Sleep Investments: How Much Should You Really Spend on a Mattress?

How much should you really spend on a mattress? The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Most people in the UK spend between £500 and £1,000 on a mattress that balances comfort, support, and durability. But with so many options — from budget basics to luxury models — it can be hard to know what’s worth paying for. In this guide, we break down the different price ranges, what you actually get for your money, and how to choose the right mattress for your sleep style and budget.

What affects the price of a mattress? 

There are a number of factors that affect the price tag of a mattress, and sometimes going for the cheapest option doesn’t always pay off. Here are a few things to consider when browsing prices and investing in a mattress for restful sleep.  

Quality of materials - The first thing to be aware of when it comes to mattress prices is that the quality of materials used will up the ante. Premium materials like advanced third-generation memory foam, premium pocket springs and breathable fabrics like bamboo come at a higher cost, though they tend to last a lot longer, which can make them a smarter investment.

Latest models - Sleep brands tend to update their models regularly with new technology and research that shows changing consumer needs. Latest models may be more expensive, though they can offer a lot more benefits when it comes to quality of sleep. 

New technology - State-of-the-art mattresses can offer everything from advanced airflow to prevent overheating, highly supportive foams to ease aches and pains and hypoallergenic fabrics to prevent allergies. Those mattresses implementing the latest technology tend to be more expensive. 

Sales - Many brands offer widespread discounts, though our sleep expert recommends ‘checking site-specific sales is worthwhile’. Brands can offer discounts whenever they choose, and you can often get lucky at certain times of the year.

What factors should you consider when choosing how much to spend on a mattress?

Before you start shopping, here are some of the key considerations to review before purchasing a new mattress.

Play long ball 

Our sleep expert recommends viewing buying a mattress "as a long term investment and the saying buy cheap, buy twice often runs true for mattress purchases". While it could be tempting to go for the lowest price, you could find it needs replacing very quickly. Choosing a long-lasting mattress is worth the investment.

Comfort and Support

When comparing luxury mattresses vs. low-budget alternatives, bear in mind that a higher price tag often means more comfort and support. This will lead to better quality rest, which is hard to put a price tag on. Good sleep can improve everything from heart health to relationships to emotional well-being; those life treasures are priceless. 

Sleeping preferences

If you tend to overheat, choosing an advanced mattress with decent airflow and thermoregulating fabrics can massively improve sleep quality. Prefer a firm sleep surface? Consider the firmness rating of a mattress. If you like to have a mix of cushioned comfort and support, a hybrid model merging the technologies of a pocket spring mattress and memory foam could be the best match for you. 

Reviews

Considering ‘customer reviews’ is recommended by our sleep expert, which makes sense. A mattress with top reviews from relevant publications and customers has had the thumbs up for a reason and is more likely to deliver a higher quality sleep. Whatever the price of a mattress, our sleep expert recommends checking reviews to "ensure it meets your specific comfort and durability expectations".

So how much does a good mattress cost?

We’ve provided a guide below on the type of mattress to expect according to your budget.

Mattress Price Ranges

The mattress price range and features listed below are based on a UK Double mattress size.

£100 - £500

When considering how much to spend on a mattress, this pricing range is at the lower end of the scale. It is entry-level for mattress buyers. If you’re searching for one for everyday use, choose £300-500 as your best starting point. A mattress costing this amount will provide you with open coil springs with a thin layer of memory foam, a basic solid mattress or a pocket spring mattress with an 800-1000 spring count. The lower end of this price bracket would be a mattress not slept on regularly, ideal for your guest room.

£500 - £1,000

You’re likely to find a mattress made for you in this price range. Between £500 and £ 1000 is a rule of thumb on how much to spend on a good mattress. Expect to find pocket sprung mattresses with higher spring counts of 1000-3000. More costly than their lower counterparts, they provide bodily support. Extra springs mean more focused zones of support for your hips and shoulders. They’re likely to provide targeted pressure point relief, helping to ease any aches and pains. 

