Selecting a mattress can be complicated by many different considerations, including sleep position, body type and personal preferences for feel and materials. Pricing should not be used as an indicator; more popular or costly mattresses don’t always deliver better performance.
The key to selecting an effective bed mattress is looking beyond marketing hype and prioritizing details that matter.
Size
Mattress size can play an instrumental role in how well we sleep. Finding the appropriate size mattress for your bedroom is of utmost importance as a mattress that’s too large may feel out of place and too small may lack support. There are six standard mattress sizes on the market; from twin sized beds that work great for kids or single sleepers up to California king mattresses which fit nicely in most households.
When selecting the proper mattress size for a room, it’s also wise to take into account other furniture dimensions like dresser drawer width and light fixture placement. When purchasing compressed foam mattresses from online retailers, make sure that their delivery truck can access all doors without needing to make tight turns on staircases or corridors.
If you’re shopping for a mattress that requires setting it on a box spring, it is wise to factor in the height of your frame when purchasing one. A mattress that’s too tall may cause strain and soreness when rolling out of bed in the morning.
As you make your decision, keep both qualities and price ranges in mind. Innerspring mattresses tend to offer more support, yet can be more costly; while foam mattresses often cost less. Plus, memory foam models can add even greater levels of comfort than innerspring versions!
Before making your final selection, the best way to select the appropriate mattress size for you is by trying different models in person and taking note of how they feel in person and its support and comfort features. By doing this, you’ll gain insight into which mattress offers the ideal combination of price, comfort, durability and sleep quality – and most online retailers allow returns within 100 nights for any reason!
Firmness
Firmness level should be one of the top considerations when purchasing a mattress, since its firmness determines both how it feels when sleeping on it and whether or not it supports spinal alignment. Side sleepers require medium mattresses in order to avoid sinking while stomach sleepers require firm mattresses in order to promote healthy posture.
Though mattress firmness depends on its construction and materials, certain brands offer more firm options than others. Memory foam models tend to be softer than their foam-type counterparts while innerspring beds typically offer firmer options than gel or latex beds. Some hybrid or dual-firmness options even feature both soft and firm variations for maximum versatility.
Typically, higher densities will translate to firmer mattresses. Thick core thickness or coil count can also impact firmness – but these factors don’t guarantee how the mattress feels overall.
To gain a clear idea of how firm a mattress will feel, try testing it at the store in person. Keep in mind, however, that mattresses typically sit on display for two days to a month and hundreds of people could have slept on them during this time – this may alter its sag, firmness and support capabilities – so always test for at least several hours prior to purchasing.
An additional way of assessing mattress firmness is examining its warranty and return policy. Many retailers offer money-back or exchange guarantees to ensure customers leave satisfied. Some mattresses also offer long-term warranties to cover damage due to sagging, indentations and other common wear-and-tear over several years. Finally, certain mattresses are covered by insurance or medical programs like Medicare. Save money when buying a high-quality mattress that addresses your health concerns, such as physical discomfort from arthritis or fibromyalgia. Speak with your healthcare provider for specific recommendations on which mattress best meets those needs – they may even refer you to an orthopedic specialist that can assist in finding your ideal bed!
Materials
Material makeup of a mattress can have a major impact on sleep quality. Foam is a popular material used in mattresses, often in memory foam or gel memory foam form; polyurethane foam; rebounded foam (technically called viscoelastic foam); rebounded foam is technically called viscoelastic foam). Foam offers numerous advantages when it comes to relieving pressure points that may cause back pain as well as heat regulation through infusing phase change materials like copper or graphite which keep sleeping surfaces cool throughout the night.
Polyester fabrics serve as filler materials in pillowtop mattress styles, and they’re often found as outer layers or protective liners. When combined with cotton or wool thread, these polyester fabrics add both breathability and softness for increased softness and breathability. Latex is another popular mattress material; its sap comes from rubber trees and it doesn’t off-gas, helping keep sleepers comfortable all night long. Latex can be found both hybrid mattresses as well as innerspring models.
A mattress’s core layer serves to support its upper layers while bearing your weight during sleep, and ultimately determines its firmness or softness. It may consist of innerspring coils or rebounded foam; depending on which mattress type you choose, there may also be different coil types such as open/bonnell systems or pocket sprung systems used as filling material for this part of the mattress.
Some manufacturers use polyurethane for their core layer, while other use better-performing materials like phase-change material containing copper or graphite which keeps the surface of the mattress surprisingly cool and prevents heat build-up despite heavier use.
When purchasing innerspring mattresses, pay special attention to their coil gauge and count. A higher gauge and count indicates thicker steel wires which increase durability and support. Also consider how each spring is constructed; an effective mattress may use individually wrapped or pocketed coils rather than one large mass of webbed wires.
Design
An investment in the right mattress is something you should take seriously, as it will have lasting ramifications both day and night. Our team has put together this helpful guide that outlines all of your options when searching for your ideal choice based on body, budget and sleep style.
As our guide provides breakdowns that cover everything from size and firmness to material composition and design, buying a bed can seem like a daunting task – but you don’t have to stress over finding your next mattress: this comprehensive resource ensures it will fit like a glove and ensure you enjoy restful slumber!
Mattresses can be constructed from an assortment of materials, and their construction can determine everything from their bounce to how comfortable they feel. Common types include innerspring, memory foam and latex mattresses – with innerspring mattresses providing traditional-feeling bouncy support, memory foam offering deeper pressure relief that ‘hug’ your body for tailored support, while latex, found both organically produced as well as synthetically manufactured options, often offering resilient yet resilient comfort that absorbs less heat than other foam mattresses.
Hybrid mattresses are also an increasingly popular option, featuring innerspring springs layered with layers of foam for both support and comfort. While hybrid mattresses may work for any sleeping position, they typically cost more and weigh more than traditional foam-only models.
Many mattresses also boast special technology to optimize their performance. For instance, some foam beds feature an inbuilt heating and cooling system called Hub or Cooling Gel to control temperatures during the night, while other models come equipped with pressure maps which track how you sleep so as to identify areas of discomfort or support.
Consider how your mattress is designed for delivery and setup. Most foam beds can be shipped compressed in a box for easy setup at home without professional assistance; some brands even include an instructional video to walk through each step step by step. Meanwhile, hybrid and innerspring mattresses may come packaged together too, though assistance will often be necessary in removing their outer layer and installing their frame.
