Powered by Amerisleep, EarlyBird brings together a dedicated team of sleep science coaches, engineers, and product evaluators. We meticulously examine Amerisleep's family of products using our unique product methodology in Amerisleep's state-of-the-art laboratory. Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in our use of eco-friendly foam in our products. Each article we publish is accurate, supported by credible sources, and regularly updated to incorporate the latest scientific literature and expert insights. Trust our top mattress selections, for your personal sleep needs.
Key Takeaways
- White Noise Definition: White noise is a type of sound that combines all audible frequencies at the same intensity or amplitude, resulting in a consistent and random noise similar to TV or radio static. It is often used to mask ambient noises and create a soothing background sound.
- Benefits of White Noise for Sleep: White noise can act as a buffer, blocking out or masking disruptive ambient noises that can interrupt sleep. This can help individuals fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. White noise has been shown to reduce sleep onset latency, meaning it helps people fall asleep more quickly. It can divert attention away from intrusive thoughts and worries that may keep individuals awake at night.
- Types of Noise Colors: While white noise is commonly used, there are other noise colors, such as pink noise (with a deeper sound profile) and brown noise (deeper with more bass), each with its own characteristics. These variations offer options for individuals who may find one type of noise more soothing than another.
If you tend to lay awake at night longer than you’d like because the neighbor’s beagle offers a nightly serenade or car horns and traffic noises from the street below thwart any chance of getting some shut-eye, white noise might be your answer. Because of its ability to mask ambient noise, white noise is often recommended as a way to help people improve their quality of sleep.
“The relationship between sound and sleep is complex and fascinating,” says Dr. Nayantara Santhi. “While some sounds can disrupt sleep, others can facilitate sleep. The trick is to know which sounds help sleep and which ones disrupt sleep.”
Save $500 On Any Mattress
Plus free shipping
“The frequency of a sound can provide some insight because certain tonal frequencies synchronize with certain frequencies in sleep EEG and thereby enhance sleep. In contrast, other tonal frequencies can disrupt sleep by interfering with sleep EEG frequencies.”
The truth is, though, that the benefits of white noise go far beyond masking the nuisance sounds around you. Ahead, we take a closer look at white noise and how you can use white noise for better sleep.
What Is White Noise?
White noise is the auditory equivalent of white light. Just as white light contains all colors of light, white noise is a combination of all the sound frequencies we can hear (from 20hertz to 20,000 hertz) played in random order at the same intensity or amplitude. This typically results in a sound that most people would equate with TV or radio static, the whirring of a fan, or the hum of an air conditioner.
Other Colors of Noise
White noise is the sound color most of us are familiar with, and more often than not, it’s the one recommended for sleep issues. And while white noise can be pretty helpful, there are other sound colors, some of which can also improve your sleep.
Pink Noise
Like white noise, pink noise contains all of the sound frequencies that humans can hear (from 20 hertz to 20,000 hertz). However, unlike white noise, the higher frequencies in pink noise are less intense, and the lower frequencies are louder, resulting in a deeper sound.
Typically, most people tend to find pink noise less harsh and abrasive. Whereas white noise sounds like radio static, pink noise sounds more like rain, wind, rustling leaves, or waves crashing on a beach. Read more about how rain can make you sleepy.
Like white noise, pink is also a popular color noise for sleep, and it looks like research substantiates the choice. In a 2017 study Verified Source National Library of Medicine (NIH) World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible. View source conducted by Northwestern University, researchers found that pink noise synced to the rhythm of one’s brain waves resulted in enhanced deep sleep and incidentally improved word recall in older adults.
Brown Noise
Also referred to as red noise, Brown noise is again all audible frequencies, with plenty of bass. Devoid of higher frequencies, Brown noise is deeper than either white or pink noise.
Thunder, a pounding surf, and waterfalls are all examples of Brown noise. If you’re wondering why Brown noise is capitalized, that’s because this noise color is named after the botanist who discovered it—Robert Brown not the color brown.
Black Noise
Whereas white noise consists of every audible frequency, black noise is the absence of sound. Simon and Garfunkel might be pleased to know that black noise is the sound of silence.
How Does White Noise Help You Sleep?
While most people turn to white noise to help them mask ambient noises around them, there are other ways that white noise can help you catch some zzz’s. However, we must also note that it is still being studied, and more research is needed Verified Source ScienceDirect One of the largest hubs for research studies and has published over 12 million different trusted resources. View source on how white noise can reduce sleep onset latency.
White Noise Blocks Ambient Noise and Promotes Deeper Sleep
Most people think that loud noises such as door slamming or a car honking is what wakes them from their slumber, but it’s not the noise itself that wakes them. It’s the change in consistency of sound.
Essentially white noise works by creating a buffer between ambient noise and your eardrums. In addition to helping you fall asleep, white noise also does the heavy lifting to help you stay asleep by blocking out or masking those jarring noises that disrupt your sleep.
