A 4 by 6 mattress, usually measuring 48 by 72 inches, typically costs $250-$900, with a middle-of-the-market price near $500. Final pricing depends on whether the size is stocked or made to order, the foam or spring construction, mattress thickness, and delivery or cutting charges.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mattress only | $150 | $500 | $1,500 | Basic foam through premium custom builds |
| Foam mattress | $150 | $400 | $900 | Price varies by foam density and thickness |
| Custom innerspring or hybrid | $400 | $800 | $1,500 | May require a nonstandard production run |
| Made-to-fit cover | $40 | $100 | $250 | Fabric, zipper, and water resistance affect price |
| Delivery or freight | $0 | $75 | $250 | Some custom sellers charge separately |
What a 48-by-72-inch mattress usually costs
A mattress measuring 48 by 72 inches covers 24 square feet. That is narrower and shorter than a standard full mattress, which measures 54 by 75 inches, so it may be sold as a specialty, RV, camper, or custom size rather than as a common household model. Confirm the actual dimensions before ordering; labels such as “short full” are not used consistently.
For a basic 4- to 6-inch foam mattress, expect about $150-$350. A 6- to 10-inch foam model with better support materials commonly costs $300-$700. A custom innerspring or hybrid can run $600-$1,500, particularly if the maker builds to exact dimensions or offers specialized comfort layers. A mattress cut down from a larger foam slab may cost less than a fully custom spring unit.
A practical budget for a standard-quality, made-to-order foam mattress is $350-$650 before delivery and accessories. The average assumes a 6- to 8-inch mattress, ordinary residential access, and no unusual shape, upholstery, or special medical specification.
Assumptions: U.S. online or local specialty sellers, standard rectangular shape, before sales tax, and no bed-frame modifications.
How foam, springs, labor, and freight shape the quote
Custom pricing combines the mattress materials with cutting or assembly, cover work, and shipping. A quote may list those items separately, or fold them into one custom-product price. Ask whether the listed amount includes a cover, taxes, and delivery to the room or only freight to the curb.
| Quote component | Typical price | What changes the charge | Common billing basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foam core | $100-$450 | Foam type, density, thickness | $4-$19 per sq ft for material |
| Spring unit or hybrid layers | $250-$800 | Coil design, edge support, comfort layers | $250-$800 per custom unit |
| Cutting and assembly labor | $50-$250 | Nonstandard dimensions and hand finishing | $50-$100 per hour |
| Cover and zipper | $40-$250 | Fabric grade, quilting, waterproofing | $40-$250 per cover |
| Delivery and packaging | $0-$250 | Distance, freight class, room delivery | $0-$250 per order |
Foam pricing varies because “foam mattress” can describe basic polyurethane foam, memory foam, or layered constructions. Higher density may improve durability but is not the same as firmness; comfort is also affected by the top layer and mattress thickness. A quote should identify material type and thickness rather than use a broad label alone.
Innerspring and hybrid models may cost more because the support unit and cover must fit a less common size. If the seller has to order a coil unit or construct a new pattern, the custom charge can be substantial.
Compare itemized specifications, not just the total: a low quote may omit the cover, delivery, or a return fee.
Which dimensions, foam grades, and shapes raise the price?
Exact measurements are among the most important price drivers. A 48-by-72-inch rectangle may be relatively straightforward, while a mattress with clipped corners, rounded ends, or a tapered foot can require a cutting pattern and a fitted cover made specifically for the bed. Those details can add $50-$250, depending on the maker and fabric work.
Thickness also matters. A 4-inch mattress uses less material and often costs less, but may not provide enough cushioning for everyday adult use. Moving from a 6-inch to a 10-inch model can add roughly $75-$300 for foam, depending on materials. A thicker mattress may also require deeper sheets and a bed frame with adequate side clearance.
Foam grade changes the estimate in less predictable ways. Basic polyurethane foam tends to occupy the lower price range; memory foam comfort layers, higher-density support foam, and multiple-layer designs raise the price. A 48-by-72-inch model with 2 inches of memory foam over a supportive core may cost $350-$800. A specialty build with premium foam can exceed $900.
Material choice affects both cost and availability. Innerspring and hybrid mattresses commonly start above simple foam because coils and edge construction must be fitted to the compact footprint. Latex can be substantially more expensive, often $700-$1,500 for a custom unit, depending on latex type and thickness.
Request the finished length and width in inches, along with layer thicknesses and material names, before paying a custom-order deposit. Small measurement differences can matter in a snug RV platform, and custom products may not qualify for standard returns.
Where can buyers trim the 4-by-6 mattress budget?
Start by checking whether an exact 48-by-72-inch product is already stocked. A ready-made RV or bunk mattress can avoid a cutting fee and may qualify for lower-cost parcel shipping. Confirm that “short full” or another seller label truly means 48 by 72 inches; names alone do not guarantee dimensions.
Choose the simplest construction that meets the intended use. A well-specified foam core can cost less than a hybrid with coils, while avoiding premium quilting, decorative fabric, or extra comfort layers may save $50-$250. Avoid reducing thickness or support quality solely to reach a target price if the mattress will be used every night.
Measure the platform in several places, including the corners, and check whether the old mattress has compressed or shifted. Accurate measurements help avoid paying for an unnecessary custom shape. If the platform itself is irregular, ask whether a straight rectangular mattress with a small clearance will work before ordering a tapered build.
