You invest 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 find a fantastic mattress– one that sufficiently supports your spine while also supplying the pressure relief that feels most comfy to you.
However buying a mattress isn’t so easy. Nearly every mattress touts that it’s the very best or that it’s the most comfortable. And every mattress, on the outside, looks basically the exact same– a huge rectangular shape, concealing the products inside that may (or may not) support those claims. What’s more, just because a mattress is ideal (or soft or firm) for a single person, doesn’t mean it’s the same for another. You require to rest on the mattress to actually know whether it’s right for you. With hundreds of mattresses for sale, how do you understand where to begin?
How to Choose a Mattress
First and foremost, your spinal column remains aligned when you rest. Your sleep position, body type and individual preferences for the feel and materials will all play a role in determining which mattress is best fit for your requirements. You likewise want to think about cost, benefit, durability and any sleep problems– i.e., whether you’re a hot sleeper, have back pain or get awakened by your sleeping partner.
Types of Mattresses
Memory foam and innerspring beds are the most popular types, but additional constructions are becoming more typical to offer consumers a range. Within each mattress type, you can still find a wide variety of firmness levels and cost points.
1. Memory Foam
Memory foam mattresses use the best pressure relief due to the fact that they comply with your body and take weight off pressure points. Users describe lying on foam beds as sensation like they’re being nestled. These mattresses are specifically ideal for side sleepers or anyone with pain in the back since they assist promote proper spinal column alignment by putting less tension on your shoulders and hips. They also help with movement seclusion, so you’re less likely to feel your sleeping partner move.
There are typically numerous layers with firmer foam on the bottom for sturdiness and support and softer foam on top for comfort. A downside to memory foam is that it can trap in heat more quickly, though numerous brands now provide integrated cooling functions to prevent getting too hot.
2. Latex
Latex mattresses feel rather similar to memory foam, but it’s more resilient (i.e. bouncy) and feels firmer with less sinking in. Natural latex is made from rubber trees and may be utilized in natural mattresses, making it an ideal choice for eco-conscious consumers. It tends to be more pricey than memory foam.
There are 2 popular types of latex you’ll notice as you shop: Dunlop, which is frequently denser, and Talalay, which may feel softer. Though in reality, you may not even be able to feel the distinction in between these two.
3. Innerspring
These beds are made of steel coils, making them firmer and supplying more bounce. Innerspring mattresses feel familiar to numerous consumers, specifically compared to the boxed mattresses that have become popular in recent years. They’re preferable for back and stomach sleepers, who take advantage of a firmer surface to keep the spine lined up.
Think about both coil gauge and coil count when you store. Coil gauge informs you how thick the steel is; it typically ranges from 12-15 and a lower number implies it’s firmer and more resilient. Coil count informs you the variety of coils in the mattress; a quality model will have at least 400 coils in a Queen size. You can also think about pocketed coils, which means each spring is separately covered (instead of webbed together) for targeted assistance.
4. Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses utilize a mix of memory foam or latex and coils so you don’t have to pick simply one. These have actually become more popular recently, particularly for online mattress brand names. Typically, coils rest on the bottom for assistance, while foam sits on top for pressure relief. Numerous hybrids on the market– particularly from bed-in-a-box brands– feel really similar to foam beds when you lie down. Just note that they’re going to be more expensive and much heavier to establish than their all-foam alternatives.
5. Adjustable
While these are less typical, adjustable mattresses have air chambers that enable you to control the mattresses firmness level. They’re specifically useful for couples that have various choices. They’re costly, though users regularly tell us their purchase was well worth the splurge thanks to the quality sleep they accomplish.
Should You Get a Cheap Mattress
Low-cost mattresses (under $500 for a queen) tend to be pretty basic. They’re usually all-foam (or foam-forward hybrid) mattresses that have less layers, are made from less-dense foams, and deal fewer bells and whistles (like totally free trial periods) compared with more pricey choices.
Mattress Firmness Levels
Mattresses are most frequently referred to as soft, medium, medium-firm or firm. Medium to medium-firm beds are the most popular because they fit a vast array of requirements. When picking out your firmness level, it’s important to take into consideration both your sleep position and physique.
1. Sleep Position
Side Sleepers
This is the most frequently chosen position and the one that doctors normally advise to avoid back pain. The best mattresses for side sleepers have soft to medium firmness levels because they help keep your spinal column lined up. If it’s too firm, you may wind up putting excessive pressure on your hips and shoulders.
Stomach Sleepers
A firmer mattress is better for anybody who likes to sleep on their stomach: You do not desire your pressure points to 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 correct alignment.
Combination Sleepers
Likewise select medium firmness to finest assistance your various positions if you move during the night.
2. Body Type
Heavier Body Weights
A firmer mattress is best for much heavier bodies because more weight indicates more pressure on the bed. Too much pressure can cause the bed to sink in and threaten spine alignment, causing neck and back pain. Some top-performing mattress brands likewise make models developed particularly for people over 250 pounds.
Lightweight Sleepers
Smaller frames are much better suited with a softer mattress since they aren’t putting as much pressure on the bed. If the bed is too firm, it won’t sink in enough to ease pressure on the joints.
Consider both your sleep position and weight when selecting your best firmness level. For instance, if you’re a lightweight stomach sleeper, you can pick a medium firmness to compromise between soft and firm.
Mattress Pricing
Our assessments and feedback from exclusive consumer research reveal that a great mattress generally costs in between $1,000-$ 2,000 for Queen size. That being said, you can still discover an excellent mattress for under $500 if you’re on a budget, and there are plenty of picks over $2,000 that are well worth the splurge.
Pricing is mostly identified by the products and layers in a mattress. A two-layer foam mattress is going to cost considerably less than a seven-layer hybrid, and an organic design is going to cost more than one made of polyurethane foam. Still, if you utilize our shopping pointers then you can figure out precisely what you require without having to spend too much.
Something to note: mattress costs have increased significantly recently due to industry-wide supply chain issues. We’re seeing popular brands frequently increasing their costs, and we expect this pattern will continue throughout the next numerous months. That being said, you can frequently discover discount rates when you go shopping– so prevent paying full cost.
When to Replace 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, focus on warning signs that it’s time to change your mattress– like lumps or indents– and whether your mattress is triggering problem 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 way to add a layer of comfort and assistance. It likewise costs less than buying a completely brand-new mattress.
Likewise bear in mind: The much better you take care of your mattress, the longer it’ll last.
Mattress Sizes
Mattresses come in a couple of sizes. Typically speaking, if you sleep with a partner, the bigger the mattress size, the more comfortable you’ll feel. Nevertheless, note that a larger mattress will need larger-sized bedding (consisting of sheets and pillows)– and the additional costs related to it as you maintain your bed moving forward. Standard mattress sizes include:
- 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 challenging 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 to a brand-new mattress that you don’t enjoy. The good news is that many companies offer an any-reason return period for at least 100 nights. Just inspect whether there are any concealed return costs and how you set about making the go back to avoid a headache later on. Many business will arrange for totally 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, service warranties cover defects from the maker over a longer period. Nevertheless, it can be difficult to show that damages like drooping, indents and routine wear and tear are a problem. We suggest focusing on the return policies rather than warranties, as they can often be misleading when you shop.
Our Top Picks
Just because you might discover raves on social media for a specific mattress brand name does not indicate it’s always an excellent mattress for you. What’s more, a brand name’s most pricey model isn’t constantly its best offering, objectively speaking; often you’ll get more for your money with an entry-level or mid-price style.
