Purchasing the right mattress is a big investment in your health and wellness. You spend approximately one-third of your life sleeping, and that means the right mattress doesn't just impact the quality of your rest but also your overall comfort, posture and health. Today's market has an overwhelming number of options you can pick from, such as hybrid, latex and memory foam, so knowing where to begin is challenging. Use this expert guide to learn the essential steps, considerations and tips you need to make the right decision.
Understanding Mattress Types
The first step you should take when shopping is to understand the different types of mattresses available. Each kind has distinct characteristics that cater to various health needs, sleeping positions and personal preferences.
Explore All Mattress OptionsInnerspring Mattresses
Innerspring mattresses are among the most popular types you'll find on the market, and they're also some of the oldest. These mattresses have a system of steel coils in place to offer you support throughout the night. The kinds of coils and their numbers vary, but you can generally expect a firm feel and strong support. Innerspring mattresses are usually more breathable because of the spacing between the coils, and that makes them an effective choice for anyone who sleeps hot.
Pros:
- Affordability
- Cooler sleep surface
- Bouncy and responsive
Cons:
- Can get noisy after a while
- Limited motion isolation
- Not as much contouring support as foam
Memory Foam Mattresses
Whether you have an adjustable bed frame or not, a memory foam mattress is designed to contour to your body in ways that offer support and pressure relief. These work well for anyone who wants a mattress that molds to their current shape or people suffering from joint pain. Memory foam can also absorb motion, so it's a good choice for a couple who doesn't want to bother each other with their movements during the night.
Pros:
- Conforms to body shapes
- Effective pressure relief
- Good motion isolation
Cons:
- Heat retention
- Possible early off-gassing odor
- The sinking feeling uncomfortable to some users
Latex Mattresses
Latex mattresses are made using synthetic or natural rubbers. Whether you get a twin, full, queen mattress or king, a latex model gives you a bouncy, resilient and supportive feel. These are well-known for their pressure relief and cooling properties. If you want a mattress that embodies your belief in sustainability, opt for natural latex for its eco-friendliness and durability.
Pros:
- Naturally cooling
- Durability
- Eco-friendliness of natural latex
Cons:
- Heavier than some mattresses
- Cost
- Might not be as contouring as memory foam
Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrid mattress models work in any size, including a full mattress, when you want the benefits of foam or innerspring at the same time. You can enjoy foam's contouring comfort while also being supported by coils. These versatile options support all kinds of sleepers.
Pros:
- Cooler than an all-foam model
- Effective motion isolation
- Good balance of comfort and support
Cons:
- Price
- Heavier than an all-foam model
- Variable durability based on the specific materials
Assess Your Sleep Needs
When you shop for your next mattress, it's essential to consider your sleep needs. A variety of different factors can influence the kind of mattress that will serve you best.
Sleeping Position
The sleeping position a person has plays a substantial role in deciding what mattress is the best one to buy:
- Back Sleepers: These sleepers need a mattress that will provide sufficient firmness to prevent sinking while also supporting the spine's natural curve. Medium-firm mattresses usually satisfy these requirements.
- Side Sleepers: Side sleepers can benefit from any mattress that provides cushioning at pressure points, including the shoulders and hips. To promote proper comfort and physical alignment, look for softer or medium-firm mattresses.
- Stomach Sleepers: A firmer mattress is a good decision for these kinds of sleepers because it's more likely to maintain alignment between their spine and hips. Mattresses that are too soft might result in back strain.
- Combination Sleepers: If you're someone who changes positions regularly, you need a mattress that balances support and comfort in all sleeping positions. Look for medium-firm hybrid mattresses as a potential best option.
Body Type and Weight
The weight and body type impact the performance and feel of a mattress. Heavier people might want something firmer for the extra durability and support, whereas lighter sleepers could find plenty of comfort spending the night on a softer mattress that more easily contours to their physique.
Lighter sleepers are usually under 130 pounds. A softer mattress can be more comfortable and supportive for them. They provide more contouring for lightweight individuals. Average sleepers usually fall between 130 and 230 pounds. Medium or medium-firm mattresses usually strike a good balance between support and comfort for people in this weight range. Heavier sleepers are those over 230 pounds. A firmer mattress is often going to work better. The greater durability stands up to their weight, and the sturdy design prevents excessive sinkage.
You should note that these guidelines are general categories. Whenever possible, trying out physical models or doing sleep testing within a guaranteed return period is a good idea.
Health Concerns
Some health conditions might influence what kind of mattress works best for you. If you suffer from back pain, consider a medium-firm mattress that balances spinal alignment without being too hard. Anyone suffering from allergies might benefit from a hypoallergenic mattress that has latex, as they're resistant to mold and dust mites. Side sleepers and individuals with shoulder or hip pain should look at latex or memory foam mattresses as they provide excellent pressure relief.
Specific Mattress Features You Should Consider
Numerous features should factor into your mattress shopping, and researching each can help you pick the right one for your needs.
Edge Support
If you intend to share your bed with a partner or like sitting on the side of the bed, then edge support is essential. Robust edge support keeps the mattress from sagging if you lie or sit near the edges. Innerspring and hybrid mattresses usually offer better edge support compared to memory foam.
Firmness Level
Mattresses have a broad range of firmness levels; they start with ultra-soft and move all the way up to extra-firm. Your ideal firmness depends on body weight, personal preferences and your sleeping position. Many mattresses are rated for firmness based on a 10-point scale:
- 1-3: The softest mattresses provide sinkage and plush comfort. These are ideal for side sleepers and lighter sleepers.
- 4-6: The medium-firm range of mattresses offers a balance of support and comfort. These are good choices for combination sleepers and people of average physical weight.
- 7-9: Firm mattress models bring robust support. These help heavier individuals, stomach sleepers and back sleepers.
- 10: Very firm mattresses are rare finds. They're typically reserved for individuals who have specific medical needs or conditions.
Mattress Thickness
How thick a mattress is impacts its durability and comfort. It varies a lot by model, but many mattresses fall in a range of 8 to 14 inches. A thicker mattress typically has more layers that can offer extra durability and support for couples or heavier people. However, a thinner mattress can still provide plenty of comfort for a lighter person.
Motion Isolation
Couples who share a bed might find motion isolation to be an essential feature. A mattress with effective motion isolation prevents the movements of one partner from disturbing the other one's sleep. Latex and memory foam mattresses tend to be excellent when it comes to motion isolation. An innerspring mattress, on the other hand, might transfer more motion than you want.
Temperature Regulation
Do you tend to sleep hot? Some mattresses are better at temperature regulation than others. Hybrid and innerspring models usually provide better airflow compared to memory foam. Having said that, a lot of newer foam mattresses have temperature-regulating features, such as breathable materials or cooling gel-infused layers that combat heat retention.
Put Your Anxiety to Rest
Mattress shopping doesn't have to get overwhelming when you take the right steps. