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How do you choose a mattress?

For a complete guide to this topic, read the wikiHow article How to Shop for a Mattress: The Only Guide You Need .
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wikiHow Editorial Team
03/06/25 10:42am
Choosing a mattress is an important decision, as the average person spends about one-third of their life sleeping. The top four things to consider when buying a mattress include mattress type, firmness, size, and price.
  • Type: Innerspring mattresses are the traditional option. They contain coils that make the mattress durable and supportive. Foam mattresses don't contain springs, and are made out of various types of foam that conform to your body. Hybrid mattresses contain both springs and foam, but are typically the most expensive.
  • Firmness: Matresses use a scale of 1 (softest) to 10 (firmest). Choose the firmness based on whether you want a lot of support (firm, good for back sleepers), a mix of support and flexibility (medium, good for side sleepers) or a lot of give (soft, good for stomach sleepers).
  • Size: The most common mattress sizes include twin, full, queen, and king. Single sleepers can opt for a twin (38 by 75 inches) or full size (54 by 75 inches) mattress. Couples typically prefer a queen (60 by 80 inches) or king (76 by 80 inches).
  • Price: Consider your budget when shopping for a mattress, but keep in mind that this is an investment. Expect to spend $500-$1,500 for a good mid-range mattress, depending on its size, material, type, and durability.

Buying a mattress doesn't have to be a hassle, though, especially since there are so many options online! Plus, most companies provide a trial period so you can test out the mattress at home and make sure it's right for you. Some of the best mattresses currently on the market include:
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