How do you choose a mattress?
View hidden commentThis post was sourced from submitted reader questions and posted by wikiHow Editorial Staff, based on our article: How to Shop for a Mattress: The Only Guide You Need
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Expert Comments
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.
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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- 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:
- Linenspa Innerspring Mattress: Best mattress on Amazon
- Leesa Studio 10” Mattress: Best foam mattress
- PlushBeds Natural Bliss Vegan Mattress: Best latex mattress
- Plank Firm Mattress from Brooklyn Bedding: Best firm mattress
- Helix Midnight Luxe: Best customizable mattress
The first thing to consider when choosing a mattress is the size. Consider if the mattress is for one or two sleepers and if there are any height requirements for the mattress itself—good mattresses are about 12 to 15 inches in height. Then, think about what you'll put the mattress on and what kind of platform or foundation it will have.
Next, you've got to figure out the right firmness and comfort level. Test out both spring and latex mattresses to see which type you prefer—spring mattresses have more flexibility and mobility, while latex mattresses lack malleability. The right mattress for you depends on your body type, height, and weight, any sensitivities you may have, and your sleeping position. Side sleepers usually prefer softer mattresses that are more forgiving. Back sleepers need something firmer.
Don't just shop based on price. A mattress is an investment and typically ranges from $2,000 to $4,000. One of our most popular options is the Sunset Hybrid mattress . It's not too firm or too soft and has a good price point. And, keep in mind that your pillow is just as important as your mattress, since it aligns your neck and shoulders!
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Next, you've got to figure out the right firmness and comfort level. Test out both spring and latex mattresses to see which type you prefer—spring mattresses have more flexibility and mobility, while latex mattresses lack malleability. The right mattress for you depends on your body type, height, and weight, any sensitivities you may have, and your sleeping position. Side sleepers usually prefer softer mattresses that are more forgiving. Back sleepers need something firmer.
Don't just shop based on price. A mattress is an investment and typically ranges from $2,000 to $4,000. One of our most popular options is the Sunset Hybrid mattress . It's not too firm or too soft and has a good price point. And, keep in mind that your pillow is just as important as your mattress, since it aligns your neck and shoulders!
Reader Comments
You need to find the formula which works for you. It's different for each person.
Finding the right setup is all about narrowing it down.
What has worked for you in the past? That can give you a clue on what you'll like.
Memory foam, latex, pocket sprung??
(Tread carefully with latex, I would say it's for only a minority of people who like the feel of it)
*****
A safe bet and good starting point for most people is: Medium to medium firm pocket sprung mattress with natural materials (wool etc) and a microfiber topper if you like extra softness. This will also sleep cool and be relatively low maintenance.
This is the go to for most hotels because it suits the widest group of people.
Even 20 minutes in a bed store cannot really give you the full picture unfortunately, because you might find that you like a new mattress for the first few days but grow to hate it. Or vice versa.
So you really need to order some with a good returns policy and check how your body responds to each mattress type. It's very much trial and error.
Also what you see in a showroom doesn't really equal what you will receive at home, so you can't really just go off that.
Follow your gut and order some you think might suit you. Finding and narrowing this down can take time, so you will need to be patient, but when you find the setup which works for you, you are pretty much set for life.
View hidden comment
Finding the right setup is all about narrowing it down.
What has worked for you in the past? That can give you a clue on what you'll like.
Memory foam, latex, pocket sprung??
(Tread carefully with latex, I would say it's for only a minority of people who like the feel of it)
*****
A safe bet and good starting point for most people is: Medium to medium firm pocket sprung mattress with natural materials (wool etc) and a microfiber topper if you like extra softness. This will also sleep cool and be relatively low maintenance.
This is the go to for most hotels because it suits the widest group of people.
Even 20 minutes in a bed store cannot really give you the full picture unfortunately, because you might find that you like a new mattress for the first few days but grow to hate it. Or vice versa.
So you really need to order some with a good returns policy and check how your body responds to each mattress type. It's very much trial and error.
Also what you see in a showroom doesn't really equal what you will receive at home, so you can't really just go off that.
Follow your gut and order some you think might suit you. Finding and narrowing this down can take time, so you will need to be patient, but when you find the setup which works for you, you are pretty much set for life.
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