THE ULTIMATE BUYING GUIDE
At the end of a long day, your mattress should be your haven for a peaceful night’s sleep and provide you with ultimate comfort all night long. But to get a good night’s sleep, you need to have the right mattress.
If you’re in the market for a new mattress and want to know how to pick the perfect one for you, we can help.
In this ultimate mattress buying guide, we’ll teach you how to choose the right mattress for your unique sleep needs. From budget to mattress essentials, we cover the most important factors to consider when buying a mattress.
01. DETERMINE YOUR BUDGET
Before you begin the journey of selecting the perfect mattress, it is important to first consider how much you are willing to spend on your new mattress. Remember, you typically spend the most time on your mattress each day. In fact, studies show that the average American spends 36 years in bed over the course of a lifetime. For this reason, it’s worth it to invest in a mattress that will provide you with a good night’s sleep.
While mattresses are not as expensive as royal weddings, prices range from $300 to $3000. Of course, the price depends greatly on the type of mattress：
1. Foam
These lightweight, ventilated mattresses are made of mat-like material and range in price from $500 to $1,500.
2. Innerspring
Made from a row of coils inside the mattress, built-in spring mattress types typically cost between $600 and $1,400, depending on quality and size.
3. Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses are made from multiple layers of memory foam, latex or gel combined with a spring system. Costs typically range from $1,200 to $2,000.
4. Latex
A combination of latex foam and springs, these mattresses are typically more expensive, selling for $1,300 to $2,500.
02. SELECT MATTRESS SIZE
You may be asking yourself, “What kind of mattress do I need?” If you live in a particularly small space, it’s best to choose a smaller size, such as a twin or full mattress. However, if you have room to stretch out, a queen or king size mattress may be better suited to your needs.
Let’s take a quick look at the six mattress sizes offered by most manufacturers：
Twin
38 inches by 75 inches. Twin mattresses are best for toddlers, teens or anyone under six feet. Twin mattresses are the most affordable.
Best size for
Single sleeper - children, adults with less space or bunk beds
Twin XL
38 inches by 80 inches. Wondering what the difference is between Twin xl and Twin XL? The Twin XL mattress is 5 inches longer than the Twin and is best suited for toddlers and teens who sprout faster than a Jack Beanstalk.
Best size for
Adults with limited work space or taller teens
Full
53 inches by 75 inches. A full mattress is suitable for singles or couples looking for compact comfort. Nonetheless, those over six feet tall should stay away unless they don’t mind your toes hanging off the bed.
Best size for
Single sleepers, couples who like to snuggle, or guest rooms
Queen
60 inches by 80 inches. Queen is one of the best bed sizes for couples who like to cuddle or even have a few furry friends. This standard mattress size is perfect for a master bedroom or guest room.
Best size for
Couples or adults who want some extra space
King
76 inches by 80 inches. To maximize space and provide a comfortable fit for the King, these mattresses are perfect for couples who want a little extra room. Or parents with a couple of nightmare kids climbing into their bed.
Best size for
Couples who like space or have pets or children who sleep with them
California King
72 inches by 84 inches. When comparing king size beds to California king size beds, the California king mattress is best for taller couples who are looking for space to coast.
Best size for
Couples who want plenty of space for themselves, their children or animals
03. ASSESSMENT OF MATTRESS THICKNESS
Contrary to mattress myth, the thickness of a mattress does not determine its comfort level – but it does influence the way mattress experts design. Mattress thickness also plays a big role in cost.
Let that sink in.
Because thicker mattresses require more material, they will naturally be more expensive than thinner alternatives. In most cases, mattresses include at least two layers. However, higher quality mattresses often have a more intentional design and may have four or more layers.
So how do you measure the optimal thickness for their sleep needs? Well, we have a chart to help you understand how to pick a mattress.
Deep/thick mattress
12 inches and above
These mattresses are extra deep and are often considered a luxury option. They are both designed with unique comfort layers made up of different materials that add durability, support and comfort to the mattress.
Medium or standard mattress
8 to 11 inches
These mattresses are lush and supportive and are typically suitable for all sleep types.
Low Profile Mattress
Less than 6 inches
Low profile mattresses may be suitable for younger children who may be less likely to sink into the mattress or for short-term use in a guest room.
