How to Choose the Right Mattress for Better Sleep
Designed to last from 7–10 years, mattresses are an important long-term investment. A poor-quality or ill-suited mattress can cause years of sleep issues, while a comfortable and supportive mattress can reduce morning aches and level up the quality of your 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.
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
While mattresses are designed with a dizzying number of special features, the three most important factors are the mattress's size, firmness, and material. These factors also have an outsized impact on the price of a mattress, so considering them may help you narrow down your budget.
1.
Size
While there are 11 mattress sizes used worldwide — the most popular mattress sizes are twin, full, queen, king, and California king. When choosing the right size, we recommend keeping in mind how much room you need, how much room your partner needs, and whether there will be frequent visits from your kids and pets. If you already have a bed frame, ensure the mattress fits snugly.
- 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.
2.
Firmness
Did you know there is a subtle difference between firmness and support when it comes to mattresses? The firmness of a mattress is measured by how much you sink into the bed, whereas the support offered by the mattress is measured by how much it maintains your neutral spinal alignment and relieves pressure points.
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.
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.
3.
Material
Now that you know your preferred mattress size and firmness, it’s time to decide which material would be most beneficial. Today, the most common mattresses are innerspring, foam, latex, and hybrid. Each mattress type offers its advantages and disadvantages.
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
Testing out a mattress is the best way to know what kind of support you need. But make sure to do these three things before you step into a showroom:
1.
Check in with your body when you’re about to sleep and wake up. As you age, your body’s needs will change. Take special note of your neck, hips, and knees which are prone to feel discomfort and pressure in specific positions.
2.
List out what you’re looking for before you get to a showroom, like firmness, price, and more.
3.
Jot down questions to ask the sleep consultant. Remember, this is a long-term investment. Question the mattress’s features, especially the specific benefits and drawbacks for your sleep posture and needs.
Once you are in the mattress store, don’t just use your hands to test the firmness of the mattress — we recommend lying on the bed in your favorite sleeping position. Pay attention to the level of comfort, support, pressure relief, and temperature regulation. If you have a partner, have them lay down next to you to assess if the mattress offers adequate space and comfort to both parties.
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.
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.
Find a Good Night’s Rest With Furniture.com
OnIt’s time to elevate your sleeping haven. At furniture.com, we understand the importance of a good night’s sleep, which is why we give you the right tools to make an informed decision. With mattress stores available nationwide, we’re here to show you to your nearest showroom and help you experience your best sleep.
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