It is easy to take mattresses and bedding for granted. However, as a consequence, plenty of us are struggling to get a good night's sleep. Perhaps surprisingly, many mattress startups are working to change the industry for good. But how?
The Mattress Industry At Large
The mattress industry is one that, while steady, has garnered criticism over recent years. Mattresses are expensive yet necessary purchases for modern lives. However, there are concerns that there is very little differentiation between high-end and budget mattresses.
The customer end of the mattress sales equation is sometimes left feeling confused, too. Research suggests that the majority of buyers either feel overwhelmed or unclear as to what they are buying. There is also the fact that to buy a mattress. We often have to 'test them' in public.
This can lead customers to feel pressured down the funnel. Many buyers may feel they have to settle for a mattress without knowing the true benefits.
Therefore, while some startups are pivoting to develop comfier and more supportive mattresses, others focus on sales experience. Buying a mattress is likely to be trickier than you imagine.
Following Casper's Example
Casper, a US startup, is widely cited by experts as the primary challenger to the mattress industry. Not only does the company produce smart latex and memory foam systems, but it's also streamlining the buying process.
Casper led the way by proposing a home-delivery model. Buyers can pick a mattress online and receive a space-saving package the next day. Unraveled, their mattress even comes with a free trial. Therefore, the pressures of having to 'settle' for a store model are out of the picture.
Casper's model is catching on with many innovators and buyers across the US. Eve, similarly, has developed a boxed mattress that's easy to dispatch and roll out.
Other Startups Springing Forward
The mattress industry is worth around $15 billion altogether. Insiders refer to it as a sleeping giant - it's a necessary sphere that has shown little innovation. However, many US businesses are following Eve and Casper to try and make a real difference.
Eight Sleep, for example, launched in 2014 with a smart mattress system. The company, worth at least $85 million, offers a smartphone app - where you can adjust your mattress cover temperature. Not only that, but the connectivity allows you to monitor your sleep activity and quality.
Leesa is another door-to-door mattress firm based in Virginia Beach and worth at least $36 million. Leesa follows a similar service to Eve and Casper, albeit with a luxury slant.
Are More Innovations on The Way?
It is perhaps hard to conceive that more mattress startups may arise in the future. However, artificial intelligence, smart control, and home buying conveniences are making big waves.
Could the next big mattress startups be waiting for you online? Taking a look through databases such as Fundz might be the best step to take next.
SOURCES
https://www.entrepreneur.com/slideshow/342919
https://tracxn.com/d/trending-themes/Startups-in-Internet-First-Mattress-Brands
https://www.toptal.com/finance/business-model-consultants/mattress-industry
https://fleximize.com/articles/009433/casper-and-eve-mattress-innovation
https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/233309
https://news.crunchbase.com/news/startups-aim-to-disrupt-15b-mattress-industry/
Topic: Startups
