How Much You Should Pay For A Mattress — Revealing The Secrets

The difference between the prices of cheap and the luxury mattress is overwhelming: you can purchase a mattress for $250 or for $2,500 or even more. No wonder one of the most frequently asked questions is “How do I know if I need a mattress for $250, $800 or $1,500 and how are prices even being determined?”

First, you need to know that there are the three common price ranges:

• $300-600 mattresses
• $700-$1,2000 mattresses
• $1,200-$2,500 mattresses

These are cheaper, mid-price and premium or luxury mattresses respectively.

Secondly, you need to consider the following:

• The actual prices on the market
• Hidden expenses
• Things that affect the prices
• Prices set by the most popular brands

This is what our guide is about. Keep reading to learn more about all things that determine the cost of a mattress.

Mattress prices & types: all you need to know in 2 charts

Below, you can see 2 tables: the table with prices and the table with the most important characteristics of each type of mattress. Use this information to choose a few options that you can afford and that meet your basic requirements, expectations.

How much do different types of mattresses cost?

Below, we provide the highest and lowest prices for every type, as well as the average cost of Twin and Queen size of each type of mattress. We also divided all prices into 3 categories, which are budget, mid-range, and premium. We did all this to provide you with an opportunity to see the overall picture by taking one look at the table.

Type	Price Range	Average Price Range For Twin Mattress	Average Cost Of Queen Mattress	Price Category
Foam	$300-1,200	Low end: $200-300 Lux: $250-350	Low end: $250-350 Lux: $1,100-2,500+	Budget, Mid-range
Innerspring	$170-1,200	Low end: $100-250 Lux: $450-1,050	Low end: $150-350 Lux: $1,200-2,000+	Budget, Mid-range
Hybrid	$650-2,200	Low end: $200-650 Lux: $1,000-1,700	Low end: $300-650 Lux: $1,250-2,200+	Mid-range, Premium
Latex	$500-2,500	Low end: $400-650 Lux: $600-1,400	Low end: $700-1,000 Lux: $1,300-2,700+	Premium
Futon mattresses	$300-450	Low end: $100-150 Lux: $200-300	Low end: $130-250 Lux: $350-450+	Budget

As you can see, the prices vary. It means that you can easily find a $300 mattress or buy a mattress for $2,000. Why is the gap so big? Why pay more? In fact, it is all about your priorities. If you are on a budget and have only $300 to spend on a mattress, you don’t have to think about other factors — you just need to find the best affordable mattress on the market.

What is the difference between different types of mattresses?

However, if you have more than $300, you need to consider not only the price but also how good the mattress is for you personally. Simply put, the most important thing for every buyer is to find the mattress that meets their needs and allows them to sleep better and feel better. How to understand what type of mattress is perfect for you? Just think about your priorities (lifespan, noise, heat retention) and take a close look at the table.

Type Of Mattress	Foam	Innerspring	Hybrid	Latex
Noise level	Very quiet	Noisy	Quiet to very quiet	Quiet to very quiet
Edge support	Low to medium	Great	Great	Great
Odor	Has odor	Has no odor	Has odor	Has odor
Temperature neutral	Traps heat	Neutral	May trap heat	Neutral/cooling
Conforming	Excellent	Good	Good to excellent	Good to excellent
Lifespan (years)	7-10	7-10	7-8	10-15

What is a real average mattress price and should you pay this much for a bed?

So, what conclusions can we draw? Here are the main points:

1. The price of a mattress really varies from $300 to $2,500 (you can find even cheaper options during the hot sales season or even pricier ultra-luxurious options for $4,000).
2. Latex mattresses are the most expensive ones.
3. Foam and futon mattresses (a lot of which fall under the category of foam mattresses, too) are the cheapest ones.
4. Each type of mattress has its benefits & drawbacks.

The price is determined by plenty of factors, the most important of which are as follows:

• Size of mattress (from crib to King or ultimately big mattresses like Texas, Wyoming, or Alaskan Kings)
• Quality of the material
• Durability
• Materials used (memory foam, latex, cotton, wool, etc.)
• Production technology
• “Hidden” factors that influence prices (warranty, delivery, etc.)

Of course, to understand how exactly this complex system works, we need to take a closer look at all these factors.