To further illustrate this point, a recent study Verified Source National Library of Medicine (NIH) World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible. View source based out of New York City found that white noise significantly improved the sleep quality as well as the duration of sleep in that participants who reported sleep disruptions due to high levels of environmental noise.
Perfect for when you have to sleep through fireworks!
White Noise Helps You Fall Asleep Faster
Those who find themselves counting sheep to catch some shut-eye may be happy to know that white noise also cuts down on sleep latency, Verified Source National Library of Medicine (NIH) World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible. View source or the amount of time it takes you to fall asleep.
One study even found that white noise helped participants move right into stage 2 of their sleep cycle.
Stage 2 of your body’s sleep cycle is the stage where your body disengages from the environment, and your breathing and heart rate begins to slow down as your body prepares itself or stages 3 and 4, or the deeper sleep stages.
It Helps You Tune Out The Thoughts That Are Keeping You Awake at Night
For so many people, it’s worries and intrusive thoughts that keep sleep at bay. When your brain has a hard time powering down enough to let you catch some zzz’s, white noise can divert your focus and help you tune out the “noise” or intrusive thoughts keeping you awake at night.
How to Use White Noise for Better Sleep
Sound machines are one of the easiest ways to use white noise for better sleep. These machines are readily available, and you’ll find that there are plenty to choose from, including white noise machines, pink noise machines, and even machines that produce nature sounds like falling rain and crashing waves.
And in true 21st-century form, there are plenty of apps that do the same. By using your smartphone, you not only eliminate extra clutter to your nightstand, but smartphones, of course, have the intrinsic benefit of always being on your person. So, if you’re always on the go, you travel a lot and find yourself moving from hotel to hotel, your white noise is always with you.
If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few highly-rated apps for sleep to consider:
How to Choose a Sound Machine
You shouldn’t just have a TV in the bedroom and turn it on for some static at night if you want to take advantage of background noise. If you’re in the market for a white noise machine, there are a few things to consider when purchasing.
Sound Options
Sound machines are usually jam-packed with features, and many can produce multiple colors of noise. Some machines are also designed to produce ambient and natural sounds, so when you’re in the market for a sound machine, be sure to find the one that produces the sounds or sound color you want.
Price
Like everything else on the planet, white noise machines come in a wide array of price points. When you begin your search, you’ll likely find machines that cost $20 as well as machines that cost upwards of $100.
Your choice ultimately depends on what your budget allows. Just remember that higher-end machines typically come with more features than budget models.
Size
If you’re like most people, your nightstand is probably a flurry of activity. From charging your tech to storing your books, glasses, and whatever else you need during the night, there may not be a lot of space to work with. There may be ways to de-clutter your bedroom, but even so, you likely only have so much space to work with.
So, when you’re shopping for a white noise machine, you may want to consider the size as well. The good news is most white noise machines are lightweight and compact. In fact, many are designed to be travel-friendly, so it shouldn’t be hard to find one that doesn’t eat up too much real estate on your nightstand.
Looping Sounds
One important thing to consider when it comes to white noise machines is whether or not it turns off when it’s done or loops sounds. Some machines will simply stop when the recording is finished, while others loop sounds to create a continuous listening experience.
If you typically take a long time to fall asleep, an abrupt end to your white noise can be bothersome. In that case, a white noise machine with looping sounds (or continuous play) might be a better alternative.
Sleep Timers
Some white noise machines are equipped with programmable timers that automatically shut the device off after a certain amount of time. Auto shut-off features are always nice because you don’t have to disrupt your sleep to turn it off. Plus, they can be pretty helpful if your partner has a different sleep routine and doesn’t particularly care for white noise throughout the night.
Alarms
Many white noise machines also come equipped with a built-in alarm clock, so they’re essentially a one-and-done device eliminating the need for multiple devices on your nightstand.
Who Should Not Use White Noise for Sleep?
White noise can be beneficial for many individuals in improving their sleep quality. It is particularly helpful for those who struggle with falling asleep fast or staying asleep due to environmental noises or intrusive thoughts. It can create a soothing and consistent background sound that masks disruptive sounds and promotes a more relaxed state for sleep.
However, there are some cases where white noise may not be suitable. One such group is people with sensory sensitivities or individuals who find certain sounds overstimulating may not benefit from white noise and may find it more disruptive to their sleep. Conditions that are linked to sound sensitivity or sensory processing disorder Verified Source National Library of Medicine (NIH) World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible. View source include:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder Verified Source National Library of Medicine (NIH) World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible. View source (ASD): People with ASD often experience sensory sensitivities, including sounds.
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Verified Source National Library of Medicine (NIH) World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible. View source (ADHD): Individuals with ADHD may have sensory processing challenges, such as being easily overwhelmed by certain sounds, sights, or textures.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Verified Source National Library of Medicine (NIH) World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible. View source (PTSD): Individuals with PTSD may have heightened sensitivity to certain sensory cues, such as loud noises or crowded environments, due to their association with traumatic experiences.
