Does a high price indicate the best product? Not always. In fact, you don’t have to break the bank to get a great mattress. In this article, we’re debunking the mattress market myth. Read on to find out why investing in quality is more important than purchasing a mattress based on price alone.
Exploring the myth
Right now, many of us are looking to save a little money, in any way we can. But there are some areas where we simply don’t want to, aren’t there? There’s this ingrained idea that there are just some things that are well worth paying more for. And much of it comes from the old saying that you shouldn’t skimp on anything that keeps you off the ground… chairs, shoes, tyres, even mattresses.
It’s all about comfort. Anything that you walk on, sit on, lie down on, or travel on should be designed with comfort in mind. Think about it. If you’ve got a cheap, poorly made shoe with a thin sole, you’re going to feel every rock and stone underfoot. A more expensive, higher quality shoe with a thicker sole, on the other hand, can make you feel like you’re walking on air, keeping you comfortable.
This notion is exactly why so many people automatically choose the most expensive mattress. It’s easy to think that it’ll be the highest quality mattress. But is that true?
We don’t think this old saying is particularly true when it comes to mattresses. Mattresses aren’t always priced solely based on what’s inside them. Sometimes, there are other factors at play.
Mattress pricing
The mattress market can be fiercely competitive, and pricing isn’t always based on quality alone. Unfortunately, this means that the highest-priced mattresses aren’t always the best mattresses.
Imagine there are two mattress brands: Brand X and Brand Y. Brand X has earned a reputation as being an affordable brand, offering many budget-friendly options. Brand Y, on the other hand, is known as a luxurious brand, catering to wealthy customers. At the end of the day, the cost of raw materials from suppliers for both brands will be much the same. The difference comes in the form of:
- Advertising costs
- Logistics
- Retailer licencing
- Shop floor space
- Employee salaries
- Profit markups
… and these will often be much bigger for larger businesses and more luxurious brands.
Sometimes, your hard-earned money isn’t going on what’s inside a mattress; it’s not going on quality. Instead, it’s going on the brand. Which is why we can’t always trust that high price = good quality.
Focus on quality
The solution? Focus on overall quality rather than price alone. Spend a little time taking a closer look at what you’re actually getting for your money, especially in terms of material, filling, and density.
So what exactly should you expect to pay for a high-quality mattress? From an online business with minimal overheads, trusted suppliers, and a small team, here’s a rough idea of what you can expect…
- £100: A single, hypoallergenic memory foam mattress with a removable, washable anti-allergy cover
- £200: A double memory foam mattress for kids with fillings to support children’s growing bodies
- £250: A small double, breathable memory foam mattress designed to wick moisture away from skin
- £350: A king-size, temperature-sensitive memory foam mattress to keep the body cool
- £600: A super king hybrid mattress combining supportive memory foam and flexible springs
So if you’ve ever heard that you can’t buy a quality mattress for less than £500, think again!
The golden rule for buying a mattress is to buy the best components that your budget allows. Not the most expensive mattress your budget allows. Sticking to this rule should make mattress shopping much easier, and will ensure you’re getting a mattress that really helps you get a good night’s sleep.
Don’t ignore price altogether
While it’s clear that quality matters much more than price when it comes to mattresses, it’s important to remember that price is still a factor that’s worth considering, for two big reasons…
- Financial wellbeing
Some people pay out for a mattress that’s beyond their budget because they find one that meets every single one of their sleep needs and preferences. But this can sometimes have a negative effect on overall wellbeing, especially if you become worried about your finances. Don’t pay out more than you can afford – remember that there are often cheaper alternatives that are equally comfortable.
- Longevity
Although price isn’t always a good indicator of mattress quality and comfort, very low-cost mattresses may not be the best option. If the price is extraordinarily low, it could suggest that the mattress has been made from cheap materials that aren’t designed to last. While a typical mattress should last between 7 – 10 years, you may find you need to replace your mattress much earlier.
In general, polyester and synthetic fibres tend to be the lowest-quality materials that are used to make mattresses, while natural fibres such as cotton, silk, and latex are amongst the most expensive. Memory foam falls somewhere in the middle, which is just one of the reasons why it’s become so popular. Combined with unique benefits, such as contouring to fit the body and supporting the parts of the body that need it most, and it’s easy to see why memory foam is so frequently recommended.
Finding the right balance
Ultimately, the best way to find the right mattress is by creating a little balance between quality and price; not making a decision based on price alone, but not ignoring price altogether. We’re proud to have built up a collection of mattresses that combine quality and affordability, with options under £100, between £100 and £200, between £200 and £300, and over £300. Take a look at our products, and find the ideal mattress for you and your sleep needs… for much less than you might have thought.