Young woman examining orthopaedic mattress in the shopShopping for a new mattress can feel akin to shopping for a new car, just maybe not as glamorous. But they share a commonality in being pretty important life purchases. There’s a lot to consider before you feel comfortable committing and swiping your credit card, which brings us to one of the biggest deciding factors for people: cost. Mattress price ranks heavily for many as a top consideration in their decision-making.

As you’re flipping through mattress company sites, you’ll notice a range of options and prices to suit every budget. But as you skim through the higher prices (we’re talking upwards from $13,000 – $100,000) – you may be wondering – are these mattresses made of gold? Even models priced at around $1,000 seem hefty, but at least a lot more reasonable. Mattresses are one of those items that we should definitely invest in, but at what cost?

Seriously—why are these mattresses so expensive?

Beyond the fact that we spend up to one-third of our lives sleeping on a mattress, they are definitely one item that we need to have quality sleep and healthy lives. That’s why you want to get the best value for your money’s worth. But what is it that makes expensive mattresses so expensive and more importantly, is it worth it? We’ll dive into this and more below.

Why are mattresses expensive?

Good question! And the answer is multi-faceted, because it depends on the following factors:

Mattress size

This is one of the most basic reasons a mattress may be more expensive. The larger the mattress, the more materials are needed. There’s a big difference between mattress sizes. A twin bed (39” x 75”) for example is approximately half the size in width of a king size (76” x 80”), hence why a king size will always be more expensive. But if you are shopping to share a bed with a partner or just to maximize your space, a king bed is definitely worth it.

Buying new

This is where buying cars and buying mattresses differ. A big reason that mattresses are so expensive is because there’s not a huge used market for mattresses; they can’t really be bought second hand because people don’t want them used.

Additionally, mattresses are something that we need and use every night, so buying something newly made and high quality is going to be what most customers prefer. There’s nothing more personal than sleeping (or having sex) on a mattress, so when you buy new, it’s more peace of mind.

Material type and construction

Depending on the material of the mattress, this is going to factor in the final cost because some materials are more expensive to produce, not to mention the craftsmanship behind the product being made is more intensive and detailed.

Foam and Innerspring mattresses are on the more affordable end while hybrid and latex models run much higher. In many cases latex, especially organic latex, mattresses are priced a little higher than other types because of their sustainable process and benefits. They’re a lot more resilient, last longer, are comfortable and not treated with any harmful chemicals. In other words – you get what you pay for.

For more information, check out our rundown on how different mattress types compare to one another.

Extra features

As with many things we buy, when special features or specialty add-ons are included, the price is going to shoot up. There are so many more options on the market to suit all wants or desires, from extra temperature control settings to adjustable beds – look at the extra features that come along with a mattress and it may explain the price increase.

Longevity

This factor ties into the material type – the better quality of materials that are used to make a mattress, the longer it’s going to last. For example, latex mattresses claim to last around 20 years whereas foam mattresses last around 8 – 10 years. The projected lifespan of a mattress will likely be factored in through the warranty and return terms that the manufacturer offers. But the warranty policy details may also explain why a mattress is so expensive.

How much should I spend on a quality mattress?

Budget

Typically all-foam or innerspring beds using basic materials

$250 – $1,000

Mid-range

Typically all-foam, innerspring or hybrid beds using quality materials

$500 – $1,500

Luxury

Typically hybrid or latex beds using high-end materials

$1,200 – $3,000+

Luxury mattresses: are they better?

So we’ve covered why it’s worth investing in a mattress and the potential reasons behind a high price tag. But are higher cost, more luxury end mattresses better than a budget-friendly mattress?

While luxury mattresses may be better in some degrees, it doesn’t necessarily mean better sleep. You can rest assured knowing that your sleep quality is not heavily dependent on purchasing the most expensive mattress on the market.

Certainly, luxury expensive mattresses have their advantages. They’re made up of natural materials, generate minimal emissions, are handcrafted, have thermal regulation and a lush construction to boot. Most importantly, it’s all in the craftsmanship – there will be a lot more care and intention behind the build of the mattress. There’s also something to be said about thinking something is better based on how much it costs. If you have the means and want to spend, then go for it!

Higher cost doesn’t always mean better sleep

Ultimately, you should always consider long term support and health over short-term price anyways. When you look at mattresses as an investment in your sleep and better quality of life overall, then there is value in paying a little bit more. But we recommend staying in the $500 – $1200 range. It’s worth noting that you can still have quality sleep and rest on a mattress that is also friendly to your wallet.