That’s too much: Why are mattresses so expensive?

If you’re shopping for a new mattress, you may be surprised by how expensive they are. Factors like retail markups, construction quality, and the materials used contribute to this. Furthermore, prices typically increase over time for most items, including mattresses. Since we replace mattresses infrequently, people often don’t notice these price increases. They may not remember what they paid for their old mattress.

Understanding the reasons behind mattress prices helps justify the cost. It gives you confidence that buying a new mattress is a worthwhile investment.

Reasons why mattresses are expensive

Mattresses are expensive for several reasons:

The importance of a good night’s sleep is often undervalued

The importance of a good night’s sleep is often undervalued. Many people would rather invest in a new car or holiday than a new mattress. This may be because bedrooms are private, and showing off a new bed to friends and family may not be as appealing as a new car.

We spend a third of our lives in bed, so choosing a comfortable mattress that supports you correctly is essential. A good mattress can improve your sleep quality and positively impact your health and mood.

Mattress companies and retailers can help customers understand the reasons behind high prices by highlighting the benefits of a quality mattress on sleep quality.

The cost of raw materials

Many mattress manufacturers source components and raw materials from third-party suppliers. Organic and natural materials typically cost more, as does the amount of steel or type of spring unit used.

In recent years, mattress prices have risen due to increasing raw material costs and their limited availability. Disruptions in supply chains have caused shortages of materials like springs, fabrics, and foams, driving up demand and forcing manufacturers to pay higher prices. These additional costs are then passed on to shoppers.

Labour costs

Besides raw materials, labour is another significant cost for mattress manufacturers. In countries like the United Kingdom and the United States, wage costs can be relatively high, and these costs are typically passed on to shoppers.

Although it is possible to outsource mattress production to countries with lower wages, doing so would present several challenges. Mattress-making is a highly skilled task that takes years to master. There may be a skills shortage overseas, affecting mattress quality. Shipping can also be expensive, and manufacturers need to fill containers to make it cost-effective, resulting in longer delivery times.

Construction

Mattresses go through an extensive manufacturing process, including forming the spring unit, attaching border rods, creating covers, securing fillings, and sewing on handles and labels. Unless you visit a mattress factory, you don’t see what’s inside the mattress or the skill and effort involved in making a mattress.

The cost of making mattresses is substantial. Manufacturers invest heavily in machinery and technology to improve consistency and quality, including equipment for producing springs, cutting foam, quilting, and packaging.

Many high-end sprung mattresses are handmade and often feature hand stitching, where the side panels are stitched to the outer rows of springs to reinforce the edges. Hand-side stitching can be a labour-intensive technique that can take a skilled craftsperson several hours to complete.

In addition to machinery and materials, manufacturers must account for operating costs like utilities and rent.

Mattress size

Mattresses are usually priced based on size, with larger mattresses costing more because of the extra materials required for construction. However, couples often sleep better in bigger beds, as they are less likely to disturb each other. Although a bigger mattress will likely cost more, it can improve sleep quality.

Shipping costs

Mattress shipping can be expensive because of their size and weight. Manufacturers must also cover additional costs like delays, disruptions, fuel prices, exchange rates, and returns. While some brands offer ‘free shipping’ to customers, the cost is usually built into the mattress price.

Longevity

Mattresses are expensive because they are built to last. The typical lifespan of a mattress is 7 to 10 years, and higher-quality models can last even longer. Although the upfront cost may seem high, spending £1,000 on a new mattress costs just 40 pence a night over 7 years.

Brand perception

Reputable brands often charge premium prices for mattresses because shoppers are willing to pay more for a name they know and trust, believing it will perform better over time.

Research and development

Mattress companies invest heavily in research and development to ensure their products perform better and improve sleep quality. Modern mattresses may include features that allow you to adjust the firmness on each side or track sleep patterns.

While these innovations may result in higher prices, shoppers benefit from higher-quality mattresses.

