Your cart is currently empty
Looking For A New Mattress?
Don't Get Ripped Off
Discover What’s Actually Inside the Mattress You’re Thinking About Buying… And
How to Get a Luxury $6,000 Mattress For Less Than $2,000
Or a Premium $1,200 Mattress For Less Than $400
Many people feel overwhelmed when they walk into a mattress store. There are so many choices. The truth is, it’s designed to be that way. And it gets even worse when the ‘Mattress Consultant’ further bamboozles you with terms like micro-pocket coils and alternating coil technology. In this article, I’m going to expose the sneaky tricks that mattress manufactures and retail stores use to get you to pay thousands too much. I’m going to show you the most important things to look for in a new mattress (including the one question you must ask). And how to get a $6,000 mattress for less than $2,000 or a $1,200 mattress for less than $400. But first…
I Have a Confession to Make
My brother and I own 4 mattress stores in Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, and a mattress factory at Sumner Park. So naturally, we’d love you to buy your mattress from us. But more than that, we want to make sure you get a mattress you’ll love – a genuinely high-quality mattress that will last for years – without getting ripped off. You see, we meet people every day who are totally confused about mattresses. And people who feel disappointed (even angry) because they paid thousands for their last mattress and it has not lasted. So we’re on a mission to expose the industry scams. And it starts by telling you…
What's Actually Inside the Mattress You're Thinking About Buying
The core of most mattresses is made from one of two types of springs. The first type uses lengths of wire formed into hour-glass shapes, connected by rows of spiral (helical) wire and held together by a wire hoop at the top and bottom. These are often called Bonnell Springs. But no matter what name mattress stores use, this traditional style of wire spring is essentially the same. In fact, most are made by one company and shipped in compressed form to mattress companies all around the world. The second type of spring is called a Pocket Spring. This is where each spring is wrapped in a thin layer of fabric and moves independently to minimize partner disturbance. Pocket Spring mattresses often come with heavier springs in the middle of the bed to give extra support for your hips (3 zone). Don’t be fooled by sales people who tell you 5 or 7 zones are better. This is just a gimmick to get you to pay more for a mattress. Likewise, don’t be fooled by people who tell you more springs are better. The more springs a mattress has, the smaller and thinner those springs have to be (and potentially weaker). But I suppose when someone is trying to sell you a $6,000 mattress, 4,000 springs sounds better than 1,000 even if it’s not true. Pocket Spring mattresses tend to cost a little more than Bonnell Spring Mattresses but offer a genuine advantage in terms of less partner disturbance.
What About Edge Support
In order to maintain support right to the edges, an extra piece of wire can be connected to the top and bottom hoops of a Bonnell Spring mattress and a strong foam box can be added to a Pocket Spring Mattress. Edge supports add genuine benefit because they allow you to sleep or sit right on the edge of the bed without the side collapsing. Edge supports should add around $100 to the price of a Bonnell Spring mattress and around $200 to the price of a Pocket Spring mattress depending if the support goes all the way around or if it is just added to the sides.
What's on Top Of The Springs?
Most mattresses have a layer of felt directly on top of the springs. But many manufacturers skimp by using very thin felt or only putting felt on one side of the springs. We use heavy grade felt that provides a solid base for comfort layers. On top of the felt you’ll find a variety of comfort layers – usually a combination of foam or latex and sometimes other natural materials like wool. This is by far the most expensive part of a mattress and the reason luxury mattresses cost more. But don’t be fooled. No matter what type of foam or latex (or what fancy name a manufacturer gives their comfort layers), it should never add thousands to the price of a mattress.
