When it comes to selecting a mattress, the decision can be quite daunting for sleepers. After all, a new mattress is a long-term investment, and considering that you spend a third of your life on it, it’s essential to ensure you choose the perfect mattress that meets your unique needs.
To assist you in this process, we have compiled a comprehensive list of questions to consider when selecting a new mattress.
To jump straight to the main highlights at the end of this guide, click here!
When embarking on your mattress shopping journey, the first question that naturally arises is, “Which type of mattress should I choose?” With numerous options available in the market, distinguishing between them can be quite challenging.
The four primary types of mattresses are as follows:
Among the foam category, you’ll find four major subtypes, including:
Combo foam mattresses encompass a wide range of mattress types, but they all share a core structure consisting of comfort foam layers and a base of high-density support foam. Some designs include transitional support foam layers, which are typically made of poly foam, but can also incorporate latex or specialty memory foam.
Combo foam mattresses leverage a combination of memory foam, latex foam, poly foam, and support foam. By incorporating various foams, these mattresses achieve a distinct feel that combines the advantages of each material while minimizing their drawbacks.
Examples: Leesa, GhostBed, Nest Bedding Quail
If you desire a mattress that primarily consists of a single material, you might consider opting for a memory foam or latex foam mattress.
Memory foam mattresses are renowned for their exceptional contouring and hugging capabilities, as well as their slow response time. They provide outstanding pressure relief and minimal motion transfer, making them an excellent choice for couples.
Layla Memory Foam mattress layers
Traditional memory foam has a slow response time and tends to retain heat. However, modern memory foam formulations have addressed these issues. While memory foam mattresses still sleep warmer than hybrid mattresses, they are much cooler now compared to when they first entered the market.
For instance, the Loom & Leaf, BedInABox, and Nectar mattresses are excellent examples.
It’s important to note that memory foam comes in various formulations and qualities. The density of the foam, measured in pounds per cubic foot (PCF), can vary significantly. Higher densities generally result in longer-lasting foam but may also cause it to retain more heat.
Additionally, the quality of the raw materials used in the foam production greatly affects its overall quality. Lower quality memory foam may develop permanent indentations faster, have a stronger and longer-lasting odor, and sleep hotter.
Just because a mattress includes memory foam does not guarantee that it is of good quality.
On the other hand, latex foam mattresses can be made from either natural or synthetic latex. Natural latex is obtained in liquid form from rubber trees. It offers more responsiveness than traditional memory foam and provides better cooling performance with higher levels of bounce.
Examples of mattresses made with natural latex include Nest Bedding Finch, Birch Luxe, and Awara.
Natural latex is generally considered to be healthier, more environmentally friendly, and sustainable.
If you’re curious about the comparison between latex and memory foam, you can explore our detailed Latex vs. Memory Foam guide.
While synthetic latex is also available, it has become less popular in recent years. Synthetic latex is typically a blend of latex and poly foam materials.
To conclude, there are significant differences in both memory foam and latex mattresses in terms of performance, materials used, and cooling capabilities. It’s crucial to consider these factors when choosing the right mattress for your needs.
Finally, it is important to take note of foams that resemble latex. These particular foams are known as poly foams, although they have been formulated and designed to provide similar advantages and sensations as natural latex. While they are not inherently inferior, it is worth noting that they are not genuine latex.
No. Latex foam, much like memory foam, comes in various levels of quality and compositions. However, the variation in quality is not as significant as what we observe in memory foam.
Latex foam is produced using one of two fundamental processes: Dunlop and Talalay.
For instance, the natural Dunlop latex layer from Nest Finch.
Dunlop latex is cheaper to manufacture, but it is also denser and generally firmer.
On the other hand, Talalay latex is more intricate to produce but can be notably softer than Dunlop.
Each type of latex has its own advantages and disadvantages. They each possess their own strengths and are best suited for specific applications.
Poly foam is the final major category of foam mattresses. While all memory foam mattresses are made of poly foam, not all poly foam is memory foam.
What differentiates memory foam from other foams is its viscoelastic properties. If you come across foam that is not described as memory foam or latex, it is highly likely to be poly foam.
