Can a Cheap Mattress Provide a Good Night's Sleep?

Can a cheap mattress really provide the same level of comfort as the more expensive, high-end models? Surprisingly the answer is yes. It is very possible to find cheap mattresses with nearly identical features to mattresses costing hundreds or sometimes thousands of dollars more, assuming you know what to look for and where to shop to get the best deals.

They say you get what you pay for in life, and while this is generally true, it is also true that bargains can be found if you are a savvy consumer. Even quality mattresses can be had at near give-away prices if you know the rules of the game.

Cheap mattresses do not have the name recognition, prestige or "bling factor" of the more high-end name brands, but ironically, they are often made in the exact same factories, of the exact same constituent materials. With the right information, you can learn to spot what matters and what doesn't in the construction of a mattress, and end up saving yourself a bundle the next time you need a new mattress.

As far as the construction and materials used in mattresses, the past few decades have seen major improvements to the industry in general. This means that many low cost mattresses are now constructed to higher standards than even luxury models were only 15-20 years ago. As long as you stay away from the extreme low end of the market, quality and durability will not be significantly different between expensive name brands to cheaper generic models.

But to really get the most mattresses for the least amount of money, there are two main areas to consider: firmness and construction. The firmness of a mattress is critical to ensuring a good night's sleep; however, you don't want to go too firm. A lot of this comes down to personal taste, but a good general rule is, select a mattress that is slightly firmer than you like. This is especially true when purchasing a cheaper mattress, as they have a tendency to become more soft and pliable over time through normal wear.

The construction of a mattress is also quite important, although advancements in the last few years have "leveled the playing ground" somewhat. The more expensive mattress brands will usually use damask ticking, as well as thicker padding and higher coil counts. Many better brands will often include a comfort cushion as well, that is sewn directly into the top lining of the mattress.

The coil count of the mattress is usually not a critical factor in how well it will hold up over time. However, mattress sagging is often caused by a lack of quality or thickness in the padding. This means that the most important thing to look for in a cheap mattress is thicker, better quality padding. As a general rule, the thicker the padding, the more comfortable the mattress will be, and the longer it will retains its shape firmness over time.

The best way to buy a cheap mattress is to shop online. This offers you the convenience to compare details of various models side by side--examining thread count or padding thickness, for example. You can also check warranties and return-exchange policies easily, without the stress of a pushy salesperson trying to talk you into something you may not need.

By searching online and comparing models head-to-head, you are sure to get the best deal. You can even wind up finding a cheap mattress that offers many of the same features as the more expensive name brands.