When it comes time to buy a new mattress, it can be difficult to know where to start.
With all of the different types, materials and brands available, it’s hard to know which one is right for you.
This guide will help you choose the best mattress for your needs and budget.
Sleep is widely acknowledged as one of the most effective strategies to preserve and enhance our health.
The significance of a mattress in our ability to sleep properly is often overlooked, and many individuals continue to use a mattress that does not give enough support and comfort.
A new mattress is a significant expenditure, but it is an investment that may help you sleep better.
As with any large purchase, you want to make an informed decision.
We lay down the crucial facts piece by piece to assist you understand how to buy a mattress.
With this advice, you’ll be able to discover the greatest mattress for your requirements, with the perfect firmness and features, and sleep well night after night.
Types of Mattresses
If you’re just starting your search for a new mattress, you’ve certainly realized that there are a lot of possibilities.
Start by thinking about mattress kinds to help you gain your bearings.
Almost every mattress falls into one of five categories: foam, innerspring, hybrid, latex, or airbed.
Innersprings are the most well-known and were formerly the standard in houses throughout the country.
Other mattress kinds, on the other hand, have become more popular in recent years.
These other mattress varieties have grown in popularity because they provide a more dynamic performance.
With the expansion of the internet mattress market, they’ve also grown more inexpensive and accessible.
Knowing the fundamentals of each of these mattress kinds will help you continue your quest for the finest mattress.
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#1. Foam
These mattresses have no coils and are completely constructed of foam.
They offer above-average body contouring, pressure relief, and motion isolation, making them ideal for couples and side sleepers.
Memory foam is the most well-known of the foams utilized in these mattresses.
#2. Innerspring
Hybrid mattresses include two main components: an innerspring support core and a large foam comfort system.
Foam, latex, and occasionally even a shorter layer of coils may be found in the comfort layers (called micro-coils).
These mattresses combine bounce and contouring with minimal heat retention, making them suitable for sleepers in any position, depending on how they are constructed.
#3. Hybrid
A hybrid mattress has two main components: an innerspring support core and a large foam comfort system.
Foam, latex, and occasionally even a shorter layer of coils may be found in the comfort layers (called micro-coils).
These mattresses combine bounce and contouring with minimal heat retention, making them suitable for sleepers in any position, depending on how they are constructed.
#4. Latex
When all of a mattress’ layers are comprised of latex rubber, it’s referred to as an all-latex or true-latex mattress.
We just call it a latex mattress for the sake of simplicity.
With mild contouring, they provide excellent bounce and durability.
They are a popular choice among eco-conscious buyers when created from natural and organic latex.
#5. Airbed
An air chamber serves as the support core of an airbed.
A pump is incorporated into the mattress and can be operated by a smartphone or remote to add or withdraw air at the touch of a button, offering sleepers the greatest firmness flexibility possible.
Airbeds are popular among couples since each side may be adjusted to a different hardness level.
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Firmness
Because comfort is subjective, it’s vital to pick a mattress that feels good to you.
The firmness of a bed refers to how hard or soft it is.
We use a 1-10 firmness scale to compare choices.
It isn’t scientific, but it does assist in conveying how a mattress feels and who it could be most suited for.
| Firmness Scale | Firmness Level | Best For |
| 2 | Extra Soft | Side sleepers under 130 pounds |
| 3 | Soft | Side sleepers under 130 pounds |
| 4 | Medium Soft | Sleepers under 130 pounds; side sleepers under 230 pounds |
| 5 | Medium | Back and side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds |
| 6 | Medium Firm | Sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds; side sleepers over 230 pounds |
| 7 | Firm | Side sleepers over 230 pounds; back and stomach sleepers over 130 pounds |
| 8-9 | Extra Firm | Back and stomach sleepers over 230 pounds |
While the chart shows who gains the most from each firmness level, keep in mind that comfort is subjective.
Some individuals just prefer a softer or firmer mattress, while others may have additional issues influencing their mattress choice, such as back or hip trouble.
If you’re not sure what firmness level is suitable for you, there are a few things you can do to figure it out:
- To narrow down a range, consider your weight and sleeping posture.