The importance of mattress size

This is probably the most obvious factor. The bigger the mattress, the more materials are used to produce it, and the higher the price. Let us take a look at the most common sizes on the market:

Size	Dimensions	Mattress for
Crib	27.25 in by 51 in	A baby
Twin	38 in by 75 in	An adult or a child
Twin XL	38 in by 80 in	An adult or a child
Full	54 in by 75 in	All types of adult sleepers
Full XL	54 in by 80 in	Big sleepers and couples
Queen	60 in by 80 in	Couples
King	76 in by 80 in	Couples looking for extra room
California King Size	72 in by 84 in	Couples looking for extra room
Texas King	80 in x 98 in	The biggest mattresses for very large bedrooms, and for 2-4 people
Wyoming King	84 in x 84 in
Alaskan King	108 in x 108

In a table with prices, you can see the prices of Twin-size and Queen-size mattresses for each type. These are two standard sizes for a single sleeper and a couple. So, if you are going to buy a California King size foam mattress, take a look at the table, at the average Queen size price — the price of your mattress is likely to be a bit higher.

If you are looking for a crib, its price will be lower than a twin size bed, respectively. Note if you are looking for an extra big size, for example, Texas King, you will hardly order it just like any other good from an online store. You will need a custom, ultra-big mattress, and the price will be significantly higher.

How material affects the price

It is obvious why a king-size mattress is more expensive than a twin-size mattress. However, things are more complicated when it comes to materials. Here are the most important things to consider:

1. Of course, there are different materials, some are pricier, and some are cheaper.
2. The amount of a material matters, too. It is not only about the size of the mattress itself, but also about the number and thickness of its layers.
3. Not only the material itself determines the price. A material can also be low-quality or high-quality, so, for example, a foam mattress made of quality foam would be more expensive than the same mattress made of cheaper foam.

Now, let us take a look at the main types of mattresses and talk about the things that determine the prices of each type of mattress, i.e., innerspring mattresses, memory foam mattresses, hybrids, and of course, the most expensive latex mattresses, in more detail.

What determines the price of a foam mattress?

We mentioned that the range of prices in case of foam is really wide. Can one buy a $300 foam mattress? Yes, you can find such cheap options on the market, especially if you know what is the best time to buy a mattress (the biggest sales are made in May, October, during major holidays). And you can also spend $1,000 on a mattress, too.

Here is the most important thing to consider — the price of such mattresses is determined by the quality of material and the production technology. They, in turn, determine the density and airflow.

• The type of foam used to produce a mattress. Of course, this affects the price greatly. Most modern mattresses are made of memory foam and polyurethane foam. The latter is less expensive, so the cheapest products usually are made of poly-foam. Memory foam is used in pricier options.
• Density. High-density products are much more durable, and low-density mattress don’t last long.
• Airflow. Trapping heat is the biggest problem of most foam mattresses — they are not really good for hot sleepers because they are likely to sweat every single night. More expensive foam mattresses are more cooling due to the technology and often due to the gel layer that make them more cooling.

Obviously, more expensive mattresses are usually more quality ones. But what is good value for money? It is considered that a good foam mattress costs $500-$800. The more expensive options are considered luxury mattresses. Mid-price mattresses are pretty soft but at the same time supportive. They also provide good motion isolation.

Ultra-cheap mattresses (about $300) are not always bad, but you also should consider that they are not cooling (unlike more expensive, especially gel-infused mattresses) and that they are likely to last about 5 years instead of 7-10 years.

What determines the price of an innerspring mattress

Innerspring mattresses have become popular a few decades ago, and they are still considered some of the most frequently bought mattresses. The prices of such products vary from $500 to $1,500 and more (there are luxury mattresses that can cost a lot, up to $3,000) and are determined by the technology and the materials.

• Technology. The technology, in particular, the types of coil affect the price. Generally speaking, there are two types of coils: pocketed and connected ones. Mattresses with pocketed coils are usually more expensive, but they also provide better motion isolation and prevent sagging, allow a mattress to last longer.
• Materials used. Innerspring mattresses are made of different materials. The prices of materials used (from topper to springs) determined the total price of the product.

