In the latest survey by the National Bed Federation (NBF), several trends in mattress and bedstead preferences among consumers have emerged.
Firstly, local councils are increasingly challenged in collecting old mattresses, with only 10% of consumers availing this service, down from 15% two years ago and 11.5% in 2023.
Concerning sustainability, 73% of consumers are willing to pay more for eco-friendly mattresses, although 31% would only consider up to a 5% increase, reflecting cautious spending amid economic challenges.
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Bedsteads have seen a resurgence in popularity, comprising 27% of purchases compared to 24.5% in 2023 and 22% in 2022. They are particularly favoured by younger age groups, with 43% of 16-24-year-olds opting for them. Conversely, roll-up mattresses have declined in popularity, chosen by only 24% of consumers compared to 27% previously.
Foam mattresses have become the preferred choice, constituting 43% of purchases, surpassing pocket springs at 42%. Memory foam specifically increased from 45% to 48% as the preferred comfort layer, while mattresses with natural fillings remain less popular at less than 10%.
Overall, mattress-only purchases have risen to 55% from 53% last year, while sales of divan sets have decreased to 17% from 21%. Despite inflation, the average price paid for mattresses has slightly increased to £595 from £565, with most consumers spending up to £799.
Buying habits show a shift towards online purchases among older age groups, with 55% of those over 55 choosing this method. Overall, online purchases have decreased to 51%, with in-store sales rising to 44% from 35% last year. National furniture stores and bed specialists each account for around a fifth of purchases, while online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay are less preferred, chosen by only 9% of buyers.
Source: www.bedfed.org.uk