You spend approximately one-third of your life on a mattress, presuming you get the advised 7 to 8 hours of sleep. So it’s important to find an excellent mattress– one that sufficiently supports your spine while also providing the pressure relief that feels most comfortable to you.
However purchasing 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 essentially the same– a huge rectangle, hiding the materials inside that may (or may not) support those claims. What’s more, just because a mattress is best (or soft or firm) for a single person, doesn’t mean it’s the same for another. You need to push the mattress to truly understand whether it’s right for you. With hundreds of mattresses for sale, how do you understand where to begin?
How to Select a Mattress
Primarily, your spinal column remains lined up when you rest. Your sleep position, body type and individual preferences for the feel and materials will all play a role in identifying which mattress is best matched for your requirements. You also wish to think about cost, convenience, resilience and any sleep issues– 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, but additional building and constructions are ending up being more typical to give buyers a variety. Within each mattress type, you can still discover a wide range of firmness levels and rate points.
1. Memory Foam
Memory foam mattresses use the very best pressure relief because they conform to your body and take weight off pressure points. Users explain resting on foam beds as sensation like they’re being cradled. These mattresses are especially ideal for side sleepers or anyone with pain in the back since they help promote correct spinal column alignment by putting less tension on your shoulders and hips. They also assist with motion isolation, so you’re less most likely to feel your sleeping partner move.
There are frequently multiple layers with firmer foam on the bottom for resilience and assistance and softer foam on top for comfort. A drawback to memory foam is that it can trap in heat more easily, though many brands now offer integrated cooling features to prevent overheating.
2. Latex
Latex mattresses feel somewhat comparable to memory foam, however it’s more durable (i.e. bouncy) and feels firmer with less sinking in. Natural latex is made from rubber trees and might be used in organic mattresses, making it a perfect option for eco-conscious shoppers. It tends to be more pricey than memory foam.
There are 2 popular types of latex you’ll observe as you store: Dunlop, which is frequently denser, and Talalay, which might feel softer. Though in reality, you might not even be able to feel the difference 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 shoppers, especially compared to the boxed mattresses that have actually ended up being popular recently. They’re more suitable 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 shop. Coil gauge informs you how thick the steel is; it normally varies from 12-15 and a lower number implies it’s firmer and more resilient. Coil count tells you the variety of coils in the mattress; a quality design will have at least 400 coils in a Queen size. You can also think about pocketed coils, which means each spring is separately wrapped (instead of webbed together) for targeted assistance.
4. Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses utilize a combination of memory foam or latex and coils so you do not have to select just one. These have actually become more popular in the last few years, particularly for online mattress brand names. Usually, coils sit on the bottom for support, while foam sits on top for pressure relief. Numerous hybrids on the market– specifically from bed-in-a-box brand names– feel really comparable to foam beds when you lie down. Just keep in mind that they’re going to be more expensive and much heavier to establish than their all-foam options.
5. Adjustable
While these are less common, adjustable mattresses have air chambers that permit you to control the mattresses firmness level. They’re especially helpful for couples that have various choices. They’re costly, though users consistently tell us their purchase was well worth the splurge thanks to the quality sleep they achieve.
Should You Get an Inexpensive Mattress
Inexpensive mattresses (under $500 for a queen) tend to be pretty basic. They’re generally all-foam (or foam-forward hybrid) mattresses that have fewer layers, are made of less-dense foams, and offer less bells and whistles (like totally free trial durations) compared to more expensive choices.
Mattress Firmness Levels
Mattresses are most commonly referred to as soft, medium, medium-firm or firm. Medium to medium-firm beds are the most popular because they match a wide range of needs. When choosing your firmness level, it is necessary to take into consideration both your sleep position and body type.
1. Sleep Position
Side Sleepers
This is the most commonly preferred position and the one that doctors typically advise to prevent back pain. The very best mattresses for side sleepers have soft to medium firmness levels since they help keep your spine aligned. If it’s too firm, you may 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 do not want 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 choose medium firmness to best assistance your various positions if you walk around during the night.
2. Body Type
Heavier Body Weights
A firmer mattress is best for heavier bodies since more weight indicates more pressure on the bed. Excessive pressure can cause the bed to sink in and endanger spine alignment, resulting in neck and back pain. Some top-performing mattress brand names likewise make models designed specifically for individuals over 250 pounds.
Lightweight Sleepers
Smaller sized frames are 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 deciding on your finest firmness level. For example, if you’re a light-weight stomach sleeper, you can choose a medium firmness to compromise in between soft and firm.
Mattress Pricing
Our assessments and feedback from proprietary customer research show that a great mattress usually costs between $1,000-$ 2,000 for Queen size. That being stated, you can still discover an excellent mattress for under $500 if you’re on a budget, and there are plenty of choices over $2,000 that are well worth the splurge.
Pricing is mostly identified by the materials and layers in a mattress. A two-layer foam mattress is going to cost considerably less than a seven-layer hybrid, and a natural model is going to cost more than one made of polyurethane foam. Still, if you use our shopping suggestions then you can figure out exactly what you need without needing to spend too much.
Something to note: mattress rates have increased substantially over the last few years due to industry-wide supply chain issues. We’re seeing popular brand names routinely increasing their rates, and we expect this pattern will continue throughout the next numerous months. That being stated, you can often discover discounts when you shop– so prevent paying full rate.
When to Change Your Mattress
While there’s no set expiration date on your bed, you must anticipate a great mattress to last at least 8-10 years. But instead of following a timeline, concentrate on warning signs that it’s time to replace your mattress– like lumps or indents– and whether your mattress is triggering trouble sleeping or discomfort upon waking.
If you need a quick fix or want to update the feel of your bed, a mattress topper is the simplest method to add a layer of convenience and assistance. It also costs less than buying an entirely brand-new mattress.
Likewise bear in mind: The much better you look after your mattress, the longer it’ll last.
Mattress Sizes
Mattresses are available in a couple of sizes. Generally speaking, if you sleep with a partner, the larger the mattress size, the more comfy you’ll feel. Nevertheless, note that a bigger mattress will need larger-sized bed linen (including sheets and pillows)– and the additional costs associated with it as you maintain your bed going 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 tough to understand whether your mattress is an excellent fit without in fact sleeping on it, and the last thing you want is to be stuck with a brand-new mattress that you do not love. Fortunately is that the majority of companies use an any-reason return period for at least 100 nights. Simply check whether there are any hidden return fees and how you tackle making the return to avoid a headache later. Lots of business will schedule 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, guarantees cover defects from the manufacturer over a longer period. However, it can be challenging to prove that damages like drooping, indents and regular wear and tear are a flaw. We advise concentrating on the return policies rather than service warranties, as they can typically be deceiving when you shop.
Our Top Picks
Even if you may find raves on social media for a specific mattress brand name does not mean it’s always an excellent mattress for you. What’s more, a brand name’s most expensive design isn’t constantly its best offering, objectively speaking; in some cases you’ll get more for your cash with an entry-level or mid-price design.
