A good night’s sleep is a luxury that most of us do not experience daily. You’ll be surprised that a quality mattress can greatly impact our health and happiness. That’s why investing in the perfect mattress is so important.
Now, there are many factors to consider when buying a new mattress. This includes mattress types and lifespans, firmness level, sleeping positions, ailments, and price range. We’ll touch on a few of these areas. But, mainly, we’ll be talking about planning your budget for a quality mattress you deserve.
Four Common Types of Mattresses Explained
To find the perfect mattress for you, you must first know yourself. What is your sleeping position? Do you have any ailments that you specifically want to address? Does your partner have any preferences that you should consider? These are the questions you should ask before deciding on your spending plan.
Innerspring
An innerspring mattress is a traditional choice. It’s easily recognisable for its bouncy features. This mattress is great for breathability and airflow because of the spaces between the pocket springs. While it may be the cheapest option out there, it’s worth noting that the coil system distributes weight unevenly and so, over time, is prone to sagging. It’s also a high-maintenance mattress with a relatively short lifespan of 5-8 years.
Ideal For: hot sleepers, average to heavyweight sleepers
Memory Foam
Memory foam is a temperature-sensitive mattress that moulds to your body’s unique curves and evenly distributes weight. Since memory foam returns to its original shape after pressure is removed, you can be assured there is no motion transfer and partner disturbance.
A memory foam’s firmness level is usually medium firm, but good brands, such as the Ecosa Mattress offer adjustable firmness.
Memory foam is relatively more expensive than other mattress types. Still, it’s antimicrobial, low-maintenance, and can stay with you for 8-15 years, making it a very attractive choice in the long run. Remember, though, that this type of mattress tends to run hot. So just make sure you look for memory foam brands that use cooling mechanisms.
Ideal For: Side/back sleepers, back pain sufferers, families, couples,
SUPPLEMENTAL READ: Memory Foam vs. Spring Mattress
Latex
Latex mattresses are naturally elastic, which is why it’s known for responsiveness and bounce. Even though it doesn’t have the same pressure-relieving properties as memory foam, it does help align the spine and alleviate pressure points. The perforated holes also make it great for airflow, so you can be sure of a cool night’s sleep. It’s antimicrobial and highly durable (having a lifespan of 8-15 years) too. One downside is that the material is prone to oxidation, which may discolour and crumble after some time.
Ideal For: Side/back sleepers, all weight groups, eco-friendly
Hybrid
A hybrid mattress is a combination of innerspring and memory foam mattress. The springs, albeit less bouncy, provide good support and breathability. On the other hand, the memory foam gives that comfortable contouring and motion isolation perfect for targeted pressure relief. However, it does have a shorter lifespan of about 6 years. And, because it’s made of more comfort layers, it tends to be pricier and heavier than other types of mattresses.
Ideal For: couples, hot sleepers, light-average weight sleepers
Mattress Price Comparison: How Much Does an Average Queen Size Mattress Cost in Australia?
Now that you have a fairly good idea about what you’re looking for, it’s time to find the best mattress and consider prices.
Mattresses are usually available in single, long single, king single, double, queen, king, and super king sizes. Single mattresses, double mattresses, and king-size mattresses are common. But for now, we’ll focus on the queen-sized mattress, the most popular size.
Buying a Mattress In-Store vs. Online
Some people prefer to shop in-store because they can readily test the mattresses. There are also salespersons present who can offer their expertise and provide a more personalised experience. However, showroom prices tend to be more expensive, with bed retailers marking up prices up to 300% to cover brick-and-mortar expenses (such as electricity and gas), pay wages, and etc.
Shopping online is a budget-friendly alternative as it’s easier to find better deals. Many people also prefer it because there’s more variety and convenience. Some companies also offer a 100-day trial for those who want to test the mattress before buying it. Although, if you end up having to return the mattress, it may be a bit of a hassle.
In the end, it’s all up to your personal preference.
Mattress-In-A-Box Average Prices (General Guide Only)
The mattress types heavily impact the price point due to the differences in material composition. Here’s an online price guide you can expect for each type:
- Innerspring Mattress ($199 – $4,499): Coil Gauge – the thicker low gauge coils are generally more expensive.
- Memory Foam Mattress ($699 – $4,799): Foam Density – the higher the density, the more expensive.
- Latex Mattress ($749 – $2,695): Latex production process – Dunlop-processed latex tends to be denser. While the more expensive Talalay-processed latex is softer.
- Hybrid Mattress ($399 – $12,999): It depends on the components. True hybrids have at least 2 inches of memory foam or latex and a support core for pocketed coils.
Additional Mattress Costs
Your mattress fund doesn’t end with just the mattress. Here are a few other items you may or may not need to add to your budget:
- Bed frame cost
- Shipping costs
- In-home assembly add-on
- Old mattress removal add-on
- Mattress return
- Mattress exchanges
- Warranty costs
Look for stores with more flexible deals to sidestep some of these expenses. Some mattress-in-a-box companies are changing the game by introducing long trial periods and offering free shipping & returns.
3 Biggest Mistakes to Avoid when Purchasing a Mattress
At this point, you’re just about ready to make your purchase. Mattress shopping is no easy endeavour. So, we’ve compiled the most common pitfalls you may fall prey to. Be warned!
- Compromising quality for a lower price.
While it’s important to stay on budget, don’t jump the gun and go for mattresses with cheap deals just because it’s the best bargain. Alternatively, just because it’s expensive or branded, don’t assume it’s automatically high-quality. The most important benchmark is YOU. Consider your sleep position, body size, ailments, and your partner’s needs – these are the crucial factors to consider to ensure you are getting your money’s worth. - Not testing before buying.
When you find a mattress that you think you like, make sure you properly try it out. If you’re at a store, don’t be embarrassed to lie on the bed for a few minutes. If you’re online shopping, most sites offer a 100-day free trial. Test it for at least 1 to 3 weeks to see if it fits your needs. Otherwise, return it. Don’t be impulsive; explore your options. That said, don’t fall prey to “analysis paralysis” either. Know what you want and be decisive. - Buying from shady online shops/retailers.
Be responsible and research the brand you are buying from. There are a lot of options online and offline. You want to ensure the store you’re shopping from sells credible brands and/or uses authentic materials. With a grain of salt, consider online reviews or friend recommendations too. Once you’ve decided on a mattress, carefully read their terms & conditions and note the warranty dates. If anything feels shady, run!
Finding the Right Mattress is SO Worth it
We spend ⅓ of our lives sleeping. That’s a lot of time spent in misery if you’re sleeping on a bad mattress. So, invest in yourself and take the time to consider your options based on your specific requirements. Be patient with the process. Remember, a good night’s sleep awaits. And beyond that, good health.