- Anxiety Disorders: Verified Source National Library of Medicine (NIH) World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible. View source Anxiety can contribute to sensory sensitivities and overstimulation, making individuals more susceptible to sensory overload.
- Migraine Disorders: Verified Source National Library of Medicine (NIH) World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible. View source Migraines can cause hypersensitivity to light, sound, and other sensory stimuli during a migraine episode.
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Verified Source National Library of Medicine (NIH) World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible. View source (CFS): People with CFS may experience heightened sensitivity to sensory input, such as noise, light, or touch.
While individuals with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Verified Source National Library of Medicine (NIH) World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible. View source (OCD) and Tourette Syndrome Verified Source National Library of Medicine (NIH) World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible. View source can experience sensory sensitivities, there is no direct correlation between these conditions and sensitivity to white noise. Sensory sensitivities can vary from person to person, and some individuals may find certain sounds or stimuli bothersome, while others may not. In some cases, certain sounds or repetitive patterns, including white noise, may inadvertently become associated with obsessive thoughts or tic triggers, potentially leading to increased distress or discomfort.
Individuals with certain medical conditions or hearing impairments may need to consult with a healthcare professional before using white noise. These include individuals with hyperacusis Verified Source National Library of Medicine (NIH) World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible. View source (extreme sensitivity to sound), tinnitus Verified Source National Library of Medicine (NIH) World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible. View source (ringing in the ears), or certain types of hearing loss.
It’s important to understand your own preferences and sensitivities when it comes to sound and to experiment with different types of noise or sound colors to find what works best for you.
Some individuals may find other sound options, such as pink noise or nature sounds, more soothing and effective for their sleep. Especially if they need to sleep with tinnitus. Others may benefit from silence.
For those sleeping with hearing loss, white noise machines may need to be positioned carefully or set at specific volumes to be effective without causing discomfort.
When to See a Doctor
Everyone experiences sleep issues from time to time, which is totally normal. And while it’s ok, to seek your own solutions, such as melatonin for sleep, ongoing issues may require the help of your doctor.
Not only can your doctor identify any underlying health issues that may be causing insomnia or other disordered sleeping, but he or she will most likely be able to offer solutions that work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should white noise stay on all night?
Whether or not to keep white noise on all night is a personal preference. Some people prefer to keep it on all night, while others prefer to have it automatically switched off after they fall asleep.
It is important to keep the volume at a safe level and to avoid placing the sound machine too close to your ears. You may also wish to speak with your doctor about the potential risks of leaving a sound machine unattended.
Can anxiety make you sensitive to white noise?
Yes, people with anxiety disorders can be sound sensitive, as can people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and Tourette Syndrome. For people with anxiety, it’s possible for white noise to soothe them. However, some people may find that white noise can increase their feelings of anxiety or make it more difficult to fall asleep.
Instead of white noise, it may be helpful to try other methods for blocking out noise, such as earplugs, noise-canceling headphones, thicker curtains in the bedroom, etc.
Can you use white noise to help children sleep?
Yes, white noise can be used to help children sleep. It can help drown out other noises in the environment and create a calming atmosphere. White noise has even been suggested as a way to help infants sleep at night.
It is important to use white noise at a safe volume and to avoid placing the sound machine too close to the child’s ears. Parents should also be aware of any potential risks associated with white noise and consult with a pediatrician if they have any concerns.
Can white noise help me fall asleep faster?
Yes, white noise can help you fall asleep faster. White noise can create a constant and consistent background noise that can help block out other sounds that may be keeping you awake. This can help create a more relaxing environment and help you fall asleep faster.
How do you drown out sounds in your sleep?
To block out noise in the bedroom, you can go beyond just wearing earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones. A thicker door or a towel stuffed into the crack between the door and the floor can muffle noise outside the bedroom, and acoustic wall panels can reduce sound within the bedroom. Heavier curtains or even new windows can keep noise outside from disturbing your rest.
Conclusion
In conclusion, white noise can be a helpful tool in improving sleep quality by blocking out ambient noises, promoting deeper sleep, reducing sleep latency, and helping to divert attention from intrusive thoughts. It can be used through sound machines or smartphone apps, providing a convenient solution for better sleep.
However, it’s important to consider individual preferences and needs when using white noise, and consulting a doctor may be necessary for ongoing sleep issues. Remember, finding the right approach to sleep is a personal journey, and seeking professional guidance can lead to effective solutions tailored to your specific situation.
Key Takeaways
- Material Quality Impacts Price: The materials used in a mattress significantly affect its cost. High-quality materials like natural fibers, organic cotton, and latex are more expensive than synthetic materials. Fiberglass-free mattresses, which use materials like wool, silica, and plant fibers instead of fiberglass, can also be more expensive due to their eco-friendly and health-conscious properties.
