MATTRESS BUYING GUIDE
How to Choose the Best Mattress for Your Sleep Needs
Are you in the market for a new mattress? With so many options available today, choosing the right mattress can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry — this comprehensive mattress buying guide is here to help!
Whether you are looking for the best memory foam mattress, an innerspring mattress, or something in between, we’ve got you covered.
And if those words are unknown to you, you are in the right place too! We will walk you through everything you need to know about purchasing a mattress online versus in-store, and we’ll provide key tips to ensure you make the best decision for a restful night of sleep.
Table of Contents
Understand Your Mattress Needs
Before diving into specific mattress types and features, it is essential to understand your personal sleep needs. One of the main point we want to get across as you shop for a new mattress, is that your needs are 100% unique and no one can tell you which mattress is certain to be best for you. Our website, amongst others, will give you the best recommendations based on sleeping preferences, and body weight, however, only you know what is best for you. You most certainly have a personal preference for firmness levels, or know to have aches and pains in certain areas of your body – all of that will impact the “best mattress for YOU!”.
Here are some general factors to consider:
Sleeping Position: Are you a side, back, or stomach sleeper? Your sleeping position influences the type of mattress that will provide the best support and comfort. For example, side sleepers tend to benefit from a softer mattress that cushions the shoulders and hips, while back and stomach sleepers often prefer a firmer mattress for better spine alignment, with stomach sleepers generally requiring the firmest of mattresses.
Body Type and Weight: Your body weight can affect how a mattress feels. Heavier individuals might require a firmer mattress to prevent sinking, while lighter individuals may prefer a softer mattress for added comfort and pressure relief.
Health Concerns: Do you suffer from back pain, arthritis, or other health issues? A mattress with adequate support and pressure relief can make a significant difference in your sleep quality and overall comfort. This may mean a firmer mattress (typically for back and lower back pain) or a softer one (typically for joint pain).
Types of Mattresses: Which One is Right for You?
There are several types of mattresses available, each with its own set of benefits:
Memory Foam Mattresses: Known for their contouring properties, memory foam mattresses provide excellent pressure relief and support. They are ideal for individuals who need a mattress that conforms to their body’s shape, providing a “hugging” sensation. Newer memory foam mattresses are manufactured with foams engineered to not trap body heat, and they are excellent for motion transfer – meaning that the movement of one partner does not transfer to the other side of the bed, for more comfort.
Innerspring Mattresses: These mattresses are constructed with steel coils for support and are often topped with a layer of foam or fiber. They provide a traditional feel and offer good support, particularly for back and stomach sleepers. They are more traditional mattresses, often cheaper, and can be bouncy, which is not great for people sleeping with a partner. If you like the feel of coils, we recommend checking out hybrid mattresses.
Hybrid Mattresses: Combining the best of both worlds, hybrid mattresses feature a blend of innerspring coils (generally individually-ensached for better motion isolation) and foam (memory or latex). They provide a balance of comfort and support, catering to various sleep preferences. They are also efficient at circulating air through the mattress, providing an outlet for your body heat to escape, while bringing in cooler bedroom air through the coils and up to the foams.
Latex Mattresses: Latex mattresses are known for their durability and natural materials. They offer a responsive feel and are great for those who prefer a mattress that has a bit of “bounce” without the contouring of memory foam. Bounce, in a mattress, is a good thing – it is the word the industry uses to define the ability of a mattress layer to “bounce back” to its original shape after the body moves away from a particular spot. Latex mattresses are known to sleep cooler, and are the best option for sex. The latex layer is often positioned on top of foam layers, which means that motion isolation is good as well.
Adjustable Air Mattresses: These mattresses allow you to customize the firmness level by inflating or deflating the air chambers inside. They’re great for couples with different firmness preferences. Very few mattresses use air chambers, review our favorite ones here.
Key Features to Consider When Buying a Mattress
When shopping for a mattress, here are some important features to keep in mind:
Firmness Level: Mattress firmness is often rated on a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest. An average firmness is typically a 6.5/10. Choose a firmness level that aligns with your comfort and support needs based on your sleeping position and body type.
Material Quality: High-quality materials are crucial for a durable and comfortable mattress. Look for mattresses with high-density foam, natural latex, or high-gauge coils to ensure longevity and comfort. Favor brands that are open and honest about where their raw materials come from, as well as where their mattresses are manufactured.
- Fiberglass: Fiberglass is a very popular material used in the mattress industry, to meet U.S. flammability standard requirements. Unfortunately, the fiberglass layer often becomes loose from regular usage or the boxing process. If you were to unzip your mattress cover, or somehow get it pierced, fiberglass particles will come out and find a home everywhere in your bedroom, as well as lungs, potentially creating a scary situation. If possible, shop fiberglass-free mattresses.
Motion Isolation: If you share your bed with a partner, consider a mattress with good motion isolation to minimize disturbances from movements.
Edge Support: A mattress with strong edge support can prevent sagging and provide a more stable surface, especially for those who sit or sleep near the edge of the bed. Strong edge support also means that you will be able to sleep from edge to edge, giving the impression of a wider sleeping surface.
Temperature Regulation: Look for a mattress with cooling properties, such as gel-infused foam or breathable materials, to prevent overheating during the night.
Benefits of Buying a Mattress Online vs. In-Store
Buying a Mattress Online: Pros
Convenience: Shopping online allows you to browse various brands and models from the comfort of your home, saving you time and effort, and giving you an almost-unlimited choice of mattresses and brands.
