Tell me how much a mattress cost.

Post date: 2019-04-15 16:24:19
Views: 41
I'm (unfortunately) mattress shopping, and discussions with friends and family about my trials have provoked a question. Is there any tangible value to a $1,000-$1,300 mattress over a sub-$600 mattress? Assume that size, firmness, type, and comfort level, and financial impact doesn't play a role.

I knew coming into this process that mattresses are unilaterally a high-margin, shady business, and most brands legacy and newer (Sertas and Sealys to Caspers and Leesas) go hard on the markup. But I had assumed that generally, a mattress in a $1,000+ range would net you markedly better durability (as in, 8 years of good use than a sub-3 years on a cheapo), refined quality materials that made a difference to your health long term, and better customer service / in-person testing. The markup on a lower cost mattress would proportionally be the same as a higher priced one. The price difference came in the above things, which I'd be willing to drop the cash for.

Everyone I've talked to keeps arguing, however, that the price increase is pure markup. Higher price tags only get you a well-designed name brand, a storefront, your salesperson a commission, and "higher quality" materials that have little bearing on sleep quality. Also, cheaper mattresses, they argue, can go the distance durability-wise if treated right and don't play into the cost. Because of this, there's no real advantage to spending more than $500, so just buy the cheapest thing that's a good fit for you.

Aaaaaand now I'm confused. I've budgeted $1,200 for a mattress, but on principle am not privy to spending $600 extra on millennial-tinged marketing hype. I'm not insanely concerned about the commission an in-person salesperson would get (from Mattress Firm to boutique single brand stores, everyone's been friendly, helpful, and not sleazy upsellers). I just want a mattress equivalent of my Mazda (reliable, well-made, suits me well, without the frills of luxury car offerings), but trying to determine that price range has been frustrating. Most posts about mattresses compare specific ones, and I've lost faith in all mattress review sites. Did I drink the gel-infused Kool-Aid or is there some honest value to a $1,200 mattress over a $600 one?

I want an assessment as to how screwed up (or not screwed up) mattress companies' pricing schemes are. BUT, if anyone's curious, I was gearing towards a Nest Bedding Alexander Signature Hybrid (which I've tested in-person and suits me well), versus a similarly-spec'd hybrid from Zinus, Allswell, or Sweetnight (all sub-$600).
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