You spend approximately one-third of your life on a mattress, presuming you get the recommended 7 to 8 hours of sleep. So it’s important to discover a terrific mattress– one that adequately supports your spine while likewise supplying the pressure relief that feels most comfortable to you.
However buying a mattress isn’t so easy. Almost every mattress touts that it’s the best or that it’s the most comfortable. And every mattress, on the outside, looks generally the same– a huge rectangle, hiding the products inside that may (or might not) support those claims. What’s more, even if a mattress is perfect (or soft or firm) for one person, does not imply it’s the same for another. You need to lie on the mattress to really know whether it’s right for you. With hundreds of mattresses for sale, how do you know where to start?
How to Choose a Mattress
Most importantly, your spinal column stays lined up when you lie down. Your sleep position, body type and personal preferences for the feel and materials will all contribute in identifying which mattress is best matched for your needs. You likewise want to think about cost, convenience, resilience and any sleep concerns– i.e., whether you’re a hot sleeper, have neck and back pain or get awakened by your sleeping partner.
Types of Mattresses
Memory foam and innerspring beds are the most popular types, however additional constructions are becoming more typical to offer consumers a range. Within each mattress type, you can still discover a wide range of firmness levels and price points.
1. Memory Foam
Memory foam mattresses use the very best pressure relief due to the fact that they conform to your body and take weight off pressure points. Users describe lying on foam beds as sensation like they’re being cradled. These mattresses are particularly perfect for side sleepers or anyone with back pain since they help promote appropriate spinal column positioning by putting less stress on your shoulders and hips. They also aid with movement isolation, so you’re less most likely to feel your sleeping partner move.
There are frequently numerous layers with firmer foam on the bottom for toughness and support and softer foam on top for convenience. A drawback to memory foam is that it can trap in heat more easily, though numerous brands now use integrated cooling functions to prevent overheating.
2. Latex
Latex mattresses feel somewhat comparable to memory foam, but it’s more durable (i.e. bouncy) and feels firmer with less sinking in. Natural latex is made from rubber trees and may be used in organic mattresses, making it an ideal choice for eco-conscious shoppers. It tends to be more costly than memory foam.
There are 2 popular kinds of latex you’ll discover as you store: Dunlop, which is often denser, and Talalay, which might feel softer. Though in reality, you might not even be able to feel the distinction between these two.
3. Innerspring
These beds are made from steel coils, making them firmer and supplying more bounce. Innerspring mattresses feel familiar to numerous shoppers, especially compared to the boxed mattresses that have become popular over the last few years. They’re more suitable for back and stomach sleepers, who gain from a firmer surface to keep the spine lined up.
Think about both coil gauge and coil count when you shop. Coil gauge tells you how thick the steel is; it typically ranges from 12-15 and a lower number means it’s firmer and more durable. Coil count tells you the number of coils in the mattress; a quality model will have at least 400 coils in a Queen size. You can also consider pocketed coils, which indicates each spring is individually covered (instead of webbed together) for targeted support.
4. Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses use a mix of memory foam or latex and coils so you do not have to choose just one. These have become more popular in the last few years, especially for online mattress brands. Generally, coils sit on the bottom for support, while foam rests on top for pressure relief. Many hybrids on the market– especially from bed-in-a-box brands– feel really similar to foam beds when you lie down. Just keep in mind that they’re going to be more costly and much heavier to set up than their all-foam alternatives.
5. Adjustable
While these are less common, adjustable mattresses have air chambers that permit you to manage the mattresses firmness level. They’re particularly beneficial for couples that have different preferences. They’re pricey, though users regularly inform us their purchase was well worth the splurge thanks to the quality sleep they accomplish.
Should You Get a Low-cost Mattress
Cheap mattresses (under $500 for a queen) tend to be pretty standard. They’re normally all-foam (or foam-forward hybrid) mattresses that have less layers, are made of less-dense foams, and offer less bells and whistles (like free trial periods) compared with more costly alternatives.
Mattress Firmness Levels
Mattresses are most commonly described as soft, medium, medium-firm or firm. Medium to medium-firm beds are the most popular due to the fact that they suit a wide range of requirements. When selecting your firmness level, it’s important to consider both your sleep position and body type.