Zoma Hybrid poly foam layer.
Poly foam is often utilized as the support layer for mattresses made entirely of foam. Additionally, poly foam transitional support layers are commonly used.
However, many mattress brands also incorporate poly foam within the comfort layer. In the past decade, there has been a surge in advanced poly foam formulations. These formulations provide the foam with unique and desirable properties while minimizing the drawbacks of more traditional foams like memory foam and latex.
Hybrid mattresses, as indicated by the
heading, combine foam with a more conventional coil base. These mattresses are beneficial because they highlight the strengths of each material.
For instance, foam mattresses sometimes struggle with inadequate edge support and heat retention. On the other hand, coil-based mattresses can face issues with excessive bounce and motion transfer.
Zoma Hybrid mattress materials.
By combining coils and foam, the resulting mattress typically offers superior edge support and better cooling (courtesy of the coils), while also maintaining more controlled levels of bounce and limited motion transfer (thanks to the foam).
Some examples include the WinkBed, Leesa Hybrid, Helix Midnight Luxe, and GhostBed Luxe.
Categories of Coils
There exists a wide array of coil mattresses, each falling into one of three prominent sub-categories:
- Pocketed Coils
- Coil-on-Coil
- Innerspring
Among these, pocketed coils reign as the most popular choice, particularly for high-performance mattresses. Each individual coil is wrapped in fabric (and sometimes foam) to achieve a precise contour, minimize motion transfer, and provide optimal support. It is common to come across pocketed coil systems in hybrid mattresses or paired with plush pillow tops to enhance comfort.
Leesa Legend showcases a pocketed coil layer.
Coil-on-coil mattresses rely solely on coils for support and comfort. These coils may either be individually encased in fabric (pocketed) or connected together (innerspring). Often, pillow tops or euro-style upholstered covers are found in conjunction with these mattress types.
For all three sub-types of coil mattresses, the comfort level is impacted by the gauge, height, and number of coils utilized. The gauge of wire determines thickness, with lower numbers indicating thicker wire and greater pushback.
More coils generally translate to improved pressure relief and support, as the sleeper’s weight is more evenly distributed across the mattress surface. However, there is a point of diminishing returns when exceeding 1,000 coils per layer.
Example: Saatva
This particular category serves as a catch-all for mattresses that do not fit within the aforementioned classifications.
Specialty mattresses typically consist of a top comfort layer followed by a support base.
Example: Purple mattresses
These distinctive mattresses incorporate a proprietary hyper-elastic polymer material. This liquid substance is poured into an open-cell grid, creating a unique layer in all Purple mattresses.
Purple Hybrid Premier 4 incorporates an edge elastic polymer.
This material is neither foam nor coils, so it naturally falls into its own unique category of “specialty” design materials.
Even if you already possess the appropriate kind of mattress, the age of the mattress may be a contributing factor as to why you are not obtaining satisfactory rest.
As mattresses grow older, their once responsive, springy, and fresh materials can compress and result in sagging or uncomfortable pressure points.
The lifespan of a mattress varies based on several factors, but here is a rough estimate of how long you can expect each mattress type to endure:
– Innerspring: 5-8 years
– Memory Foam: 8-10 years
– Hybrid: 10-12 years
– Natural Latex: 10-15 years
For further information, you may refer to our guide on how to dispose of a mattress.
Nevertheless, this does not signify that your mattress won’t last longer. Depending on your usage, body weight, sleeping position, and material quality, mattresses can surpass the aforementioned estimations.
Ultimately, if you are still experiencing pleasant sleep and waking up without any discomfort, there is no need to swap mattresses.
Knowing the amount you are willing to invest in a high-quality mattress is a crucial aspect in determining which mattress is most suitable for you.
In nearly all cases where a mattress is exclusively sold in-store, there are significant markups compared to similar online mattress alternatives. Brick-and-mortar stores entail more overhead costs, employees to manage the store, and general operational expenses.
All of these expenses require financial resources and these funds need to be provided by someone. In most cases, that someone happens to be the customer. To avoid incurring these additional costs, I encourage consumers to explore online mattress options before feeling constrained by a traditional sleep retailer.