- Consider if you’ve ever found yourself wanting for a firmer or softer mattress when sleeping on your existing mattress at home or at a hotel.
- Most hotel mattresses, for example, are Medium to Medium Firm, which has the broadest appeal.
- As a research assignment, go to a nearby mattress shop and check out different beds.
- Stay on a mattress for at least 10-15 minutes to get a true sense of how comfortable it is.
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How to Choose a Back Pain Mattress
Back discomfort may be caused by a variety of factors, but one that should not be overlooked is an unsupportive mattress.
Proper support may avoid discomfort in persons without back problems, and the correct mattress may aid with cushioning and comfort in people who already have back problems.
Choosing the finest mattress for back pain requires taking into account the severity of the discomfort as well as other mattress requirements and preferences.
Some back discomfort is just temporary and appears out of nowhere.
Acute back pain is the term for this.
Other times, the discomfort lasts for a long time and is referred to as chronic back pain.
Back issues might begin as acute (after an accident, for example) and progress to chronic.
A person with severe back pain may just want brief mattress alleviation.
This might include adding more pillows or changing their sleeping posture.
More drastic measures, such as selecting a firmer or softer mattress, may be required for persistent back discomfort.
Finding the perfect degree of comfort and pressure alleviation may assist the spine stay in the optimal position while sleeping.
The best mattress may also be determined by the location of back discomfort.
Low Back Ache
Lower back discomfort affects the lumbar area’s bottom five vertebrae (L1-L5).
It’s the most prevalent sort of back pain, and it’s one of the most frequent reasons people go to the doctor.
Bending and twisting in this area of the back may injure the muscles and the spine itself.
Lower back discomfort might be caused by sleeping in a poor posture for too long.
This may happen if the shoulders and hips aren’t supported, putting the whole spine out of alignment.
It may happen to back and stomach sleepers because to a mattress that is either soft or too hard, exerting pressure on the lumbar spine’s natural curve.
Side sleepers should opt for mattresses that are Medium Soft to Medium Firm in order to cushion their impact points.
Medium Firm to Firm mattresses with just mild contouring are best for back and stomach sleepers.
Pain in the middle and upper back
Back discomfort in the middle and upper back is significantly less prevalent.
Because the architecture in these areas is more solid, sprains and strains from twisting motions are less likely.
Pain in these locations might indicate more significant issues and should be evaluated by a physician.
Poor posture might cause unnecessary strain in the middle or upper back in certain circumstances.
This kind of discomfort may be reduced by using a pressure-relieving mattress that also helps with spinal alignment.
A good cushion with the proper amount of loft may also provide enough support for the neck and upper spine.
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Positions for Sleeping
When you regularly tuck in to sleep, what position are you in? And where do you find yourself when you first wake up?
The answers to these questions might help you pick the right mattress.
Depending on your sleeping position, certain portions of your body need extra support to preserve spinal alignment.
As a result, selecting a mattress that fits your sleeping posture may improve comfort and reduce aches and pains.
Back snorers
Sleepers who sleep on their backs exert the most strain on their lower backs.
When a mattress is overly soft, the torso sinks in deeper than the upper back and lower body, creating a U-shape that may cause strain.
If a mattress is overly firm, the modest bend in the lower back will not be accommodated.
As a consequence, back sleepers benefit from a mattress that is medium firm to firm with mild to moderate contouring.
Sleepers on their sides
The shoulders and hips, which are the biggest parts of the body, have strong pressure points for side sleepers.
Those points will deviate from the rest of the spine if the mattress is overly soft.
They will feel the force at those spots if the mattress is overly firm, and they will be prone to misalignment.
As a result, side sleepers benefit from mattresses that are medium soft to medium firm.
Those who sleep on their stomachs
Stomach sleepers are similar to back sleepers in that they place the greatest strain on the lumbar spine.
They want a firm mattress that keeps them from forming a U shape and doesn’t make them feel suffocated while laying face-down.
Sleepers with several functions
Combination sleepers sleep in many positions during the night.
They should choose a mattress depending on the position in which they spend the most time.
