Many Americans Overpay for Mattresses

On average, a store-bought mattress costs around $1,000, and luxury models can cost up to $5,000. Having a mattress is a necessity, of course, and they take up a lot of physical space for retailers, so brick-and-mortar mattress stores are able to sell their products at a premium.

Mattress stores have some of the highest profit margins in retail. With low overhead and factory direct products, some mattresses can have a 40 to 50 percent markup. Since consumers have limited options, they pay for the markup — many don’t even bother researching.

The internet is changing that dynamic. Online mattress sellers offer the same name-brand products alongside specialty mattresses designed specifically for certain types of sleepers. Delivery times are typically fast, and many companies offer free or low-cost shipping to keep their prices competitive.

Of course, not every online buyer finds a bargain. Prices can range from store to store, with some charging hundreds of dollars more for the same product. By visiting several stores and keeping track of prices (along with shipping costs, special pricing, and other factors), you can take advantage of the booming mattress market and find excellent deals.

Modern Mattresses and the Technology of Sleep

While paying less for a mattress might sound like a good enough reason to shop online, there’s another important factor to consider: Online mattress companies offer a wider variety of products than you’d find in physical stores. Some mattresses use advanced materials and technologies to help improve the quality (and quantity) of your sleep.

Options might include:

• Memory Foam- Also known as layered foam, memory foam was invented by NASA to provide cushioning and crash protection for pilots. Many newer mattresses use layers of memory foam over firmer foam bases, which provides a soft surface that adapts to the sleeper’s body. Newer memory foam materials dispense heat well, and they’re remarkably affordable.
• Innerspring- Still the most popular mattresses, these use a traditional design with spring coils providing resistance to the sleeper’s weight. Newer innerspring mattresses are designed to distribute pressure evenly.
• Hybrid- These combine spring technologies with memory foam to provide a soft surface with firm support.

Many sellers offer special models designed for people with allergies, people who sleep in a certain position, and couples who want different firmness on each side of the mattress. Best of all, the vast majority of online mattress stores have generous return policies — if your new mattress isn’t to your tastes, you simply arrange for pickup and try something else.

High-Quality Mattresses Are Affordable Online

A new mattress can be a great investment, and when you’re enjoying deep, restful sleep every night, you won’t care too much about how much you spent for the privilege. Still, there’s no reason to overpay. Always compare several options before you decide to purchase a mattress, paying close attention to the details of each option.

Before comparing, think about how you sleep. Do you prefer to sleep on your side, on your stomach, or on your back? Can you fall asleep faster on a firm or soft surface? Do you need a hypoallergenic mattress? Asking a few questions will let you compare similar products easily, which could save you hundreds of dollars when you place your order.

Visit several stores, using online resources to find special deals and incentives. Look for stores with satisfaction guarantees, particularly if you’re a light sleeper, and make sure you understand the time frames for returns.

Getting a Great Night’s Sleep on a Budget

A new mattress can easily cost several thousand dollars when purchased from a brick-and-mortar retail store. That same mattress may be much less expensive online — and you might even find a local retailer that will allow you to pick up your new mattress right after ordering.

The most effective way to keep your budget in check is to do the research. Look for at least 3-4 options, and if you find a great price, keep looking for a better one. A high-quality mattress can dramatically improve your life, so there’s no reason to rush your decision. In other words: Compare options, then sleep on it.