04. CONSIDER BODY SUPPORT
Whether you’re small or tall, your mattress should support your entire body. To that end, let’s talk about spinal alignment and comfort zones. These are the key factors to consider when looking for a mattress that provides support.
When you properly align your body during sleep time, you give your musculoskeletal system a better chance to rest – whether it’s a few hours in front of a computer screen or a few hours spent in the garden.To avoid soreness during sleep, body support is a key factor when choosing a mattress.
1. Shoulders/Upper Back Shoulders
There should be a soft area to sink into the mattress.
2. Low Back/Lower Back
This area should be firmer to provide more support for the back and allow for relaxation.
3. Hips
The hip area should have medium firmness to support the hips.
05. SELECT MATTRESS FIRMNESS
When determining how to choose the right mattress, you must consider the level of firmness you prefer.
There is a common misconception that the firmness of a mattress affects its support, but in reality, firmness is subjective and does not equate to support. This is because firmness depends on how deeply the sleeper sinks into the mattress, while support depends on how well the mattress keeps the sleeper aligned.
On the same mattress, a heavier sleeper will inevitably sink deeper than a lighter sleeper. In this regard, the perception of firmness will be determined by the individual. So how do you determine the best mattress firmness for them? Personal preference! As long as the mattress is correctly partitioned and supports your body correctly, you are free to choose a softer or firmer mattress.
Hard vs. soft mattress partitioning
When choosing between a firm or soft mattress, the correct zoning looks different for each person. As long as they follow these zoning requirements, the choice of a firm or soft mattress will depend entirely on your preferences:
Ultimately, the firmness of a mattress depends on how it is made. A soft foam mattress can provide excellent body support, allowing you to wake up wide-eyed and pain-free. Or it may suck you into a padded abyss. It’s all in the eyes of the slumberer.
If you’re shopping for old-fashioned mattresses and mattresses in the store, test out some padded bedding. A good rule of thumb is that if you’re having trouble getting rid of the quicksand-like filling of your mattress, it’s best to switch to a firmer mattress.
06. EVALUATE YOUR SLEEPING POSITION
We’ve all been there – tossing and turning without a moment’s shut-eye. But did you know that we toss and turn even in deep sleep? In fact, people change positions at least 20 times a night.
Most sleepers usually start on their sides and then transition to their backs throughout the night, and vice versa. So it’s important to find a mattress that provides enough support for different sleep patterns and positions.
Find a mattress that suits different sleeping styles and positions.
Back sleepers
Lying flat is the best way to keep your spine naturally curved and distribute your weight evenly over your body while you sleep. Your spine also has more flexibility and reduces the risk of injury. Although, it helps to find a mattress that provides some extra support for your lower back to relieve lower back pain.
Side sleepers
This is the most common sleeping position. Because your spine is less flexible in lateral curvature, improper support for your body can easily lead to back discomfort. Side sleepers should look for a mattress that provides proper support in different body parts to straighten your spine while you sleep.
Stomach sleepers
When facing down on a soft mattress with poor support, your body can get stuck in an uncomfortable backbend which may cause muscle fatigue. If possible, find a firmer mattress to keep your spine and head aligned better as a stomach sleeper. This will better work with your body’s natural flexibility and help to avoid morning aches.
Combination sleepers
As combination sleepers toss and turn all night, they need to maintain balance in the mattress, which can come in the form of mattress zoning.
07. VIEW THE DIFFERENT MATTRESS TYPES
There is no right or wrong answer to the question of how to choose a mattress type. Really, it depends a lot on your personal comfort preferences.
Regardless of your preferences, there is always a mattress for you. But first, you must look at the different mattress types：
Built-in springs
The most traditional type of mattress, the built-in spring mattress consists of coils and springs hidden under layers of fabric, latex or foam.
Foam
Foam mattresses are usually made from a combination of different foam types. They are different types of foam mattresses, based on the most predominant type of foam in their layers.
Hybrids
What is a hybrid mattress, you ask? Hybrid mattresses combine springs and foam. They support and plush.
Latex
Latex is a rubber-like material that provides a firm and comfortable sleep experience, similar to memory foam.
With a list like this, you’re sure to find yourself drifting through a myriad of sheepish dreams.
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