- Mattress Durability Matters: The longevity of a mattress can justify its cost. A good quality mattress can last 7 to 10 years or more, making it a worthwhile investment in long-term sleep quality. Higher-quality materials and construction contribute to a mattress’s durability.
- Advanced Features Increase Price: Mattresses with advanced features, such as adjustable firmness, heating or cooling capabilities, hypoallergenic properties, edge support, and sleep sensors, tend to be more expensive. These features enhance sleep quality and convenience but also add to the overall cost of the mattress.
Depending on the mattress brand and model, mattresses can cost anywhere between a few hundred dollars to the upper thousands. It’s easy to see why that might leave you asking, “Why are mattresses so expensive?”
Before you purchase a mattress, you should understand what goes into its cost.
There are a few driving points behind this range of price, including but not limited to: materials, special features such as extra thickness or greater edge support, and the length of time a mattress typically lasts a household.
Mattresses are a necessity in most households. They can have a direct impact on your health and while their general purpose remains the same, the technology and research behind a mattress, its density, and the high demand for a good quality mattress contribute to rising prices.
Beyond that, delivery and shipping for a mattress and buying in-store will often add to the price of a new mattress.
Adding to that, there isn’t much demand for a used mattress so your options for buying a mattress remain either buying in-store or online.
Read on to learn more about what goes into a mattress, what some special features might mean for you, and how where you purchase your mattress can impact how much it costs you.
Let’s start off by looking at some of the materials in a mattress that can impact how much it costs.
Mattress Materials
The materials used to create a mattress are a significant factor in making mattresses so expensive. Better quality materials will increase the price of a bed. Some materials, such as organic materials, are also more costly to produce than high-quality synthetic materials.
Here’s a quick rundown on common mattress materials.
Fiberglass-Free
There are a multitude of reasons one might opt for fiberglass free, despite fiberglass being commonly used in mattresses as a flame retardant.
Some of these reasons include health precautions; fiberglass can irritate your throat, eyes, and skin if released from the mattress. Others might seek a mattress without fiberglass for environmental reasons. Fiberglass is made from a composite of materials, including plastic.
When mattress companies choose to make mattresses that are fiberglass-free they often replace the fiberglass with more expensive and natural materials like wool. So a mattress without fiberglass can also be one of the more eco-friendly mattresses on the market, excellent for anyone seeking to reduce their carbon footprint.
Wool, silica, and plant fibers are commonly used to create a fiberglass-free mattress and aren’t as irritating and potentially dangerous for humans to interact with. For many, knowing they are purchasing a mattress without fiberglass is a benefit of latex mattresses.
That said, you can find memory foam mattresses without fiberglass. It takes some research, but it can be done.
However, if you do choose to buy a mattress that uses fiberglass, it’s important to keep the cover of your mattress intact. The cover prevents the fiberglass from being released into your home where it can be hard to clean up and can cause health issues. For extra security,
Natural Fibers
If you are shopping for a mattress that uses high-quality materials like natural fibers, that might be why when you shop the mattresses are so expensive.
Beds are made using a multitude of materials, including felt, cotton, foam, and linen.
For example, materials in a more expensive mattress might be GOTS-certified organic cotton or GOLS-certified organic latex raising the overall cost of the bed.
Individually Wrapped vs. Innerspring Coils
For a more comfortable mattress, materials such as individually wrapped coils are used. Individually wrapped coils are a way of increasing the comfort level of a more traditional metal coil mattress, also known as an innerspring mattress.
In a bed that uses innerspring coils, the coils are all connected and react to pressure as a whole. Any movement on the mattress results in a reacting motion across the entirety of the bed. This can be uncomfortable for those who share their bed.
In comparison, with individually wrapped coil mattresses, the coils are covered in a type of fabric or foam, allowing them to move and react to pressure individually, moving with the weight of your body and position on the mattress.
New mattresses that use individually wrapped coils cost more because they use more materials, but the added benefit is an overall increase in the mattress’s comfort level.
Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrid mattresses combine two different types of mattresses. A hybrid mattress uses coil technology with a comfort layer of memory foam or latex foam on top.
As discussed earlier, innerspring coils react to pressure singularly differently. Hybrids have pocketed coils and are a technological advancement that has made mattresses more comfortable. Both the pocketed springs and comfort layers are the result of extensive research and testing.
Foam
Foam is made from plastic polymer components or latex. High-quality, such as GOLS-certified foam mattresses will naturally be more expensive due to the price of the materials. The quality of density for a foam mattress can also impact the price of a mattress.
Different mattress manufacturers and retailers use different recipes to craft their mattresses. For example, some brands have developed high-quality and low-density foam mattresses that are lighter than other types of foam mattresses.
Memory Foam
Memory foam is made out of a special polyurethane. It molds to the body and responds to pressure. Memory foam is prevalent in mattresses, but it’s still a technologically advanced material.
