The mattress market is an inelastic and continuously growing industry in Singapore with a total market size of S$49.9 million. It is a slow-moving and stable market that is primarily composed of three major brands and eleven smaller brands. There has been a recent trend for these traditional brands turning to online marketing, selling through e-commerce, offering a hybrid range, and using traditional construction methods and materials. The promoted benefits of these mattresses include various cooling technologies, the use of pocketed springs, and extended warranties for at least a decade. The launched hybrid mattresses also claim to strike a balance between contouring support and responsive bounce.
Locals have shown a preference for investing in self-improvement through the choice of customizable mattresses as opposed to expatriates and foreign workers who favor economical choices. As a result of the frequent co-sleeping and confinements performed, latex mattresses are highly sought after by the Chinese. The proportion of high-income individuals’ mattress spending to their monthly salaries has increased, resulting in an increase in the overall average mattress spending. The online mattress market has also gained traction, with an expected growth rate of 3.4%, while the brick-and-mortar channels remain stable. While 51% of consumers initially wanted to test products in-store, a majority of them later purchased the mattress online due to better deals. This shopping for a bed reflects the importance of maintaining an online retail presence to facilitate purchases. As of yet, there are no regulations in place that govern the kind of unlawful conduct in-store that can potentially dissuade consumers from shopping.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Mattress
Several factors should be taken into account when considering whether or not to purchase a new mattress. One of the most significant concerns is comfort. To mitigate discomfort while lying in sleep bed that may arise from sleeping surfaces that are too firm or too soft, consumers should give priority to testing the product. The quantity of sleep obtained from resting on different mattresses should also receive substantial weight in the assessment of which one to purchase. Procuring a product that will provide good quality sleep for the consumer will ultimately aid in the avoidance of fatigue and frustration during the day. The mattress must be within the purchaser’s budget; prices range from around $200 to $800 for basic foam and spring mattress choices, $700 to $3,000 for branded products, and up to $12,000 for international brands.
Individuals who suffer back discomfort should also be concerned with the product they buy, since sleeping on an excessively soft or firm mattress may worsen back discomfort. Consideration of allergies should also be given. Individuals resistant to bacteria, microorganisms, and dust mites should opt for foam products over spring designs, while those suffering from similar problems should take care to wash their pillows and blankets in hot water to destroy mites. Similarly, the final choice should be free of any toxic compounds that could aggravate individuals with sensitivities. Consumers’ individual choices for the mattress material and firmness level are essential. Redistributions of body mass take place in four principal positions during sleep, necessitating variations in the sleeping surface to provide maximum comfort and proper spinal alignment. Purchasers should become informed about the options available to make an educated selection resulting in longer mattress satisfaction and use.
Types of Mattresses Available in the Market
Mattresses are a major convenience factor and can bring you long-lasting comfort if you find the right fit. Customers looking to purchase a new mattress can expect to find various types of mattresses out there, like innerspring mattresses, memory foam options, hybrids, and mattresses especially for couples, seniors, or those with back pain. Where innerspring mattresses have been in the market the longest, brands and models are constantly updated with technological upgrades. The traditional innerspring used to be topped with cotton or wool, but that was long ago. Today, hybrids pair innerspring coils with memory foam layers, latex mattresses come with a dozen certifications, and adjustable air beds have self-repair capabilities. Every mattress has its perks and price points, and you can be sure there’s a new and improved section in every brick-and-mortar or online mattress mattress store. Move your cushioning around until it contours to your unique body shape and foam density preference.
Couples will have a different experience from solo sleepers. A “cool” mattress insulating one partner from the other would feel warm, creating a totally different individual sleeping and waking experience. Comfort layer construction, be it a standard pillow top, Euro-top, or tight top, would change the feel of the bed. Since there are so many practical considerations, many mattress reviews will include the warranty period, return policy, and sleep trial to give customers an idea of how to protect their purchase. These policies and agreements can range anywhere from 30 to 101 nights. A typical mattress sleep trial lasts about 100 days. So, there’s plenty of time to form an opinion about your new mattress. If you decide to keep the mattress, most manufacturers offer warranty coverage for 5 to 10 years. We’ll cover delivery and setup of your new mattress in part 2. In the meantime, read on for in-depth ratings of best mattress reviews based on innerspring construction alone.