The Truth About Different Foams
Listen carefully because this is one of the most important things you need to know when choosing a mattress. The type of foam used in a mattress will not only affect its feel, it will significantly affect the longevity of the mattress. Foams are measured in two ways. Firstly there is the feel- hard or soft. Then there is the density – high or low. The feel is what makes one mattress appear plush and another firm. The density is what makes one foam last longer than another. You can get a soft mattress in low or high density. Density does not affect the feel. But it will make a big difference to how long your mattress will last. Density is what costs the money. So before you buy a mattress, be sure to ask about the density of the foams inside. The first layer (on top of the felt) is usually the lowest density (20-25kg/m2 is usually fine for this layer). But many manufacturers continue to use low density (20kg/m2 or lower) for the top comfort layer. While you won’t notice this when you first feel your new mattress, it will become obvious as the foam breaks down and you end up sleeping in a hollow (sometimes as quickly as just a few months).
What About Memory and Gel Foams?
Memory foam is a term used to describe foams that have a slow ‘bounce’. In other words, once depressed, they take a few seconds to regain their original shape. Gel foam is a term used to describe foam that is infused with a special gel substance. Both memory and gel foams feel similar to touch. But because some people complain memory foams are hot to sleep on (due to the fact you tend to sink into the foam more), the addition of gel particles encourages air flow and a cooler sleeping surface. Although used as a marketing gimmick by many manufacturers, we do see some benefit in using gel infused memory foam if you tend to feel hot when you sleep.
What About Latex?
Unlike memory foam that has a slow ‘bounce’ latex returns to its original shape very quickly. This doesn’t mean latex feels hard to sleep on. Quite the contrary, latex has quite a plush feel. But unlike memory foam which causes you to sink into the bed, latex supports you on the surface
What's About Pillow Top?
The term pillow top refers to the extra comfort layers usually only on one side of the mattress. This provides an extra soft sleeping surface for those who like a plush feel. Once again, the most important thing is what is inside the pillow top – namely, the density of foam. A low density foam may feel luxurious at first, but as it breaks down you may feel like you are sleeping in a hollow.
What about Non-Flip Mattresses?
In some ways, this is another industry gimmick. The fact that most people don’t like to flip their mattress each month has lead manufacturers to say things like ‘non-flip technology’. What this really means is that the mattress only has comfort layers on one side. So in a way, this has enabled manufacturers to save money on manufacturing while charging more. A mattress that can be flipped will generally last twice as long as a single side mattress (provided you do actually flip it).
What About The Plush Top?
Some people like the look and feel of the ‘cloud-like’ comfort layers incorporated into the quilting of some mattresses. The problem is, this layer usually flattens quickly. Some salespeople say, “Your mattress will settle and mould to your body shape over time.” The truth is, the fluffy quilting is simply getting flat. We advise against plush quilting because if you like the plush feel, you will soon be disappointed as the quilting flattens. If you do like a particularly soft surface layer, we recommend inserting a thin layer of high density memory foam in the quilting.
What About Mattresses That Cost $3000, $5000 and Even $10,000?
As you now know, the internal components of most mattresses are pretty much the same. And the most important part is the comfort layers (i.e. the density\quality of the foam). But no matter what fancy names are given to a mattress or it’s components – including terms relating to the type or number or springs – if you’re paying $6,000 for a mattress, we think you are being ripped off.
Summary and Special Offer
Want to get a $6,000 mattress for $2,000? Our Luxury Heaven mattress is equivalent or better than most big brand $6,000 mattresses and includes a dual spring system with pocket coils, full foam box support on all sides, extra-thick felt padding, and 5cm of natural latex and premium quality quilting. If you prefer a cheaper mattress, our sensor comfort mattress is equivalent or better than most big-brand $1,200 mattresses and includes Bonnell Springs, firm side supports on all sides, extra thick felt padding and a generous amount of high density foam. For more information and personal assistance from a Factory Trained Mattress Specialist, vist our showroom at C1, 10 Compton Road, Underwood, click onto our website www.simplybeds.com.au or call 34163368.
Month Special: Mention this article and receive a FREE
‘Water Proof’ Mattress Protector valued at $94 with
Luxury Heaven mattress.
For more information and personal assistance
from a Factory Trained Mattress Specialist, visit
one of our showrooms at Sumner Park, Lawnton, Underwood and Kunda Park.