Memory foam was first invented by NASA to be used in spaceships. The material is shock absorbent and was used for seat belts and cushions. It has since been repurposed to be used in mattresses, but it was invented by some of the greatest minds in history.
There are different types of memory foam mattresses, each having its own strengths.
The types of memory foam are:
- Open Cell: Open cell is less dense than closed cell memory foam. It allows for greater airflow.
- Traditional (closed cell): Traditional memory foam uses closed cells. The closed cells trap heat.
- Gel: Gel memory foam is a memory foam mattress with gel pods added to the top layer or gel infused into the foam. The gel adds more support and cooling.
- Reflex: Reflex foam is a lower-cost polyurethane alternative to memory foam. It uses bubbles instead of holes that bounce back to their original shape when pressure is relieved from the surface.
- Plant-Based: Plant-based memory foam is made using mostly plant-based compounds. It is impossible for a memory foam mattress to be 100% plant-based. However, it is a great option for the environmentally concerned.
While shopping for a foam mattress you should consider the amount of support you need for a good night’s rest. The density of a mattress doesn’t impact the “feel” of the bed, but it can affect the lifespan and level of support offered by your mattress.
Lower-density mattresses unless specially engineered, often offer less support, but allow for greater airflow. Higher-density mattresses usually offer greater support but can trap more heat depending on the materials used.
The quality of foam used can affect how long your new mattress lasts before showing signs of use. However, most mattresses can be used for several years before needing to be replaced. This factors into the overall cost of mattresses.
Mattress Duration
A good mattress can last 7-10 years before it begins to sag or show other signs of use. Beyond sagging, some signs you should replace your mattress are if you are experiencing aches and pains after sleeping or if you are no longer waking up feeling well-rested.
The quality of materials used in a durable mattress has a direct impact on the cost and length of time the bed lasts before needing to be replaced.
It’s worth considering just how much people value quality sleep. A Sleep Junkie survey of over 3,000 Americans found the average respondent would pay $130.20 for a single perfect night of rest.
Spread that figure across seven to ten years of nightly use, and a well-made mattress starts to look less like an expense and more like an obvious investment. You won’t need to replace the mattress as often and you will get better quality sleep.
Saving Money with Amerisleep Mattresses
Quick Guide: A 30-Second Summary
| Best Mattress Overall | Amerisleep AS3 |
| Best Latex Mattress | Amerisleep Organica |
Amerisleep is committed to offering affordable mattresses without skimping on quality, ensuring that every Amerisleep mattress offers long-lasting support and comfort. We offer a 100-night sleep trial and a 20-year warranty with every mattress, to better safeguard a shopper’s investment.
-
Price Range
$849 to $1798
-
Mattress Type
Memory Foam
-
Firmness
5 to 6 out of 10 (Medium)
-
Availability
All sizes
-
Warranty
20 Years
-
Thickness
12 Inches
The AS3 is a memory foam mattress capable of suiting most sleeping styles while relying on affordable foams for its extensive comfort and support.
- Plant-based memory foam top
- Targeted support from transition foam
- Base foam for long-lasting support
- Side, back, and combination sleepers
- Hot sleepers looking for a cooling bed
- Couples seeking affordable comfort
The Amerisleep AS3 is our most popular mattress, with memory foam comfort and durable, supportive underlying foams. Its medium feel is designed to suit most sleeping positions and body types, though we do also offer firmer and softer mattresses for more specialized sleep needs.
Encasing the AS3 is a cover fabric of Refresh, a material that goes beyond standard heat-wicking fibers. The cover fabric absorbs heat and converts it into infrared energy, which can penetrate the body and increase local bloodflow for more restorative rest.
The comfort layer is Bio-Pur® foam, a plant-based memory foam. By replacing some synthetic petrochemicals with plant oils, the resulting foam is more responsive and breathable.
Next is a layer of Affinity foam with HIVE® technology. The hexagonal cutouts that form HIVE® technology provide extra softness in the shoulders and hips while maintaining support in the head, back, and feet.
The base is Bio-Core® foam, a material designed to stand strong and resist sagging from use.
There’s also the AS3 Hybrid mattress, which pairs Bio-Pur® foam with a base of pocketed coils for motion-isolating support. The perimeter of the AS3 Hybrid establishes resilient edge support for easier mornings moving out of bed.
-
Price Range
$1049 to $2348
-
Mattress Type
Latex Hybrid
-
Firmness
5 to 6 out of 10 (Medium)
-
Availability
All sizes
-
Warranty
20 Years
-
Thickness
13 Inches
Latex mattresses are known for their durability and responsiveness, along with a concentration of natural materials. Our Organica mattress increases the bounce of latex by pairing the material with buoyant wrapped coils.