These are the pretty lasting, supportive and often pretty firm mattresses. Unlike softer foam mattresses they provide better edge support, but the motion isolation depends on what type of coils is used. An innerspring mattress made of quality materials, with pocketed coils and extra layers, for example, a softer top layer, will be more expensive than an ordinary innerspring mattress with connected springs and synthetic material inside of it, and covered with fabric.

What determines the price of a hybrid mattress

Hybrid mattresses are usually more expensive than memory foam and innerspring mattresses. Well, this may be explained that they contain foam layers as well as coils, usually, pocketed coils. The price of the mattress that took the best from two most popular types usually varies from $650 to $2,200 and depends on the following factors:

• Production technology. How complex is it? How many layers does the mattress have? What types of coils are inside of it? How difficult is it to make one mattress and how much does it cost? All this affects the hybrid’s cost directly.
• Layers and materials. As we noted before, the price of material is crucially important. Hybrid mattresses contain various materials, coils are often made of steel, there is a foam layer, sometimes with gel cooling layer, etc. The better materials are, the higher the price.

Hybrids are considered some of the best mattresses. Why? Because they have coils, and if there are enough of them, and if they are thick enough, they provide excellent support. However, they are not too firm due to the memory foam layer that makes them great options for side sleepers, too. This is a kind of perfect combination that solves the problem of memory foam that is not always supportive and innerspring mattresses that are often firm.

By the way, hybrids often contain gel layers that make them pricier but cooler, and that solves another big problem of the foam top. In other words, the relatively high cost of various materials and complex technology is explained by the high level of comfort.

What determines the price of a latex mattress

Such mattresses are the most expensive ones. Why? Memory foam is good enough, but it has certain cons, in particular, it is too soft for many people, and not supportive enough. Latex is supportive and bouncy and at the same time quite soft, conforming and comfortable. Even the people who work in the industry usually sleep on latex mattresses simply because they know that they are the best. No wonder they are price — the cost usually ranges from $1,200 to $2,500 and depends on the following things:

• The quality and type of the base material. Is latex synthetic or natural? Of course, the natural material is pricier because it is made of organic rubber. It does not mean that synthetic mattresses are much worse than natural ones, but it seriously affects the price.
• Method for producing latex. There are two ways to produce synthetic material: the so-called Talalay process which is significantly pricier, and the Dunlop method (which is not so expensive.) Talalay latex is not so heavy but is not so dense, too. Latex made by using Dunlop method is heavy and pretty dense.
• Layers. The more layers, the more expensive the mattress.

Latex mattresses are the most expensive but at the same time the most durable mattresses on the market. Customers, however, are ready to pay this much not only for the extended lifespan but also for organic material and the new level of comfort because, as we know, this type of mattresses took the best from memory foam and good old innerspring beds.

What determines the price of a futon mattress

First, let us explain what exactly a futon mattress is. Simply put, it is an ordinary sofa with one specific feature — it can be doubled and turned into a bed. You can put a mattress on it. The mattress that works with this type of furniture is called a futon mattress. In most cases, such items are pretty cheap, cheaper, than any other mattress. Their prices vary from $300 to $450 and depend on the following things:

• Materials. Futon mattresses can be made of different materials from foam (which is quite popular), wool, latex, etc. The price varies depending on the base material.
• Layers. The more layers, the more expensive the mattress.
• Technology. Most futon mattresses are quite simple to produce, so they are pretty cheap.

What makes futon mattresses special? Well, people don’t sleep on them very often. These beds are usually used by guests from time to time, however, some people sleep on futons because it is an affordable option, and futons just don’t take much place. This also affects the lifespan: futon mattresses that are used from time to time can last up to 10 years, while the average lifespan of these items does not exceed 8 years.

What else affects the total cost of a mattress?

The price of the mattress (just like the prices of a lot of other goods, actually) is determined by materials, production technology, brand, and special features it has. However, there are also the not so obvious, the so-called hidden factors that can also make a mattress more or less expensive.

