattresses usually do this through coils, breathable and soft knit fabrics, gel-infused foams, etc. They also tend not to be as soft as more expensive mattresses, but some offer customizable firmness options.
Next, we come to low- to mid-range models, which tend to be the best mattresses under $1,000 in a queen size. Because they often go on sale, these mattresses tend to offer great features at a reasonable price. Like budget mattresses, mid-range mattresses tend to be memory foam or memory foam hybrids, but you can find some inexpensive organic mattresses, too.
Sleep trials tend to be more generous, averaging 100 nights, while some models (like the affordable DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid) also come with lifetime warranties, one-year sleep trials, and free shipping and returns.
Here you’ll find mid- to high-end mattresses with special features, such as the best cooling mattresses. They tend to relieve specific issues, such as back pain or overheating, while also offering high-quality materials and more complex construction.
If you purchase a Queen-size mattress priced between $2,500 and $3,000, you can expect high-quality materials and comfort, or advanced smart features.
Smart mattresses are usually found in this price range because they come with advanced, multi-functional smart technology that can adjust temperature and firmness to suit your body and environment, track your sleep quality, and wake you up gradually with a built-in thermal alarm. If a mattress doesn’t offer premium materials or smart technology, it’s probably not worth the price tag.
How much you should spend on a mattress depends on your budget, your sleeping needs, and the type of materials you want. For example, if you're on a budget, a queen-size mattress should cost less than $500, but make sure it's at least 10 inches tall, comes with a free sleep trial, and has the right firmness for your sleeping style.
If you want to experience some affordable luxury features and extra benefits, spend $500 to $1,000 on a queen size, while a queen-sized mattress priced between $1,000 and $2,500 should provide you with quality materials and adjustments for the specific sleep issues you suffer from, such as back pain or overheating. Mattresses over $2,500 for a queen size need to offer some luxury and advanced features, such as built-in smart technology or industry-leading features.
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