- Multiple certifications for quality materials
- Cotton cover and wool flame barrier
- Pocketed coils support bouncy latex
- Sleepers with non-latex allergies
- Most sleeping positions
- Those seeking natural comfort
Latex mattresses can be quite costly, but the Amerisleep Organica offers durable, natural comfort at affordable prices. However, this doesn’t come at the expense of lessened quality, as the Organica has a number of certifications for its materials:
- The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) has certified the cotton yarn in the cover fabric as organic.
- The wool and latex foam layers have passed the Standard 100 test by OEKO-TEX®
- The latex foam has also been approved by the Rainforest Alliance and the eco-INSTITUT
The Organica’s cover fabric of organic cotton feels gently smooth, staying cool and dry even as you lie stretched all night long. The next layer is organic wool, boosting the cotton’s cool feel while serving as natural flame protection.
The primary comfort layer is 2 inches of soft, contouring Talalay latex, ready to meet the body’s curves and whisk away tension. Underneath is another inch of Talalay latex with a firmer medium feel, creating a responsive transition. The support core is 8 inches of pocketed coils on an inch-thick base.
Impact on Health
Mattresses are expensive, but they are also a necessity for most when it comes to a good night’s rest, and they are constantly evolving to better fulfill that purpose. The best mattress for you will help you get a good night’s sleep.
Sleep is encoded in our DNA, Verified Source Oxford Academic Research journal published by Oxford University. View source Studies suggest that sleep patterns like being a “night owl” versus being a “morning person” are inheritable. Sleep is a chemical process that your body needs to function properly. Ideally, your mattress supports your ability to sleep.
The inability to sleep can result in several health issues ranging in severity. Sleeping well can positively impact your cardiovascular health and your metabolic health. It can also reduce the likelihood of workplace accidents.
Back Pain
You spend a large portion of your night lying on your bed. During that time, your back is in direct contact with your mattress.
If you suffer from back pain, the right mattress can alleviate your back pain by giving you proper support and avoiding pressure points.
Medium-firm mattresses provide the most significant relief for those who sleep on their back or stomach with back pain.
Side sleepers might find that medium or softer mattresses are better mattresses for back pain.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a chronic condition that can result in individuals affected waking up more frequently in the night and can impact their ability to breathe while they sleep.
A mattress cannot medically treat sleep apnea, but it can offer some relief. For those who suffer from sleep apnea, a supportive mattress can offer relief. Sleep apnea can be reduced Verified Source Oxford Academic Research journal published by Oxford University. View source by lessening obstruction of the airways by lifting heads.
Side sleepers are more likely to be positively impacted by a supportive mattress. A supportive mattress provides appropriate lift for their head, neck, and body.
Adjustable beds are excellent for individuals with sleep apnea that sleep on their backs. They give these sleepers the option of elevating their heads in a way that feels comfortable to them.
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
A mattress cannot cure restless leg syndrome, but it can reduce the impact that it has on your sleep.
Restless Leg Syndrome is characterized by involuntary movement of the lower body. This movement can wake the individual with RLS and anyone who they might be sharing their bed with.
Mattresses, like foam or hybrid, that are designed to absorb motion are a great solution for preventing RLS from disrupting your sleep.
Mattress Special Features
A mattress isn’t one-size-fits-all, and for health or comfort purposes, you might prefer a mattress that meets your singular needs.
Special features will make a mattress more expensive, and while linked with the cost of better materials, these requirements can be unique to the individual purchasing the mattress.
Special features include orthopedic qualities, cooling capabilities, hypoallergenic qualities, edge support, and extra thickness. These types of good-quality mattresses are often more expensive.
Orthopedic Qualities
If you suffer from chronic back pain and aches, a good orthopedic mattress might ease your discomfort at night. While retailers advertise some mattresses as having orthopedic qualities, they often don’t have anything to truly differentiate them from other types beyond their firmness.
A mattress that is qualified as medium-firm has been shown to have the greatest impact on improving back pain. Mattresses with this level of firmness can also help correct posture depending on your sleep position.
Cooling Capabilities
Mattresses with cooling technology use expensive materials to wick away heat. These materials often cost more than those that retain heat. Naturally, more material like what a soft and cool cloud mattress offers also increases the price.
If you are a “hot sleeper,” a mattress with cooling capabilities would likely improve your sleep quality. In fact, even if you don’t consider yourself a hot sleeper, scientists have found that sleeping in a cool environment has the potential to improve your sleep quality.
If you live in a hot environment, a mattress with cooling capabilities could help ease your discomfort at night. You can supplement the potential of a cooling mattress by further taking steps to cool down your room.
Hypoallergenic
Hypoallergenic mattresses use special materials to deter common allergens from being absorbed into the mattress.
Foam, latex, and dust-resistant covers are preferred when making a hypoallergenic mattress.
These higher-quality materials are used by mattress companies to prevent dust mites from building up. They also are effective at keeping out other pollutants and allergy triggers like pollens and microorganisms.