Mattresses with thicker, higher-density foams that are more substantial, durable, and have more technical features like motion isolation will be found in this price range. Here you’ll find latex, memory foam and hybrid mattresses, such as our Hybrid Bamboo Mattress. Combining encapsulated pocket springs with high-density memory foam, our Bamboo Mattress has been designed with six layers of innovation and technology. Underneath the breathable bamboo cover is a layer of our BioCell Foam™, which is open-cell memory foam infused with our signature bamboo.

As memory foam can create heat, the bamboo keeps it cool. Another layer of our DualFlex Foam™ offers orthopaedic support, and a layer of up to 960 full-sized pocket springs reduces motion transfer, so you’re not disturbed by your partner’s movement in the night. 

£1,000 - £1,500

If you want to transform your sleep overnight, then look for a mattress in this price range. Premium mattresses with 2000- 4000 dual or nested pocket springs come in multiple layers, intuitively contouring to your body shape. Hybrid mattresses will combine high-count pocket springs bolstered by layers of latex, memory foam or gel. In this range, you might also find handcrafted mattresses with natural fibres. Our award-winning Hybrid Bamboo Mattress Pro has been engineered for your sleep needs. Six layers of support, breathability and luxurious comfort, our Pro mattress features our innovative OrthoAlign Foam™, designed to contour to your sleeping position, aligning your neck and spine. Underneath this layer is one made up of seven zones of full-sized individually enclosed pocket springs, isolating movement, so you remain in a deep sleep every night.

How do you know when is the right time to buy a new mattress? 

If you can feel your mattress is losing support, sagging and generally less comfortable than it used to be, it could be time to upgrade. Most mattresses tend to last seven to ten years, depending on quality. Some may go past their ‘sell by date’ sooner than expected so when you do decide on a new one, considering durability and whether it has a warranty is key.

What is the best time of year to get the best value for money?

As our sleep expert pointed out, you can get discounts on mattress sites all year round, though the big sales for most brands tend to be Black Friday and Christmas. If you are looking to get the cheapest price, this could be the best time to do your mattress shopping. 

Final tips for investing in a mattress

As our guide has explained, when it comes to mattress investments, it is not always a cheap price that reflects the best deal. In fact, sometimes you will enjoy more benefits from investing in a premium mattress. And this does not mean spending a fortune, you can still shop with many of the best mattress brands within a reasonable budget. Are you ready to make that special upgrade? Here are our final guidelines on choosing the best mattress for your budget.

1. Warranties and returns - Understanding mattress warranties and return policies can help you navigate towards a good choice. Choosing a highly reviewed mattress that comes with a long guarantee and easy return policy can provide you with peace of mind. 
2. Try before you buy - Opting for a mattress that comes with a free home trial is the best way to get to know each other, reputable brands offer from 100- 200 nights. 
3. Prioritise comfort and support - When it comes to smart investments, a new mattress is one of the best you can make. Getting enough quality rest every night is key to your long-term well-being.

We make the highest quality mattresses to suit different budgets all that come with a 100-night home-trial, exceptional delivery service and our 10-year guarantee. From our original Hybrid Bamboo Mattress to the Hybrid Bamboo Mattress Pro, whichever you choose you can rest assured you are in for the sweetest dreams. Here at Panda, we believe that a good night’s sleep is priceless.

FAQ

1. What is a good budget for a mattress?

A good budget for a quality mattress is usually £500–£1,000. This range balances comfort, durability, and support without overspending.

2. Is it worth buying an expensive mattress?

Yes, if you value long-term comfort and durability. Premium mattresses often last longer and provide better support, but mid-range models can still offer excellent value.

3. How much should you spend on a mattress in the UK?

In the UK, most people spend between £400 and £1,200, depending on the type of mattress, brand, and features.

4. Do more expensive mattresses last longer?

Generally, yes. Higher-quality materials and construction mean premium mattresses can last 8–12 years, compared to 5–7 years for cheaper models.

5. Should you buy a mattress online or in-store?

Both options work, but buying online often gives you better prices, trial periods, and easy returns, while in-store shopping lets you try before you buy.