Better Prices and Deals: Online mattress retailers often offer competitive prices and frequent promotions, eliminating the middleman costs associated with brick-and-mortar stores.
Sleep Trials and Returns: Many online mattress companies provide generous sleep trials (often ranging from 90 to 365 nights) and hassle-free returns, allowing you to test the mattress in your own home to ensure it is the right fit for your personal needs.
Extensive Reviews and Information: Online platforms typically provide detailed product descriptions, customer reviews, and comparison tools, helping you make a well-informed decision.
Buying a Mattress In-Store: Pros
Hands-On Experience: Trying out a mattress in-store allows you to feel its firmness, support, and comfort level firsthand, though only for a couple of minutes, usually with a salesman staring at you.
Immediate Purchase: You can often take your mattress home the same day, without waiting for delivery.
Personal Assistance: Sales associates can provide immediate answers to your questions and offer recommendations based on your preferences.
Why Buying Online is Often the Better Choice
While both options have their advantages, buying a mattress online often offers better value and flexibility. The convenience of shopping from home, coupled with extensive sleep trials and customer reviews, provides a more comprehensive and risk-free buying experience. Plus, with frequent sales and promotions, you’re more likely to find a great deal online.
Mattress Buying Tips for a Better Sleep
Research Brands and Read Reviews: Take the time to read reviews and research different brands to understand the pros and cons of each mattress brand and model.
Take Advantage of Sleep Trials: Opt for a mattress with a generous sleep trial period to test it out risk-free in your own home.
Consider Your Budget: While it is important to invest in a quality mattress, there are excellent options available at various price points. Determine your budget and explore mattresses that offer the best value for your money.
Don’t Be Afraid to Return or Exchange: If the mattress you choose doesn’t meet your expectations, don’t hesitate to take advantage of the return or exchange policy. Your comfort and sleep quality are the top priorities. Before you purchase, make sure you are comfortable with the brand’s return policy as some may charge a restocking fee for example.
Mattress Buying Guide
References
- United States Consumer Product Safety Commission. Mattress Flammability Information. Retrieved from https://www.cpsc.gov/Business–Manufacturing/Business-Education/Business-Guidance/Mattresses
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
For back pain, it’s crucial to choose a mattress that offers proper support and alignment for your spine. Memory foam and hybrid mattresses are often recommended because they contour to the body and provide targeted support. A medium-firm mattress is generally ideal for most people with back pain, as it offers a balance between support and comfort.
The right firmness level depends on your sleeping position, body weight, and personal preference. Side sleepers often prefer a softer mattress (3-5 on the firmness scale) for pressure relief on the shoulders and hips, while back and stomach sleepers typically benefit from a firmer mattress (6-8 on the firmness scale) to maintain spinal alignment. Heavier individuals might need a firmer mattress to prevent sinking, while lighter individuals may find a softer mattress more comfortable.
Buying a mattress online has several advantages, such as convenience, better prices, extensive sleep trials, and the ability to read customer reviews. However, buying in-store allows you to test the mattress before purchasing. Ultimately, online purchases often offer better value and flexibility with risk-free sleep trials and return policies, making them a popular choice for many shoppers.
The general recommendation is to replace your mattress every 7-10 years, depending on its type and quality. However, if you notice signs of wear and tear, such as sagging, lumps, or increased discomfort, it may be time to replace your mattress sooner. Regularly evaluating your mattress’s condition and comfort level will help determine when it’s time for a new one.
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What is a sleep trial, and why is it important?
A sleep trial is a period during which you can test a mattress at home to decide if it’s the right fit for you. Sleep trials typically last between 90 to 365 nights. They are important because they provide a risk-free opportunity to experience the mattress in your own environment, ensuring comfort and satisfaction before committing to a purchase. If you’re not happy with the mattress during the trial period, most companies offer a full refund or an easy return process.
How often should I replace my mattress?
The general recommendation is to replace your mattress every 7-10 years, depending on its type and quality. However, if you notice signs of wear and tear, such as sagging, lumps, or increased discomfort, it may be time to replace your mattress sooner. Regularly evaluating your mattress's condition and comfort level will help determine when it’s time for a new one.
Is it better to buy a mattress online or in-store?
Buying a mattress online has several advantages, such as convenience, better prices, extensive sleep trials, and the ability to read customer reviews. However, buying in-store allows you to test the mattress before purchasing. Ultimately, online purchases often offer better value and flexibility with risk-free sleep trials and return policies, making them a popular choice for many shoppers.
How do I know which mattress firmness level is right for me?
The right firmness level depends on your sleeping position, body weight, and personal preference. Side sleepers often prefer a softer mattress (3-5 on the firmness scale) for pressure relief on the shoulders and hips, while back and stomach sleepers typically benefit from a firmer mattress (6-8 on the firmness scale) to maintain spinal alignment. Heavier individuals might need a firmer mattress to prevent sinking, while lighter individuals may find a softer mattress more comfortable.
What type of mattress is best for back pain?
For back pain, it’s crucial to choose a mattress that offers proper support and alignment for your spine. Memory foam and hybrid mattresses are often recommended because they contour to the body and provide targeted support. A medium-firm mattress is generally ideal for most people with back pain, as it offers a balance between support and comfort.
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Laura Georgieff
Laura is a mother of three who did not sleep through the night for the first 5.5 years of her kids' lives. She is passionate about sleep quality and loves sharing her experience and knowledge of all thing bedding! It is her mission to help you make the best decisions when it comes to sleep and help you get the best deal on the market!