If you suffer from severe allergies or asthma, a hypoallergenic mattress could alleviate some of your symptoms.
Edge Support
Edge support is used to refer to the supportiveness of the edge of your mattress. It’s often found in hybrid mattresses, though other types of mattresses may also feature edge support.
Edge support creates a strong framework for your mattress. If you are concerned about rolling off your bed for any reason, a mattress with edge support will likely help you with these issues.
Edge support can also make getting into and out of bed easier, making it a helpful feature for anyone seeking a mattress for arthritis or other conditions that restrict movement.
Extra Thickness
Extra thick mattresses are over 16 inches deep or tall and are considered unnecessary for most adults to achieve better sleep. However, someone might be motivated to purchase an extra thick mattress for preferential reasons.
We should also note that due to their weight and size, extra thick mattresses cost more to make and deliver. So an extra thick bed isn’t likely to be one of the best affordable mattresses.
Mattresses that are suitable for the majority of the adult population can range from 8-16 inches thick and are split between standard: 8-12 inches thick; and thick, deep, or tall: 12-16 inches thick. Even a tall mattress can be one of the best mattresses under $2000, depending on its size and materials.
If you would like to know more about how thick your mattress should be to provide you with the most comfortable sleep, feel free to read this more in-depth article on mattress thickness.
Buying In-Store Mattresses
Something as seemingly innocuous as buying your mattress in-store can be another reason why you are wondering, “Why are mattresses so expensive?” Mattress stores need to mark up the prices of their beds to see a profit margin.
What is the best place to buy a mattress, then? While buying in-store provides you with the option of “testing” a mattress before buying it, making buying from stores attractive, purchasing your mattress from an online retailer will usually help you save money.
Running a Store
Running a store costs owners money, and in order to make up for that and see profit margins, most stores mark up the prices of their products to account for their overhead costs.
If they display mattresses from multiple mattress manufacturers, their products will likely have a higher price; buying products made in-house is generally less expensive than purchasing from another party.
You can save money on a new mattress by looking for deals in these stores.
Shipping and Delivery
Mattresses are heavy, which means delivery and shipping for mattresses can cost a lot of money. A store has to have their mattresses shipped and delivered to their store location first before they can display them or send them to your home. The cost of this is reflected in their prices.
However, many online mattresses are also mail order mattresses, including free home shipping. Such mattresses usually arrive in a box, compressed and rolled up for easier portability. Once the mattress is taken out and unwrapped, it will begin expanding to its full size.
Marketing and Advertising
Another reason behind the cost of mattresses is the cost of marketing. The mattress market is saturated with options, and stores and brands need to spend money on advertising in order to stand out in a competitive market.
The marketing and advertising necessary to make mattress sellers visible can add to the cost of running a store. All of these can contribute to the prices you see while shopping for a new bed. Buying a new mattress online could help you save money and avoid some of the added costs of buying in-store.
Technology in Mattresses
Mattresses are produced using more high-tech materials now than in the past to increase sleep quality. The sleep technology used in mattresses was created through careful study and as consumers adjust to some of these newer features, what is acceptable as a standard mattress has changed.
A high-quality luxury mattress with these new features will be more expensive.
Heating or Cooling Materials
Some brands have begun to include technology that can warm up or cool down your bed. This can be useful for those in extreme climates or for people who struggle to sleep if their environment isn’t at the right temperature. However, having this kind of technology will raise the price of a mattress.
Heating or cooling materials are usually used with foam mattresses, as this material tends to absorb heat faster than it releases it.
Heated mattresses use heated wires to maintain a warm surface temperature on the mattress. In comparison, some mattress brands that boast advanced cooling mattresses use electric fans to cool the mattress from underneath.
Scientists have also developed mattress materials that don’t use electricity that can have a similar impact and establish a cooling mattress. Open-cell mattresses are a great example of this. Their open structure disperses heat more effectively than more tightly woven materials.
In the past, this also meant that they were less supportive but several companies have developed open-cell foam that provides the same level of support as closed-cell and traditional foam. Some mattress companies have also begun to use copper, gel, or graphite as a material to release heat in mattresses.
Of course, you want to make the most of a mattress that minimizes hot sleeping by dressing it with cooling sheets and pillows. One trick to stay cool while sleeping is to stick your sheets in the freezer a few hours before bed,
Adjustable Firmness
Mattresses that feature adjustable firmness use smart technology to increase the pressure to best suit your needs. It is helpful for those who might share a bed. It can also be great if you’re unsure of what pressure you sleep with best, sparing you the trouble of looking for the right mattress firmness.
Other companies allow you to manually adjust the firmness by switching the foam materials inside to raise or lower the firmness. There are also companies that have mattresses that are flippable with each side having a different firmness level.
Flippable mattresses and manually adjustable mattresses are also excellent at extending the lifespan of your mattress by giving you the option of switching over to the next side or changing the foam when body impressions become a concern.