Here are our top picks for budget-friendly mattresses priced under $1000 (queen-size):
– Leesa
– GhostBed
– Zoma
– EcoSleep Hybrid Luxe
If you are searching for good value, we recommend mattresses priced between $1000 and $1500 (queen-size):
– Nest Bedding Sparrow
– WinkBed
– Nectar Premier
For those seeking luxury, we offer our top picks for mattresses priced over $1500 (queen-size):
– Loom & Leaf
Steer clear of mattresses priced below $800 for a Queen size. Anything below this threshold tends to come with significant issues regarding its durability, material quality, and construction.
Additionally, avoid mattresses priced above $2,500 for a Queen size. In most cases, these higher-priced mattresses do not offer better quality, performance, or materials. You are essentially paying for a fancy brand name.
The only exceptions to this price limit are natural and organic mattresses, as well as some luxurious specialty mattresses. However, even in these cases, it is important to be cautious not to overspend.
Major retailers have successfully convinced many people that a $5,000 mattress is perfectly reasonable, even if its actual materials cost only between $400 and $700.
Different sleep positions require different mattress characteristics. Let’s explore the three most common sleeping positions and how they affect your mattress choice.
Optimal Firmness: On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 being the firmest), a firmness level of 5-8 is recommended.
Back sleepers generally need a firmer mattress compared to other sleepers. When lying on your back, your entire spine requires support. Insufficient support can lead to back or neck pain, causing discomfort and misalignment over time.
How To: Tips for Back Sleeping
However, a mattress that is too firm can create painful pressure points. The ideal firmness level can also depend on your individual body weight.
Lighter back sleepers may prefer a slightly softer mattress within this range, while heavier back sleepers may lean towards a firmer one.
Optimal Firmness: On a scale of 1 to 10, a firmness level of 4-6 is recommended.
Side sleepers generally require a softer mattress compared to back sleepers. When sleeping on your side, it is common to change positions, such as adjusting leg position (straight or bent) or even switching sides entirely.
How To: Mastering Side Sleeping Techniques
Discover the Remarkable Benefits of Softer Mattresses for Side Sleepers
When it comes to side sleeping, the embrace and contour of softer mattresses offer unmatched advantages. These mattresses are specifically designed to adapt to and alleviate the various pressure points that side sleepers encounter.
The Art of Side Sleeping on a Dreamcloud Premier Mattress
As you lay on your side, your body experiences a harmonious interplay of pressure in your back, hips, neck, and legs. To ensure optimal comfort, it is essential to choose a mattress that can effectively respond to these distinct pressure levels and provide adequate support.
Understanding the Perfect Firmness: A Scale of 5-8 out of 10
Finding the ideal level of firmness is crucial for side sleepers. Generally, individuals with a bigger build may benefit from a slightly firmer mattress. Conversely, individuals with a lighter physique may find a softer mattress more suitable.
Nurturing Stomach Sleeping on a Zoma All Foam Mattress
Stomach sleepers crave a flat and comfortable surface that minimizes pressure points. Firm mattresses excel in offering exceptional spinal alignment and preventing unwanted sagging or sinking.
A Comprehensive Guide to Firmness for Stomach Sleepers
Lightweight stomach sleepers might discover that a softer mattress supports their needs adequately, typically ranking around 5 or 6 on the firmness scale. However, heavier stomach sleepers are advised to opt for a firmer mattress, with a rating of 7-8, to receive optimal support.
Weighing Matters: The Impact of Body Weight on Mattress Selection
Selecting the perfect mattress entails considering your body weight and how it interacts with the materials. Lightweight individuals (under 150 lbs.) will engage with the mattress differently compared to those on the heavier end (over 300 lbs.) despite using the same materials.
Trust the Weighted Vest Test to Assess Mattress Performance
To comprehensively evaluate mattress performance, we employ a weighted vest during all our tests. This meticulous examination ensures accurate measurements for the diverse needs of various individuals.
Unveiling the Amerisleep AS3 Foam Mattress for Back Sleeping
Experience unparalleled comfort with the Amerisleep AS3 Foam Mattress, designed explicitly for back sleepers. Weighing only 140 lbs., this model assures an optimal sleeping experience. However, when paired with a weighted vest, simulating a body weight of 200 lbs., it showcases its exceptional support and adaptability.
