If you walk into any retail store or browse the Internet, you might be surprised at the difference in mattress prices, which can range from $300 to $3,000 or more.
Unfortunately, this price difference can add unnecessary stress and confusion to the buying process.
Therefore, the uninformed buyer is at greater risk of:
Settling for a cheap, low-quality mattress with little to no comfort that won't last long, or
Tricked into buying an expensive mattress, the exorbitant cost is justified if features that aren't really necessary for a good night's sleep are justified
Of course, neither situation is ideal . But how do you strike the right balance between great value for money and lasting satisfaction?
You need to understand what factors affect the price of a mattress and determine which features are most important to you. That way, you're more likely to make smart decisions and enjoy years of restful sleep.
Here's how to stand out the next time you shop for a mattress.
- Know What's In Your Mattress
The best way to judge the quality of a mattress is to know what materials are in it and how it will benefit you, if any. There are.
However, since there are so many types of mattresses and different terms used to describe their construction, you might find yourself feeling a bit overwhelmed with something.
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To help you understand the difference between cheap mattresses and expensive ones, here's a breakdown of the materials used in each and how their quality can affect your sleep.
- Innerspring and Pocket-Spring Mattresses
Innerspring mattresses consist of a support system of interconnected coils of wire. A pocket spring mattress consists of individual springs placed in small fabric pockets. Both coil systems are covered with layers of padding and soft padding for added comfort and support. [1]
To keep costs down, cheap box spring mattresses may have lower-quality padding and foam. This can lead to pain and discomfort because the mattress is more prone to sagging and the padding may not be durable enough to relieve key pressure points on the body, i.e. hips, joints and shoulders.
Also, cheaper spring mattresses may have fewer coils, which can lead to increased discomfort and motion transfer.
- Memory Foam
There are many key differences between cheap and expensive memory foam.
First, cheap memory foam has a shorter lifespan. A less expensive model may only last 5 years, while a more expensive model may last 10 years or more. In fact, when you spread the cost out over the years, the more expensive model can save you money in the long run, since it won't need to be replaced as often.
Second, cheap memory foam is softer and easier to sag. While softness is subjective, flab definitely is not. It just makes you feel sore and uncomfortable. Premium memory foam, on the other hand, is much denser and retains its shape longer.
Finally, premium memory foam is generally more environmentally friendly and less allergen-causing. That's because they're low in VOCs and contain non-toxic chemicals that help reduce carbon footprints and allow sleep-sensitive individuals to breathe easy.
- Natural latex and synthetic
< p>Natural latex foam is made from the milky liquid extracted from the Hevea brasiliensis tree, also known as Hevea. Liquid latex is turned into foam through a vulcanization process. There are variations to the process you can make the foam: dense and firm, or soft and cushiony.
Synthetic latex is a petroleum-based product made from man-made components such as styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR).
Although synthetic latex is cheaper, it is not as stretchy and stretchy as real latex. Some people find synthetic latex to be less stretchy and have a more "dull" feel. It also produces a more unpleasant odor that many people find unpleasant.
Some companies offer "hybrid latex," which combines natural latex and synthetic latex in a single mattress. While these companies brag about combining the best of both worlds, the truth is that this latex mattress is still a cheaper and ultimately inferior alternative to the real thing.
- Do Your Research
No matter what type of mattress you choose, it's important to do your research.
That way, when it's time to shop online or visit a retail store, you'll have all the information you need to make an informed decision. So you'll be even happier with your purchase and will be rewarded with a consistent good night's sleep.