Sleep Sensors
Sleep sensors are devices placed beneath the top layer of a mattress that can help you better understand how you sleep. They track your movement, heart rate, sleep time, and breathing.
Sleep sensors share similarities with other devices used to track your health, such as monitors for heart rate variability while sleeping, that you typically wear. Yet sleep sensors in the mattress spare the inconvenience of needing to wear a device while you sleep. Employing sleep sensors in a mattress will also cause a mattress to be more expensive.
Buying Secondhand Mattresses
You can save by shopping for a secondhand mattress instead of a new mattress, but despite being a necessity in most homes, they don’t sell well secondhand. Most people prefer to buy new mattresses, which are more costly, than risk the uncertainty of a used mattress.
In the long term, buying a new mattress from a retailer instead of secondhand will likely help you save money. You can’t accurately know how much wear and tear a secondhand mattress has unlike a new mattress.
The limited resale value of mattresses is based mostly on hygiene concerns. It is difficult to be sure that the person you’re buying from second-hand used a mattress cover and took good care of the mattress.
However, that is not the only reason for the limited secondhand market for mattresses; some states don’t allow the resale of used mattresses.
Some concerns for a used mattress are bed bugs, Verified Source Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Works to control/prevent natural and manmade disasters. View source stains, allergens, Verified Source National Library of Medicine (NIH) World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible. View source and body impressions from the previous owner. It is generally recommended to buy a new mattress for these reasons. Even with pictures and an in-person inspection before purchasing, it can be hard to tell if you’re buying a good mattress.
Unless you are certain the previous owners used a mattress protector, you should consider spending money on a new mattress.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a mattress last?
How long you can expect a mattress to last depends on the type of mattress and material used. Mattresses with springs have a greater risk of sagging as they age, with hybrid mattresses lasting longer on average than traditional innerspring mattresses. Foam mattresses are overall more resilient, with latex foam resisting wear and tear better than memory foam.
Spring mattresses may last around 5 to 7 years, while memory foam mattresses should last 7 to 10 years or more. Latex mattresses can last a couple of decades.
Frequency of use is another factor that determines how long a mattress lasts. A mattress in a guest room that only sees occasional use may last decades, while a mattress used nightly may only last a handful of years.
What’s the difference between cheap and expensive mattresses?
There are a number of expected differences between lower-priced and higher-priced mattresses, such as material quality. Some budget mattresses may also rely on slimmer thicknesses, using fewer materials to save on costs.
Cheaper mattresses also may not come with a proper sleep trial or even a return policy. Instead, the company may offer an inexpensive mattress as a final sale item, so shoppers have no way to get their money back if the bed isn’t comfortable. These mattresses may also have a shorter-than-average warranty, maybe about 5 or so years.
Is $3000 too much for a mattress?
It depends on the type of material used and the size of the mattress, but generally, you shouldn’t have to pay $3000 for a comfortable and durable mattress. Traditional king beds and split king mattresses with latex foam or pocketed coils may be around this price point, particularly if they’re around 14 inches or thicker.
If you’re paying more for a mattress, it’s important to make sure it comes with a lengthy sleep trial and mattress warranty. For a more expensive mattress, the warranty should offer at least 20 years of protection.
What’s the average price of a queen mattress?
Queen mattresses tend to cost around $1000 to $1100 for a memory foam or innerspring mattress, though latex and hybrid mattresses tend to cost a few hundred dollars more. While you may be able to find a budget queen mattress for less money, it’s important to remember that you don’t want to skimp on quality when it comes to better sleep.
We suggest looking for queen mattresses that are at least 10 inches thick and it should come with a sleep trial and a mattress warranty that spans at least the first 10 years of ownership.
What type of mattress is most expensive?
When it comes to the most expensive types of mattresses, natural latex beds and hybrid mattresses are the most costly options on the market. Hybrid mattresses blend different types of comfortable materials together, which raises their production costs. Similarly, latex mattresses have high production costs from their natural and organic materials.
Why Mattresses Are So Expensive
Mattresses are more expensive than ever, but they are also better designed. There are several reasons for the high price of a new mattress. In comparison to the past, they use better materials and have a greater focus on meeting individual needs.
Your bed can directly impact your life by affecting how you sleep, and it can last a decade or longer. Choosing a high-value mattress with sturdy materials will stretch out the time until you need to replace a mattress.
You can also save by buying from an online retailer or looking for brands that feature 0% APR mattress financing and free delivery on their products. It is also easy to find a great deal and pay less by shopping online.
About the author
Geoff McKinnen is a writer focusing mainly on the healthcare industry and has written articles on everything from foods to help you lose weight to the connection between Alzheimer’s and sleep. Geoff’s passionate about helping readers improve their well-being to lead happier lives. Outside of work, Geoff enjoys cycling and hiking and believes that by leading a healthy lifestyle, he can help others do the same.
View all posts
