Getting the Most for Your Money – Watch Out for Deals and Sales
Mattress stores love to have sales at certain times of the year. A lot of these sales happen during holidays like Presidents' Day, the Fourth of July, and Black Friday. If you're thinking about buying a mattress—whether in-store or online—it’s smart to check when these sales pop up and consider buying during those times.
Also, watch for bundle deals. Many stores throw in pillows, sheets, and even bed foundations when you buy a mattress. If you're looking to redo your whole bedroom, you should definitely take these types of offers into account when making your decision.
What Type of Mattress Is the Best Value?
If you're trying to figure out which mattress gives you the best bang for your buck, think about both the price and how long it’s going to last. Here's a quick rundown of a few mattress types and how they stack up in terms of value.
Innerspring
Innerspring mattresses are pretty famous for giving solid support and a nice bounce. On average, you’re looking at around $1,000 for one of these. It can totally change depending on the brand and materials they use, but $1,000 is about the middle ground. A good innerspring mattress with coils usually lasts around eight years. How long it actually holds up can depend on how good the coils are. If the coils are low quality, they might start sagging after a few years, and that can be pretty uncomfortable to sleep on.
Memory Foam
Memory foam mattresses are all about that soft comfort and helping with pressure relief. On average, they run about $1,000, though you can find some online options for less than $500. The cheaper ones tend to sag pretty fast, and you might start noticing body impressions. No matter the price, a good memory foam mattress should hold up for about 10 years before you need to think about replacing it.
Latex
Latex mattresses are known for being durable and eco-friendly. They do come with a higher price tag, around $2,000 on average, but they don’t tend to sag easily and can last anywhere from 12 to 15 years. These are definitely some of the longest-lasting options you’ll find.
Hybrid
A hybrid mattress combines elements from the types mentioned earlier. It has coils in the support layer and memory foam, latex, or another foam in the comfort layer. On average, hybrids go for about $2,000, but you can snag a solid one for around $1,500. The SweetNight mattress is a good example of a more budget-friendly option. A well-made hybrid should last around 10 years.
Increasing Value – Consider Mattress Durability
The saying "you get what you pay for" really hits the mark when it comes to mattresses. The durability can vary a lot from one bed to the next, depending on what it's made from. If you save $300 on a mattress but it starts wearing out in five years, is it really a good deal?
Now, think about spending an extra $300 on a mattress that lasts 10 to 12 years instead. Most people would probably say the second option is the better long-term choice. Before you buy, think about how long you want the mattress to last, then check out some reviews to see if it really holds up over time.
The materials used in your mattress play a huge role in how long it lasts. For example, some types of foam start to sag over time, while others stay more responsive. Latex mattresses, though pricier, tend to last longer than most memory foam ones. Some mattresses even have special “sag-proof” foam to help prevent them from wearing out too quickly. Sure, you might pay a bit more up front for these materials, but they’ll pay off in the long run with extra years of use.
How to Make a Mattress Last – Further Tips
After you’ve bought a mattress, there are a few simple steps you can take to help it last longer. Keep reading to find out how to get the most life out of your mattress.
Buy a Mattress Protector
It may seem like more money, but a mattress protector could add years to a mattress because it protects against stains and messes. Many warranties require people to use one.
Ensure the Mattress is Supported
Most mattresses need a box spring, foundation, or bed frame to help them wear evenly. Some warranties might not cover you if you don’t use the right foundation, so it's a good idea to think carefully about what you're putting under your mattress.
Don’t Jump on the Bed
If you’ve got kids, they might love bouncing on the bed. This can mess up your mattress, especially if it’s got coils inside.
Keep Food Off the Bed
Eating a few cookies in bed sounds fun, but those crumbs could bring in bugs. If you're gonna eat on your mattress, make sure to change the sheets at least once a week.
Flip Your Mattress Often
Even though most online mattresses aren’t flippable, some still work better if you flip them regularly. This helps reduce wear and tear and prevents body impressions from forming on the sleeping surface.
Clean Up Messes Right Away
Accidents happen, so if something spills, clean it up right away. Check what materials your mattress is made of and use mild cleaners to be safe. For more tips on cleaning your mattress, check out this detailed article.
Where to Buy Your Mattress
A lot of people are now buying mattresses online instead of heading to a physical store. Online shopping is more convenient, and mattress stores can be overwhelming with all the different models, prices, and firmness options.
Sure, you can't try out an online mattress like you can in a store, but most brands offer long sleep trials. These let you test the mattress for a few months (100 days is pretty common) and return it if you don’t like it.
Online mattresses are often cheaper than what you'll find in stores. They have fewer expenses because they skip the middlemen and don’t have the same overhead. Some companies even own their own factories, which keeps costs lower. There are also some lesser-known brands that don't spend much on advertising, so they pass the savings on to you.
Some companies make their mattresses overseas, cutting costs and passing those savings straight to the customer.
Trial Periods and Warranties
Most mattress companies, whether online or in-store, offer warranties, and most online mattresses come with a sleep trial. While these can be useful and help save some cash, it’s important to read the fine print. Some warranties won’t cover you if you don’t use the right foundation or take proper care of the mattress, and some trial periods don’t include free shipping. If you end up not liking the mattress, you might have to pay for the return shipping.
Shipping and Taxes
If consumers purchase online, they should see if they need to pay extra for shipping or not. A lot of new companies offer free shipping, but not all. While people may think they’re getting a great deal, it never feels good to get hit with unexpected shipping costs during the checkout process. Depending on where people live, they may have to pay additional sales taxes.
People should keep a lookout for companies offering “White Glove Delivery.” With this option, movers will bring the mattress to a person’s door, set it up, and take away the trash. This is a convenient option, especially if you’re dealing with a heavy mattress or if your bedroom isn’t on the first floor.
These extra costs shouldn’t make or break someone’s decision, but it’s an added bonus if you don’t have to pay them.