Key Features to Look for in a Mattress
There are various features that a user has to consider when it comes to choosing a mattress, as a mattress is intertwined with one’s sleep and comfort. One feature that one may consider is the motion transfer of the mattress. Enhanced motion isolation means that consumers are less likely to feel the movements of their partner, thus maximizing their comfort. Breathability is another feature to be mindful of, especially for people living in tropical countries and facing warm weather year-round, as it improves the cooling and ventilation of the mattress. Durability is also one feature that must be looked at, as a longer-lasting mattress is beneficial to decrease the need for time, money, and effort to maintain and replace the mattress. A good mattress should also feature good edge support, which means that every part of the mattress, from the edge to the center of the mattress, should have even support to keep one’s spine properly aligned in every sleeping position. In addition, the amount of care and maintenance that is required to maintain the mattress conditions and warranty coverage is also important, as highly durable options may cost more, versus options that are more budget-friendly but lack durability features and may require further maintenance.
In Singapore, consumers prioritize good breathability, motion isolation, comfort, and the warranty of the mattress. Factors such as durability, the availability of free trials, and coverage, as well as good options, have heavily influenced purchase decisions. Given above are the features and factors that need to be considered when purchasing a mattress to match the user’s personal needs and demands. Consumers gravitate highly towards these features, and suppliers may want to include them as part of their mattress offerings to compete in the market. Consumers who will be potential mattress buyers place overall importance on the features mentioned above, so as a brand that is breaking into the mattress market, they will need to consider these factors when purchasing and include features such as these when supplying their mattresses to ensure customer satisfaction.
The Impact of Mattress Sales on the Singaporean Economy
For such a niche market, the Singaporean mattress industry plays a significant role in its overall economy. The revenue generated annually through the sale of mattresses makes it a significant chunk of the contribution to the food and accommodation vertical in the country. This market growth not only reflects a boom in the manufacturing sector but also the growth in ancillary sectors such as textiles, logistics, and even marketing that are driven by mattress companies. Additional jobs are created in the sanitation and hygiene industry through increased mattress sales. The convenience of the one-click purchase has not only shifted from retail but is carving a new type of consumer mindset as well. Modern consumers are willing to spend more for a product, with the belief of obtaining something their grandparents value above all else – durability and quality.
Because the demand for mattresses is directly correlated to disposable income, it stands to reason that trends in mattress spending correlate with general economic trends. Yet, unlike equities, retail often operates at the intersection of consumer behavior, preference, and market conditions. As such, it can signal macro consumer confidence and wealth rather than global economic health. Where the mattress industry is concerned, especially in Singapore, these trends appear to have their own unique nuances that don’t necessarily embrace global macroeconomic trends. The shared economy of the millennials has seen an increase in niche start-ups that match co-living with bed mattresses and other sleep services. The new wave embraces sleep-based innovations and has a special interest in eco-friendly, sustainably made products.
In conclusion, we have reviewed feedback, identified trends in consumer preferences, and determined the top-selling mattress brands and products. While we have not been able to draw a definitive correlation between quality and sales, there is evidence to show that consumer preferences are changing—particularly towards medium-firm mattresses and away from springs. Future trends could include a surge in sales of memory foam mattresses, which are better suited for handling local weather. The prevalence of technological mattresses being sold could suggest a shift in the industry towards such innovations. However, it could also imply that the two brands are the only ones prioritizing sleep technology or technological innovation, while the rest do not.
Technological advancements also impact the production of goods and services, which would affect the mattress industry. For mattresses, technological advancements usually take the form of bedding technology and construction. As advancements become more sophisticated, we may see greater structural revolutions in mattress design—such as in metals and other materials used aside from foam. Furthermore, the surge of consumer interest in sustainability will impact the mattresses sold in the future. Mattresses and bed frames made from recycled materials are likely to be available. More specialty companies using biodegradable, organic, eco-friendly, and natural resources could also gain prevalence in the industry. However, innovation in consumer preferences goes hand-in-hand with global trends. Macroeconomic policy, availability of materials, tariffs, and exchange rates of the countries of origin are a few points of a larger context that one needs to consider in order to predict changes in the industry. For manufacturers or retailers eyeing potential market space, it is essential to innovate with current trends in mind to preclude heavy competition.