1. Sleep Position
Side Sleepers
This is the most frequently chosen position and the one that medical professionals usually suggest to avoid neck and back pain. The very best mattresses for side sleepers have soft to medium firmness levels since they assist keep your spinal column lined up. If it’s too firm, you might wind up putting excessive pressure on your hips and shoulders.
Stomach Sleepers
A firmer mattress is preferable for anyone who likes to sleep on their stomach: You don’t want your pressure indicate sink in too far in this position.
Back Sleepers
Medium firmness is ideal in this case. If your mattress is too soft or too firm in this position, you run the risk of not having appropriate positioning.
Combination Sleepers
Also opt for medium firmness to finest assistance your various positions if you walk around at night.
2. Body Type
Heavier Body Weights
A firmer mattress is best for heavier bodies since more weight means more pressure on the bed. Excessive pressure can cause the bed to sink in and jeopardize spinal column alignment, leading to pain in the back. Some top-performing mattress brand names also make models developed particularly for people over 250 pounds.
Lightweight Sleepers
Smaller frames are much better suited with a softer mattress due to the fact that they aren’t putting as much pressure on the bed. If the bed is too firm, it won’t sink in enough to relieve pressure on the joints.
Consider both your sleep position and weight when picking your finest firmness level. For example, if you’re a light-weight stomach sleeper, you can choose a medium firmness to jeopardize in between soft and firm.
Mattress Pricing
Our assessments and feedback from exclusive customer research study show that a good mattress typically costs between $1,000-$ 2,000 for Queen size. That being said, you can still find an excellent mattress for under $500 if you’re on a spending plan, and there are plenty of choices over $2,000 that are well worth the splurge.
Pricing is mainly determined by the materials and layers in a mattress. A two-layer foam mattress is going to cost significantly less than a seven-layer hybrid, and an organic design is going to cost more than one made from polyurethane foam. Still, if you utilize our shopping pointers then you can find out precisely what you need without having to spend beyond your means.
One thing to note: mattress rates have actually increased substantially recently due to industry-wide supply chain concerns. We’re seeing popular brand names regularly increasing their rates, and we anticipate this pattern will continue over the course of the next a number of months. That being said, you can frequently find discounts when you shop– so avoid paying full price.
When to Change Your Mattress
While there’s no set expiration date on your bed, you must expect an excellent mattress to last a minimum of 8-10 years. However instead of following a timeline, concentrate on warning signs that it’s time to change your mattress– like lumps or indents– and whether your mattress is triggering difficulty sleeping or pain upon waking.
If you need a quick fix or wish to update the feel of your bed, a mattress topper is the most convenient method to include a layer of comfort and assistance. It also costs less than buying a totally brand-new mattress.
Likewise remember: The much better you look after your mattress, the longer it’ll last.
Mattress Sizes
Mattresses are available in a couple of sizes. Usually speaking, if you sleep with a partner, the bigger the mattress size, the more comfortable you’ll feel. However, note that a larger mattress will require larger-sized bedding (including sheets and pillows)– and the extra expenses connected with it as you maintain your bed moving forward. Standard mattress sizes consist of:
- King, 76×80 inches
- California King, 72×84 inches
- Queen, 60×80 inches
- Full (or double), 53×75 inches
- Twin, 38×75 inches
- Twin XL, 38×80 inches
Mattress Trial Period
It’s difficult to understand whether your mattress is a great fit without in fact sleeping on it, and the last thing you want is to be stuck with a brand-new mattress that you don’t love. The bright side is that many companies use an any-reason return period for a minimum of 100 nights. Just inspect whether there are any hidden return charges and how you tackle making the return to avoid a headache later on. Numerous companies will arrange for free pick-up then donate or recycle your mattress, then you’ll get a full refund.
Unlike trial periods and return policies where you can refund for any reason, warranties cover flaws from the manufacturer over a longer period. However, it can be tough to show that damages like sagging, indents and routine wear and tear are a defect. We recommend focusing on the return policies instead of guarantees, as they can typically be misleading when you shop.
Our Top Picks
Just because you may discover raves on social networks for a particular mattress brand does not indicate it’s necessarily an excellent mattress for you. What’s more, a brand’s most pricey model isn’t always its best offering, objectively speaking; in some cases you’ll get more for your money with an entry-level or mid-price style.
