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

When it comes to treating yourself, a new mattress might not be the first thing you think of though it could be one of the smartest ways to improve your wellbeing. Our annual sleep report revealed that many UK sleepers are not getting enough quality rest to wake up feeling refreshed and at their best. The right mattress can be a game changer - from enhancing comfort and support, preventing overheating to isolating the motion that can cause you to wake up if your partner tends to toss and turn in the night.

The question is, with so many options out there ranging from a modest £200 to a jaw-dropping $6.3 million - how much should you really spend on a quality mattress?

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’s 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 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 v low budget alternatives, bear in mind that a higher price tag often normally 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, relationships to emotional wellbeing, 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".

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 which is why when you do choose a new one, considering durability and a warranty for quality 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 navigate you towards a good choice. Choosing a highly reviewed mattress that comes with a long guarantee and easy return policy can provide you 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, confident 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 wellbeing.

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. As here at Panda, we believe that a good night’s sleep is priceless.

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