If you don’t have a preferred sleeping position, Medium Firm is the greatest option.
These sleepers should also search for a mattress that is responsive and allows for effortless mobility on the bed.
Types of People
Body form and weight, like sleeping position, determine the optimum mattress selection for spinal support, comfort, and other vital qualities.
People under 130 pounds have a lower profile and don’t sink as much into a mattress.
They generally benefit from a softer mattress to receive enough contouring, particularly if they sleep on their side and/or have obvious pressure spots.
Innerspring mattresses are often unsuitable, therefore foam or hybrid beds are appealing alternatives.
People weighing 130 to 230 pounds may typically follow the mattress firmness recommendations in the preceding section depending on sleeping position.
Foam, hybrid, and latex mattresses are all good choices, and you may choose one depending on your preferences.
Over 230 pounds will sink deeper into a mattress, particularly around larger body parts, potentially disrupting spinal alignment.
To assist reduce that danger, these sleepers frequently choose mattresses that are a little firmer.
A responsive mattress is simpler to move on top of, which is beneficial for those who weigh more than 230 pounds since it minimizes the likelihood of feeling trapped in bed.
The most responsive alternatives are latex and hybrid.
People above 230 pounds might create greater wear in the upper layers of a mattress, therefore durability is vital to them.
As a result, sleepers who are heavier frequently choose a mattress with a thicker comfort system made of high-density materials.
It’s not simply your weight that influences your mattress selection.
People with wide shoulders or hips, particularly side sleepers, may want a softer, more contoured mattress.
Mattress size should be carefully examined by anyone over six feet tall to ensure that they can stretch out comfortably.
Pricing
A mattress is a significant investment in your comfort since it is the item of furniture that is almost certain to receive the greatest usage.
At the same time, it may be a significant financial commitment, and price is an important consideration to consider when purchasing a mattress.
Most customers will benefit from considering their whole bedroom budget.
This covers a new mattress as well as any additional bedding or pillows that may be required.
Mattresses are available in a wide variety of prices, from very low-cost, low-quality versions to six-figure luxury beds.
Mattresses with more features and a more durable construction are sometimes more expensive, but this does not necessarily indicate that a more expensive mattress is better, which is good news for those on a budget.
Mattress price is influenced by a number of factors:
#1. Materials
Some materials, such as latex, are just more expensive.
Furthermore, the inclusion of high-end, hand-crafted, organic, or other speciality materials might raise the cost of a mattress.
#2. Type of Construction
The manner a mattress is constructed has an impact on its pricing.
In general, taller mattresses with more layers are more expensive.
#3. Brand
As with most consumer items, some brands charge more than others, particularly those that strive to be luxury brands.
#4. Where it’s Built
A mattress created in the United States will almost certainly be more costly than one made elsewhere.
#5. Where it’s Sold
While buying online usually implies a cheaper price, there are still ways to save money at mattress shops, particularly for smart bargainers.
There are a few things to consider if you’re concerned about the expense of a new mattress.
First, fantastic deals may be obtained throughout the mattress pricing spectrum.
Second, the prices stated above represent the manufacturer’s suggested retail price, or MSRP.
Customers seldom pay that amount since there are so many deals, promotions, and discounts available.
Many companies, for example, have deals around holidays like Labor Day, Memorial Day, Cyber Monday, and Black Friday.
Deals are often provided immediately away while shopping online.
Third, although purchasing a good mattress might be costly, it is worthwhile.
A good mattress will not only benefit your health, but it will also last longer, meaning you won’t have to buy another mattress for years.
How to Choose a Child’s Mattress
Children need enough sleep.
Children need more sleep than adults, and good sleep is essential at all phases of childhood development.
Providing children with a good mattress is an important aspect of ensuring that they receive the rest they need.
Knowing how to pick a mattress for a kid has a lot in common with knowing how to buy a mattress for an adult, but there are some significant distinctions to consider.
When searching for beds for children, particularly newborns who sleep in cribs, one important distinction is that safety is a higher priority.
It is essential to ensure that the mattress complies with all safety regulations.
