How to Choose the Right Mattress for Better Sleep
To help you choose the right mattress, here is a rundown of major features, considerations, and tips that can beef up your mattress knowledge and narrow down your choices.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Mattress
Size
- Twin Bed (38 X 75 inches) Sleeps one comfortably. Ideal for kids and teens.
- XL Twin Bed (38 X 80 inches) Sleeps one comfortably. Ideal for kids and teens and is the most common mattress size found in college dorm rooms.
- Double or Full Bed (53 x 75 inches) Sleeps one or two. Perfect for adult solo sleepers or a couple who doesn’t need much space.
- Queen Bed (60 x 80 inches) Sleeps one or two people comfortably. Perfect for adult solo sleepers or a couple.
California King Bed (72 x 84 inches) Sleeps two comfortably. Perfect for couples and sleepovers with kids or pets.
King Bed (76 x 80 inches) Sleeps two comfortably. Perfect for couples and sleepovers with kids or pets.
Firmness
Determining your ideal level of firmness relies on your sleeping position, weight, and comfort preferences. People on the lighter side may prefer a soft level of firmness, whereas someone on the heavier side may find comfort in a firmer mattress. Side sleepers fare well with a softer level of firmness, while back and stomach sleepers typically prefer a firmer mattress. A medium-firm mattress would be ideal for combination sleepers who cycle through a variety of postures.
Material
Innerspring mattresses
The most traditional mattress style, innerspring is known for its durability. It’s ideal for sleepers who need cooling because the spacing of its springs allows for better air circulation. However, it’s lacking in cushioning compared to some of the other types.
Foam mattresses
Foam mattresses are known for their durability and motion isolation, which stops light sleepers from getting jostled awake when their partner gets in and out of bed. While memory foam conforms your body for ideal support, it is also known to retain heat.
Hybrid mattresses
Hybrid mattresses give you the best of both worlds of innerspring and foam. They are durable with a long lifespan. They also offer comfort and support from the foam materials while their coil and spring system promote cooling. But hybrids are heavy to move and are pricier.
Why Should You Test a Mattress Before Buying
If buying a mattress online, look at customer reviews, ratings, and feedback. Other key things to note are the trial period, return policy, and shipping costs.