• The store where you purchase it. There are offline stores, there are online stores. Usually, the cost in online stores is lower because they don’t have to pay rent and salaries to full-time employees. However, during the time of big sales (in May, in October and during major holidays), the situation may be different. That is why we recommend monitoring prices in both online and offline stores and make a purchase at the time of hottest sales.
• Accessories & bases. Sometimes, you also need to buy a base: foundation, frame or a box spring, as well as bedding or cooling top. Sometimes, it is up to you, and sometimes you have to do it because otherwise you will void your warranty. There is no need to say that affects the total cost, too.
• Negotiations. Yes, it may seem that we live in the time when negotiations are a relic of the past, but it is not true. Sometimes, this old good method of getting discounts can help you save up to 50% of a mattress cost.
• Shipping and setup. A lot of stores (online, offline and even manufacturers themselves) offer free shipping. If you buy a memory foam mattress, you don’t need a set up, but if you buy innerspring or hybrid or latex, you may need to spend a few dozens bucks. Shipping, if not free, may cost up to $100.
• Warranty, free returns. Yes, warranty is also included in the price. Manufacturer would never provide it, aware of money loss.

As you can see, the price of the mattress is a quite complex and controversial thing (like anything else about this industry, actually.) Now you know more about the costs on the market and things that determine them, so why not talk about the pricing policies of particular manufacturers?

Pricing policies of the biggest manufacturers in the US

As we have noted before, there are three main price categories: budget, mid-range, and premium. There are also certain types of mattresses. If we analyze a random American mattress brand, we are likely to find out that it works in a particular segment and produces a particular type of mattresses. Simply put, a manufacturer can produce 2 premium memory foam mattresses or 3 affordable innerspring mattresses, etc. Every brand has its niche and its own pricing policy. What are they like? Let us take a look at 5 top manufacturers and find out. Note that the prices are for queen size beds.

Nectar

Nectar is one of the most popular brands. Just like many other great manufacturers, it produces mattresses of a particular type. Foam is its magnum opus. As for the price range, this is the premium brand. Its “standard” Nectar memory foam mattress costs $799 (the price is with $300 discount) and its premium Nectar Lush mattress (also made from foam, 5 layers of different materials, including gel-infused foam) costs $1,399 (with $100 discount.)

Saatva

Saatva is another big brand that, however, produces a much wider selection of mattresses. The prices are different, too, but they are all in the premium price range. Award-winning Saatva Classic Mattress is a flagship luxury hybrid that currently costs $1,199 (this and the following prices of products from this brand are with the $200 discount), luxurious memory foam Loom & Leaf costs 1,499 , Saatva Latex Hybrid for $1,799, and luxury 6-layer The Solaire Mattress starting at $1,997.

Puffy

Puffy is a known manufacturer of mattresses and related items in the United States. Its flagship, Puffy Mattress, is less expensive than the above-mentioned options — it costs $850 (with $200 discount, but still) and consequently, can be considered a mid-range mattress. As for other mattresses, their names speak for themselves: Puffy Lux and Puffy Royal mattresses are premium products that cost $1,495 and $2,395 with discounts respectively.

Sleep Innovations

Sleep Innovations produce budget but at the same time quality mattresses. Their two most known mattresses, gel memory foam Marley and  memory foam Shiloh, can be bought for about $250 and $400 respectively.

Casper

Casper is another luxury brand that produces expensive but quality mattresses and related products. Its Original foam mattress is $986 (with about $100 discount), and this is the cheapest of the options. The company also offers a high-end Wave Hybrid Mattress for $2,336 (with $200 discount) and Nova Hybrid for $1,796 (with $200 discount).

Final thoughts on mattress prices

A lot of Americans (as well as people in other countries, actually) wonder why they have to pay a lot for a mattress. The answer is simple — they don’t have to. There are low-cost options — if you find a serious discount, you can get a mattress for $300 or even less.

But should you?

It is up to you. If you are on a budget, you can find some cool options under $500. These are likely to be affordable memory foam mattresses — soft, easy to set up, conforming, but not too lasting and supportive. Or maybe a supportive and pretty firm but not too pricey innerspring would be a better option for you? Consider your sleeping habits and make a choice.

However, if you can spend more, you can buy a great mid-range foam or innerspring mattress, or even a hybrid for $600-$900. This is absolutely possible, especially if you are going to make a purchase during seasonal or other sales. Luxury options for $1,200-$2,500 can provide even more comfort, but we recommend checking and making sure that such a mattress (usually hybrid or a latex mattress) is really worth the money.