It’s no secret that we love a good eco-friendly mattress at TheRoundup.
I’ve personally tested well over 100 and would now like to consider myself a bit of a sleepy expert (or dozy as Mrs. M would rather say!).
Organic, non-toxic mattresses are the best way to ensure your sleep surface is produced in an eco-friendly way and doesn't emit toxic chemicals while you rest. But this all comes at a price.
Many people ask - why are mattresses so expensive? What’s behind the high price tags?
In this article, I’ll look at the factors that drive up the cost of mattresses and explore ways to save money on this essential purchase.
So whether you’re in the market for a new mattress or just curious about why they cost so much…read on!
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A good mattress is an investment in your health and well-being, and it’s worth spending as much as your budget will allow in order to buy a quality one.
Sustainable products are often more expensive to buy upfront. We all know that and the eco-conscious of us are ok with it.
However, are high mattress prices really all down to sustainability and eco-friendly factors?
No, not always. Many factors might inflate the price.
Physical mattress retailers incur high costs for maintaining their stores and employees.
These costs are often passed on to the consumer through higher prices.
Another factor is sales commissions.
In-store mattress purchasing often involves a commission-based salesperson trained to upsell and push for the highest-priced options.
The average profit margin for mattress manufacturers is between 40-50%.
Meaning that only 40% of what you pay goes toward the materials, supply chain, etc.
Mattresses have big budgets allocated to advertising and maintaining their brand image, and these costs get passed on to the consumer.
Some less reputable manufacturers will try anything they can to command a higher price for their product, such as:
Organic, high-quality materials and non-toxic certifications often cost more, as does the labor required for hand-crafting a high-quality mattress.
There’s no sizable second-hand market for mattresses, as they are often difficult to transport and clean properly.
This results in lower supply and higher prices on the used market.
Certain mattress types require specialist manufacturing and technology that drive up the cost, such as:
Like most products, mattresses see seasonal increases in demand.
During those times, prices tend to rise in line with demand.
Shipping mattresses can be expensive for manufacturers and retailers, as they’re often bulky and heavy.
These added shipping costs can also contribute to a higher price tag on your mattress.
Even if free shipping is being offered, the chances are the cost has been incorporated into the ticket price.
Once you’ve mentally committed to the significant purchase of a mattress, you might also be more open to buying extras, such as bed frames, box springs, foundations, etc.
Don’t get carried away. Only buy what you need.
Many mattress brands offer sleep trials and warranty policies, which can also contribute to the overall cost.
These added perks often come at a premium for the consumer.
One of the best ways to save money on a mattress is to buy it online. Online mattress stores don’t have the overhead costs and can often offer lower prices or sales.
Make sure you research and know what type of mattress will work for you before making a purchase.
Sleep trials make the online mattress-buying process easier. You can test the mattress in the comfort of your home and return it if you’re not 100% happy.
Try to avoid testing and returning too many mattresses, as this is not sustainable.
The carbon footprint of the shipping and return process for multiple mattresses starts to add up…unless you buy some offsets!
Going for a smaller or less well-known brand can save you money without sacrificing quality.
These mattress companies often have lower marketing and advertising costs, allowing them to offer competitive prices.
Patience is vital when it comes to saving money on a mattress.
Many stores and online retailers offer sales throughout the year, so waiting until one pops up can help you save some cash.
Black Friday is always a good time to find some mattress bargains!
If you join our mailing list, we’ll send you deals on the eco products you love.
We’ll not bombard you with emails, and you can unsubscribe anytime.
You can also download a free copy of our money-saving guide…27 Eco-Friendly Ways to SAVE MONEY!
Although I’ve already stated that the second-hand mattress industry is not great, there are still bargains if you’re patient and careful.
Ensure that you check the mattress is structurally intact (poor spring support and sagging memory foam mattresses will lead to aches and pains) and clean it properly before sleeping on it.
We have mattress some mattress-cleaning articles you might find helpful if you go down the second-hand route:
If you need a new mattress now and can’t wait for a sale or sufficient savings, 0% APR financing is a great option.
Make sure you pay off the mattress before any interest kicks in! Or, aim to pay it off even faster than the payment schedule.
Don’t like the mattress price? Haggle!
Some stores and online retailers may be willing to negotiate on price, especially if you’re buying multiple products.
Don’t be afraid to ask for a discount or some extra goodies, like free delivery, an eco-friendly mattress protector, or free bedding.
If you don’t get down to the mattress price you want, simply walk away and try elsewhere!
One of the best ways to save money on mattress costs is simply to take good care of what you already have.
Vacuum and rotate your mattress regularly, use a waterproof (preferably eco-friendly) mattress protector, and clean spills immediately. This will extend its life and postpone the need to buy a new one.
All mattresses have a natural life span, and you’ll need to replace them once the support levels start to diminish. However, taking extra care might give you an additional year or two.
The cost of a mattress varies wildly, depending on size, material, and brand.
You can find mattresses for as little as $100, but they can also cost tens of thousands. My mattress cost advice is simple…spend as much as you can afford.
The Janjaap Ruijssenaars floating bed is the most expensive I can find. Details are thin on the ground, but it’s rumored to cost $1.6 million.
I won't be buying one.
Most mattresses are designed to last 7-10 years. However, some can last up to 15 years with proper care. A mattress protector will extend the life of any mattress.
There is no one answer to this question, as it greatly depends on the individual mattress and how well it’s cared for.
Generally, a latex or memory foam mattress will have a longer lifespan than a spring or hybrid mattress. However, this can also vary between brands and models.
A good mattress is essential for a good night’s sleep. It supports your body and spine, allowing you to wake up feeling rested and refreshed.
It can also improve conditions such as back pain and insomnia.
There are several signs that it’s time to replace your mattress, such as aches and pains upon waking, difficulty falling, poor sleep quality, visible sagging or indentations, and noticing that your sleep partner is disturbed by your movements.
I’ve tested and reviewed many different mattresses across all price points. You can read more in the following articles:
So, why are mattresses so expensive?
There are a variety of reasons why mattresses can be expensive.
Some factors include the cost of materials, research and development, shipping and handling, store overhead, and profit margins.
However, there are also ways to save money on a new mattress, such as taking advantage of 0% APR financing or haggling for a better price.
You can also properly care for your current mattress to extend its life span.
Ultimately, it’s important to invest in a good mattress that will provide you with quality sleep for years to come...and that, unfortunately, involves paying as much as you can afford!
How much would you spend on a new mattress? Do you have any awesome haggling success stories to share?
Are you an advocate of expensive mattresses? Or do you just go for the cheapest you can find? Drop me a line and let me know.