Retail markups  

Retailers markup mattress prices to cover operating costs such as employee salaries, commissions, rent, utilities, and marketing expenses. The markup on mattresses is comparable to other products like clothing and electronics. Established brands often have a higher markup, allowing them to earn more profit on each sale.

Certifications 

Certifications ensure that mattresses meet certain quality, safety and performance standards. Independent organisations award these certificates. They give shoppers peace of mind knowing the mattresses have been thoroughly evaluated and tested to meet the highest certification standards. Certifications typically cost manufacturers money, but shoppers perceive certified mattresses as more reliable and better value than cheaper, uncertified options.

Patents

Mattress manufacturers often apply for patents to protect their innovations from being made, used, or sold by others without permission. While obtaining patents can be costly, they help manufacturers stand out from competitors, allowing them to sell mattresses at higher prices.

Does a more expensive mattress last longer?

The price of a mattress usually reflects its quality. More expensive mattresses typically last longer because they contain higher-quality materials and are better constructed. They often contain natural materials like wool, cashmere, horsehair, and latex, which are more durable and resilient than synthetic materials like polyester and foam.

In general, you get what you pay for. A more expensive mattress made from premium materials can last up to 25 years, while cheaper, mass-produced mattresses are less durable and need replacing more regularly, potentially costing you more over time.

Other factors can also affect a mattress’s lifespan, such as how it’s used and maintained. For example, a heavier person may wear out a mattress sooner than a lighter person. Furthermore, a mattress will wear out more quickly if it is not looked after properly.

However, a more expensive mattress doesn’t guarantee it will be more comfortable. Comfort is subjective, and along with price, it is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a mattress.

Are more expensive mattresses worth the money?

Whether an expensive mattress is worth the money depends on how well it meets your needs. If it feels uncomfortable or doesn’t support you correctly, it’s not worth the money.

Expensive mattresses often contain generous amounts of upholstery for comfort, and their construction quality is usually better than mass-produced models. They are often backed by longer manufacturing guarantees or warranties, giving you peace of mind that your investment will stand the test of time.

Read customer reviews on trusted websites to ensure you’re getting value for money. This will give you a sense of how a mattress might perform over time. While recommendations from friends and family can be helpful, remember that comfort is subjective; what is comfortable for them may not be comfortable for you.

Visiting a mattress store allows you to compare cheaper and more expensive options to see if there’s a noticeable difference in comfort and quality. Specialist stores also offer expert advice and recommend mattresses based on your needs and preferences.

If you buy online, choose a mattress with a generous trial period so you can test it at home to ensure it is right for you.

How to save money on a new mattress

Although mattresses can be expensive, there are several ways to save money when purchasing one.

Shop around

Shopping online makes comparing mattress prices and finding the best deals easier. It also lets you explore a wide range of models in a pressure-free environment.

Sales promotions

Knowing the best time to buy a mattress can save you money and make an expensive mattress more affordable. The best deals are often during major sales events like winter and summer sales, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday.

Be wary of retailers offering discounts of 70% or more off regular prices. These promotions can be misleading, often inflating the original price to make the deal seem better than it is.

Negotiate

When visiting a mattress store, don’t be afraid to negotiate. Even during a sale or promotion, there may be some flexibility on the prices.

Credit options

Many retailers offer finance options, allowing you to spread the cost of a new mattress over convenient, manageable monthly payments. However, review the terms and conditions beforehand for hidden fees or penalties for missed payments.

Price matching

If your old mattress is uncomfortable and affecting your sleep, you might be unable to wait for a sale to buy a new one. Many retailers have price-match policies, so if you find the same mattress cheaper elsewhere, they will match or beat the price.

Clearance models

Retailers often clear display models to make room for new stock. While these mattresses may show some wear, they are usually heavily discounted, making them more affordable. However, avoid buying second-hand mattresses, especially from unknown sellers. Used mattresses can be unsafe, unhygienic, or sold illegally.

Final thoughts

Mattresses can seem expensive, but good quality sleep is something we should all invest in. Consider a new mattress a worthwhile investment rather than a strain on your finances.