The accompanying visual representations vividly demonstrate the substantial transformation in the contour of the mattress when subjected to additional weight.
It is worth considering that certain mattresses outperform others in terms of accommodating extra weight. Therefore, it is imperative to ponder over this aspect before finalizing your mattress selection.
A select few mattresses have been specially designed for sleepers exceeding 300 lbs. These mattresses come with thicker comfort layers and enhanced support to withstand the additional weight.
To date, we have conducted rigorous testing and identified the top mattresses for plus-sized individuals. These mattresses come highly recommended:
Every single one of these mattresses listed here has a remarkable weight capacity of up to 1,000 lbs., ensuring their durability against the added pressure.
Now that you have answered all the aforementioned questions, the final pivotal aspect to consider is the level of firmness you require.
Firmness primarily pertains to the feel of the mattress when you lie down on it. A highly firm mattress will exhibit minimal sinkage and a somewhat rigid surface.
Conversely, an extremely soft mattress will exhibit substantial sinkage and a luxuriously plush feel when you lie on it.
The labeling of firmness levels presents a certain challenge as it is subject to a high degree of subjectivity. Nonetheless, I have personally tested more than 180 mattresses. The determination of firmness levels is based on a comparative analysis of each mattress, ensuring a universal scale for all mattresses.
Our firmness scale ranges from 1 to 10, with 10 representing the firmest sensation akin to sleeping on a concrete floor, and 1 representing the softest feeling akin to sleeping on a beanbag.
The table below illustrates our various firmness levels and includes an example of a mattress falling within each category.
To ascertain the appropriate level of firmness for your needs, take into account your weight and sleeping position.
The table provided below offers a rough estimation of the ideal firmness range based on your sleeping position preference and total body weight. If you share a bed with a partner, it may be necessary to consider their individual requirements and preferences as well.
Relationships are all about compromise, however, choosing a mattress is an entirely different matter from selecting a dining destination. When it comes to good sleep, it can be tough to find a middle ground.
In the event that you and your partner hold contrasting preferences for a mattress, it might be worth exploring the option of a split mattress that allows each of you to enjoy your ideal sleeping surface.
One possibility is a split king configuration, which essentially consists of two Twin XL mattresses placed side by side.
Now, let’s review the key points once again. Below is a list of the six most crucial questions to ask when selecting a new mattress.
There are four primary types of mattresses, namely foam, coil, hybrid, and specialty. Familiarizing yourself with the distinctions between these types is the first step towards identifying the best mattress for your specific requirements.
If you are contemplating replacing an old mattress, consider its age first. For instance, if it is a foam mattress that has been inherited and is 20 years old, it may no longer provide adequate support. Understanding the lifespan of different mattress materials is another vital factor in the decision-making process.
The budget at your disposal can greatly influence the range of mattresses available to you. However, it is worth noting that a good mattress need not be exorbitantly priced. We have tested numerous mattresses priced below $1,000 (queen size) that offer excellent support and remarkable comfort. Luxury mattresses provide additional features such as advanced cooling mechanisms, superior materials, impeccable craftsmanship, and enhanced support.
Sleeping position, whether it be on the side, back, or stomach, necessitates different mattress requirements. Your preferred sleeping position speaks volumes about the type of mattress that would suit you best.
Body weight is another crucial factor in choosing the most suitable mattress. The needs of lightweight sleepers (under 150 lbs.) differ significantly from those of heavier individuals (over 300 lbs.). Variables such as mattress cover thickness, comfort layer thickness, and support layer thickness are exceedingly important considerations that may vary based on your weight.
The level of mattress firmness should correspond directly to your personal weight and sleeping position. Refer to the chart below as a guide.
Well, ladies and gentlemen, that concludes our discussion! If you are still uncertain about how to select the best mattress for your needs, please do not hesitate to reach out. We offer personalized mattress recommendations tailored to your specifications. Simply answer a few quick questions, and based on that information, we will provide you with excellent options that meet your requirements.