Children, unlike adults, may outgrow a bed, so it’s important to choose the best mattress size for them depending on their age and predicted development.
Depending on their age, a kid may be able to utilize a bed made for adults in a smaller size (Twin or Twin XL).
Parents may choose a mattress designed particularly for children in other circumstances.
Adults have a larger assortment of mattress kinds, models, and brands to choose from when it comes to beds.
Another topic of contention is the price of a mattress for children.
Many children’s beds are smaller and thinner, and the less materials used may minimize the cost.
There are, however, certain children’s mattresses that are constructed with several additional amenities and may cost as much as an adult mattress.
What to Look for in a Crib Mattress
When selecting a crib mattress, there are various factors to consider.
The main priority in any crib mattress purchasing should be safety.
The following are important features of crib mattress safety:
- Assuring that the crib mattress complies with Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) requirements for reducing lead and other chemicals exposure.
- Checking sure the crib mattress fits in a full-size crib according to the CPSC size recommendations.
- A minimum of 27.25 inches by 51.25 inches is required.
- The maximum thickness should not exceed six inches.
- Selecting a firm cot mattress may help prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
- Keeping soft things off the mattress, such as toys, blankets, and pillows.
- Suffocation and SIDS are risks that loose and soft things provide, hence they should not be stored in an infant’s crib.
Other aspects to consider when it comes to the convenience and usage of a crib mattress include:
#1. Cleaning Ease
On a crib mattress, spills are nearly unavoidable, so a design that makes it simple to clean is a significant bonus.
Some crib mattresses, for example, include either a waterproof cover (usually vinyl) or a waterproof backing.
These qualities, according to many parents, make cleaning much easier.
#2. Weight
You’ll probably have to raise the crib mattress for cleaning, which for some parents is a strong argument in favor of lighter mattresses like foam.
#3. Mattress Type
Both foam and innerspring mattresses are available for creating a solid sleeping surface.
Those firms develop crib mattresses consisting of unique materials or components, including some that are environmentally friendly.
#4. Reversible Firmness
This design provides a varied sensation on either side of the crib mattress.
The mattress can simply be switched over as your kid grows bigger and no longer requires as much firmness, allowing you to get more use out of your investment.
What to Look for in a Mattress Topper
If you don’t have the funds for a new mattress, a mattress topper may be a viable option.
This method isn’t as effective or long-lasting as changing your mattress, but it might be a valuable step if that isn’t a possibility.
A topper is placed on top of your present bed and covers the fitted sheet.
It may alter the feel of your mattress and is especially beneficial if you want to vary the hardness level.
In comparison to your previous bed, certain toppers may be able to provide contouring, motion isolation, or bounce.
The majority of toppers are one to four inches thick and composed of a single material.
Memory foam, polyfoam, latex, down, cotton, polyester, and wool are some of the materials used in toppers.
Each of these materials has advantages and disadvantages.
It’s helpful to consider many of the same factors that go into selecting a new mattress when selecting a mattress topper:
- Your sleeping arrangement
- Your physique
- Firmness that you like
- The greatest kind of material for your requirements
- Your financial situation
When considering those considerations in the context of mattress toppers, keep in mind that your current mattress will alter the overall feel of your bed, as will the topper.
If you have a bouncy innerspring, for example, be mindful that even with a memory foam topper, it will still transmit motion.
Finally, if you decide to get a topper, it’s important to be practical.
A topper will not last as long as a new mattress, and it will not be able to revitalize an old bed.
Using a topper on a worn-out, sagging bed will result in the topper drooping as well.
FAQ About How to Choose A Mattress
How do I know which mattress is right for me?
Firmness and support are the most critical factors for back sleepers. Your body will sink and create back discomfort if your mattress is overly soft.
You’ll want one that’s soft enough to relieve pressure while yet providing enough support. On a scale of 1 to 10, 5-7 is the ideal range.
Whats a good thickness for a mattress?
from 8 to 14 inches
Mattresses typically vary in thickness from 8 to 14 inches. A comfort layer of at least 2-3 inches thick and a foundation layer of at least 6-8 inches thick are required for the greatest mattress.
