Why Are Mattresses So Expensive + Why They’re Worth It

August 1, 2022 | Casper Editorial Team

We spend a lot of time looking for deals when purchasing furniture. If you’ve decided to get a new bed recently, you probably found yourself wondering, ‘why are mattresses so expensive?’

It’s not just you — mattresses can be pricier than other furniture. But it’s for good reason. We spend one-third of our lifetime sleeping. That’s more time than you spend driving, and cars cost a lot more than mattresses.

We’ve all had to sleep on an uncomfortable mattress and know there’s nothing worse than the restless night that follows. That’s why it’s so important to invest in a good mattress for your sleep’s sake.

Let’s talk about common considerations that affect mattress price so you can make the best decision for your finances and your sleep quality.

Top Reasons Mattresses Can Be Expensive

When it’s time to order a new mattress, you might be surprised at the cost. Mattresses can be expensive for many different reasons. Let’s go over some factors that influence the price of a mattress.

Mattresses Last For Years

While mattresses can be a significant upfront cost, you’ll be using this purchase daily for up to a decade. There are few things in your household you use so often, so spending a bit more money for better quality sleep is worth it in the long run.

Your new mattress should last you seven to 10 years with proper care. So even though this is a bigger investment, you shouldn’t need to replace your mattress for almost a decade. With this in mind, it’s no wonder why mattresses are so expensive and it’s worth it to make sure you’re choosing the right one.

Secondhand Usually Isn’t an Option

Most people buy new mattresses. For one, you will break in a mattress according to your unique sleeping habits. While a secondhand mattress might be in great shape for the original owner, it could be broken in all wrong for the next (AKA you).

While you might be able to purchase a mattress from a friend or family member, buying a secondhand mattress from someone you don’t know can also be risky. They can carry pests like bed bugs, which are notoriously difficult to get rid of. 

Unless you have a mattress from someone who you really trust, it’s safer to go for something new and save yourself the headache of potential pests or poor sleep.

Mattresses Require Support

Paying for a mattress might feel painless until you realize you also need a bed base. While some people put their mattress on the floor, this can cause issues like mold growth and even void your mattress warranty.

Instead of going baseless and risking more costs down the line, try an inexpensive or all-in-one bed base like a platform bed. A platform bed alone is enough to support your mattress and doesn’t need an additional box spring or foundation.

You can also save some money by purchasing a mattress bundle. These usually come with everything you need to get sleeping — saving you money compared to purchasing these items separately. 

Shipping Can Add Up

Mattresses are large pieces of furniture, so shipping costs and installation or removal can add up. One solution for this is to choose a mattress in a box. These mattresses are vacuum-sealed, so they’re not as large or difficult to maneuver.

Once you open it in your home, your mattress will inflate. All Casper mattresses are sold this way for your convenience with free shipping and returns, so you can always be confident you made the right choice.

If you need extra help, Casper can install your new mattress and remove your old one with our in-home delivery and setup.

It’s an Investment for Health and Happiness

It’s important to invest in your sleep and health. But we understand making a big purchase can cause stress. In fact, financial stress can actually impact your physical health and increase inflammation.

To combat this, many mattress stores offer financing so you can sleep on your mattress now and pay over time.

Casper offers financing with Affirm in the United States and financing through Paybright in Canada. With both, you can check to see your financing offers without impacting your credit score. 

Casper’s financing with Affirm offers term lengths from three to 24 months with rates as low as $61 per month. Casper’s financing through Paybright offers rates as low as $91 per month and 0% APR.

Factors That Affect Mattress Price

There are many different types of mattresses that vary in size, material, and other features. Prices can vary from model to model based on these factors, so let’s discuss how you can expect them to affect your mattress’ price.

Mattress Size

Most mattresses come in four sizes. From smallest to largest, these are:

Certain manufacturers may also offer even larger mattress sizes, such as a California King. Larger mattresses will cost more because they require more material to make. 

Mattress Material

There are many types of mattress materials for different price ranges and sleep needs. The most common types of mattresses are:

  • Innerspring
  • Memory foam
  • Gel-infused foam
  • Polyfoam
  • Latex
  • Hybrid mattresses

Innerspring mattresses are generally available from budget to luxury models, while the other mattress types range from a mid-tier to luxury price range. 

Mattress Density

For foam or hybrid mattresses, mattress density can affect the price too. Generally, denser mattresses will cost more because they take more material to manufacture. 

Firm mattresses are usually denser and, therefore, more expensive. Dense mattresses may be thicker, but a thicker mattress doesn’t always mean it has a higher density.

Mattress density is measured by testing a mattress’ indentation load deflection (ILD). This is the amount of weight required to make a dent in your mattress, measured in pounds per cubic foot. 

Mattress firmness is organized by the following ILD scores:

  • Low firmness — 1.5 to 2.5 lbs per cubic foot. 
  • Medium firmness — 2.5 to 4 lbs per cubic foot.
  • High firmness — 4 to 8 lbs per cubic foot.

Border support is a feature many different foam mattresses have where the mattress is more dense around its edges. This helps reduce the dipping effect that happens when you’re sitting on the edge, making it easier to get out of bed. Mattress support is a factor that could up the price of your mattress. 

Premium Features

There are also popular premium features that can upgrade your sleep experience and increase costs.

Popular premium mattress features include:

  • Cooling layers — For hot sleepers, cooling layers increase mattress ventilation so your mattress doesn’t trap as much heat.
  • Adjustability — Adjustable beds require compatible mattresses. These mattresses can withstand different mattress positions without sacrificing support.
  • Zoned Support™ — Zoned Support™ is when your mattress uses different materials throughout a mattress. For example, the lower end of this mattress might be softer compared to the middle, where your back needs more support.
How Mattress Features Affect Price
Mattress Size Larger mattresses usually cost more.
Mattress Type Mattress price varies based on its material.
Mattress Density For foam mattresses, higher density usually increases cost.
Premium Features Additional premium features like cooling layers can increase price.

4 Steps To Find Your Perfect Mattress

A mattress is an investment, so it’s understandable to worry about making the right choice. Follow these steps to choose the perfect mattress and get the most out of your investment.

Step 1: Create a Budget  

Decide how much you can afford to spend on your mattress before you start looking. This will help clear your scope and keep you from overspending. Ask yourself:

  • Will you be financing your mattress? 
  • How much are you willing to spend on a monthly basis?
  • Do you need to purchase a new bed?

Step 2: Choose Your Mattress Type 

Once you’ve determined your budget, decide what type of mattress you’re looking for. If you’re not sure, find a mattress showroom where you can see different mattresses in person and even lay on them to see how they feel. 

Step 3: Try It Out

Whether you have the opportunity to try a mattress in-store or not, Casper offers a 100-day trial to see if your mattress is a good fit. It usually takes around 30 days to get used to a new mattress.

Step 4: Make It Last

Once you’ve found the perfect mattress, you’ll want to take care of it and make it last. To get the most out of your new mattress, make sure you’ve got the right bed frame, use a mattress protector, and rotate your mattress every six months or so. These small habits go a long way in preserving your mattress quality.

Invest in Better Sleep with Casper

So why are mattresses so expensive? Well, it takes a lot of work to create the perfect sleep environment so you’re not stuck with a bad mattress. For a high quality mattress that doesn’t break the bank, try out a Casper mattress so you can snooze away without a worry. 

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