Compare at least three quotes using the same dimensions, thickness, construction, cover, delivery method, and return terms. Ask whether the price is a delivered total and whether a custom-order cancellation fee applies. Buying a mattress and fitted cover together can sometimes reduce separate shipping charges, but the bundle is only economical if the cover dimensions match.
The most reliable savings usually come from finding a stocked 48-by-72-inch model and keeping the shape and cover standard. Get any measurement and specification promises in writing, especially when the item is nonreturnable.
Three realistic quotes for common 48-by-72-inch builds
The examples below illustrate how construction and service level affect totals. They assume a rectangular mattress, ordinary access, and no sales tax; actual offers vary by seller and location. Freight may be included in one quote and billed separately in another, so compare the delivered amounts.
| Build and scope | Materials | Labor estimate | Delivery | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic 5-inch foam | $180-$260 | 1-2 hours, $50-$150 | $0-$75 | $230-$485 |
| 8-inch layered foam with zip cover | $350-$600 | 2-3 hours, $100-$225 | $50-$125 | $500-$950 |
| Custom 10-inch hybrid | $650-$1,050 | 3-5 hours, $150-$400 | $100-$250 | $900-$1,700 |
A basic build suits a tight budget when a thin foam mattress is acceptable, but the lower price may reflect fewer layers and a simpler cover. The layered foam example is closer to a midrange custom purchase, with the zipper making it easier to remove the cover. Check whether the stated foam layers are all included in the quoted thickness.
The hybrid example reflects the extra materials and assembly associated with a coil unit. A high quote should identify the coil type, edge construction, comfort layers, warranty, and delivery service. If those details are not specified, the difference from a less expensive foam option may be difficult to evaluate.
Use the all-in total and written specifications to compare these builds; labor estimates are often embedded in a seller’s product price.
Foam, hybrid, or altered full mattress price comparison
Foam is often the least expensive route for a 48-by-72-inch mattress because it can be cut to size from a larger sheet. Basic models commonly fall around $150-$450, while layered or memory-foam builds often cost $350-$900. The trade-off is that foam density and construction vary widely, so price alone does not predict support or useful life.
A hybrid or innerspring model can provide a different feel and may be preferable when the buyer wants coil support. Budget approximately $600-$1,500 for a custom 48-by-72-inch unit. The maker may charge more if the correct coil size is not stocked. Ask whether the mattress is genuinely built to the requested dimensions or adapted from a nearby standard size.
Another option is trimming a larger all-foam mattress. A professional cut and new cover may cost about $100-$350, in addition to the larger mattress price. This can be economical if a suitable mattress is already available, but cutting can affect the original cover, warranty, and edge finish. Spring mattresses generally should not be cut at home because their structure and upholstery can be damaged.
For the lowest purchase price, compare a stock foam model with a professional foam conversion; for coils, price a purpose-built custom unit. A low-cost conversion is not automatically cheaper after buying the source mattress and paying for a replacement cover.
How delivery, disposal, and returns change the final bill
Shipping a compact mattress may cost nothing during a seller promotion, but custom orders can have freight charges of $50-$250. Curbside delivery is generally less expensive than room-of-choice service. Remote addresses, narrow delivery windows, stairs, or a requirement for two-person handling may add fees, so confirm the service level before accepting the quote.
Removing an existing mattress can add $25-$100 when included as a delivery service, though many sellers do not offer disposal. Local hauling or disposal charges vary by municipality and provider. If the buyer handles removal, check local rules rather than leaving a mattress at the curb without confirming pickup arrangements.
Return terms are especially important for custom sizes. A standard stocked mattress may have a trial period, but custom-made or altered products can be final sale. If returns are allowed, the seller may charge return freight, a restocking fee, or a pickup fee. A return expense of $75-$250 can change the effective purchase price considerably.
Warranty coverage is not the same as a comfort guarantee. A warranty may cover specified manufacturing defects but exclude normal softening, stains, or damage from an unsuitable base. Read the required foundation conditions and claim process before relying on warranty coverage to protect the purchase.
Before ordering, get the delivery charge, removal fee, return policy, and warranty conditions in writing. These terms can matter as much as a small difference in the mattress’s advertised price.
Regional labor and shipping differences across the United States
A 48-by-72-inch custom mattress may be built and shipped nationally, so freight and seller location can matter more than local installation labor. In dense metropolitan areas, custom upholstery or mattress-shop labor may be about 10%-25% above a national midpoint. Lower-cost rural markets can be 5%-15% below urban labor rates, but distance may offset savings through freight or delivery charges.
Rates also vary by state and metro area because wages, business overhead, and local delivery costs differ. A locally made foam mattress might avoid long-distance freight, while a specialized hybrid may be less expensive from an out-of-state producer with the right coil unit in stock. Compare delivered quotes rather than assuming local production is always cheaper.
Sales tax is another location-specific expense. Depending on state and local rules, the taxable amount and rate can vary; a $500 mattress may add roughly $0-$60 in tax. Ask whether the quote includes tax and whether delivery charges are taxable in the buyer’s jurisdiction.
Use a delivered, tax-inclusive quote for regional comparisons, and check whether remote delivery or in-home service is included. A lower factory price can be outweighed by freight, access charges, or a separate return shipment.