How Much Does a Good Mattress Cost?

A medium firm universal mattress, just a little more above medium on firmness level, is often appreciated by most sleepers than a mattress that is too soft. The best firm mattress is one that still contours to the body while not giving a dreaded sinking in feeling.

I. Types of Mattresses

II. Average Price of Mattress

I. Types of Mattresses

Although the innerspring mattress is still available, foam, latex and hybrid models have taken over for their comfort and durability factors. When questioning how much does a mattress cost it is vital to know what type of mattress will best fit your needs. Researching Foam, Latex and Hybrid mattresses will give one the knowledge needed for a final decision when factoring in how much does a mattress cost.

Mattress Foam Mattress

Foam mattresses have become very popular for their comfort and supportiveness. Although most popular foam beds are generally memory foam, there is also polyfoam which may cost less, but can be a lower density than memory foam.

The viscoelastic material that makes up memory foam was developed by NASA engineers to help astronauts stay comfortable during landings. This moldable foam easily contours to the body for support and then will quickly bounce back to its original form. As it conforms to the body it works to alleviate pressure points and pain.

Since the foam absorbs motion it also is wonderful for those sleeping with bedmates. Those who may toss and turn, or get in and out of bed, can do so with little impact on their sleep partner. The original memory foam mattresses were found to sleep hot. This has been combatted by mattress companies designing beds with a combination of foams, adding latex and cooling gel layers to a memory foam mattress. A memory foam mattress should have a quality high density base layer that helps with spinal alignment and adds durability to the overall bed.

Latex Mattress

Latex is like memory foam in that it is a foam that is supportive. Unlike memory foam, latex tends to be more bouncy. Latex also does not normally retain heat as much as a foam mattress. Being bouncier can make the latex not as comfortable to some sleepers who want to feel the hug that foam gives. Latex does work like memory foam to relieve pressure.

Those who are seeking an all-natural alternative to a foam mattress may want to seek latex, although be aware that latex can come as a natural material from the rubber tree or as a synthetic. The natural option is also more durable than the man-made. Both the natural and synthetic latex are hypoallergenic to be resistant to mold and dust mites.

The two ways to make a latex mattress is the Talalay process and the Dunlop process. Dunlop is the way latex mattresses were originally crafted and makes a firmer mattress than the Talalay. The Talalay process makes a mattress that has a more uniform feeling throughout. Both processes can use either natural or synthetic, or a combination. The Talalay can be made using 100-percent synthetic latex. Latex also works well when used along with memory foam to construct a great mattress. When looking at average mattress price one will also want to factor in combinations of materials they may favor.

Hybrid Mattress

The hybrid mattress, such as the Flex is what it sounds like – a mattress combining materials to make a comfortable bed. The combination of coils with foam or latex is what makes a hybrid mattress. This is a great option for those who may still want the feel of an innerspring coupled with the conforming comfort of foam or latex. This bed can be responsive and contouring to relieve pressure points. In a hybrid mattress, coils will be in individual pockets encased by foam or latex. The coils give the feeling of being able to move, as with the innerspring, with minimal bounce. With the coils forming the bottom layer of the mattress, the top layers are made of latex or foam. These foam or latex layers work to absorb motion and contour to the body.

The coils generally prevent the sleeper from feeling like he or she is sinking in to the mattress as foam or latex might. This can also help in sleeping cool for a more peaceful rest.

II. Average Price of Mattress

Shopping for a mattress can be as daunting as shopping for a car. Looking at pricier, higher-end models, does not mean you will be buying a better mattress. Remember that overhead, advertising, and can all factor into prices – as well as name recognition. Often a bed-in-a-box that is priced to fit a budget will be just as good, if not better, than that well-known, over advertised brand.

Following is a table detailing mattress prices for the most popular Queen Size mattress.

III. Mattress Cost Factors

When questioning how much should I spend on a mattress one must also understand cost factors that will affect the mattress overall price.

A. Cost factors for Foam Mattresses

• Foam Type
  Depending on the type of foam used for a mattress can be a huge price determination. The cheaper polyfoam will not be as durable or long lasting as a more expensive memory foam. Polyfoam may work better for those seeking a simple topper for an existing mattress. Memory foam mattresses that have special layers, such as using cooling gel and latex, may cost more than the simple just-memory foam bed, yet even these blended designs can be found at very reasonable prices.
• Foam Density
  Foam density equates to durability so the lesser density, and less expensive, mattress will also be less durable and have a shorter lifetime than the higher density memory foam. Therefore, it is worth paying a bit more if it means you will be getting a higher density foam that will be more durable and longer lasting.
• Foam Airflow
  Airflow is important when it comes to purchasing a foam bed, as this aids in the cooling factor. Often an aerated foam layer may be added for comfort. In creating a bed that is most comfortable these special foams may drive up the price. Seek out a bed-in-a-box company that can keep the mattress cost down while offering a quality high end bed.

B. Cost factors for Latex Mattresses

• Natural vs Synthetic Latex
  Natural latex is harvested from sustainable rubber trees. The process creating the natural latex is more expensive than synthetic latex. Therefore, synthetic latex will be the more cost effective option when shopping for a latex mattress.
• Production Process
  Both natural and synthetic types of latex are made using one of two options, or a combination: Dunlop process or Talalay process. The original latex mattress Dunlop process produces a heavier and denser mattress. Those seeking support layers will want the more modern Talalay process. The Talalay makes a less dense mattress that will be costlier than the Dunlop.
• Latex Mattress Thickness
  Latex mattresses are made using molds that are filled, either entirely with the Dunlop process, or partly with air vacuumed in to finish filling the mold, as with the Talalay. Depending on the layers in construction and the overall thickness will affect the price. A more comfortable thicker latex mattress will generally have a higher price tag.

C. Cost factors for Hybrid Mattresses

• Coil Size and Quality
  Depending on the type of foam used for a mattress can be a huge price determination. The cheaper polyfoam will not be as durable or long lasting as a more expensive memory foam. Polyfoam may work better for those seeking a simple topper for an existing mattress. Memory foam mattresses that have special layers, such as using cooling gel and latex, may cost more than the simple just-memory foam bed, yet even these blended designs can be found at very reasonable prices.
• Foam or Latex Quality
  Larger coils will take up more space than smaller coils and therefore be less costly. Micro coils commonly used in the hybrid mattress are crafted using a flexible, high-gauge, wire. This works as an aid for the mattresses flexibility and how the bed conforms to the body. When shopping one will want to seek out coils designed to work with a hybrid bed. These quality coils may drive the cost up a bit but are worth the higher price.
• Number of Layers
  As with a foam or latex bed, the quality and type of foam or latex used can be a determining price factor. Foams with special cooling technology may lend to a higher cost of bed. The bed’s price can also end up being more when a natural latex is used instead of synthetic.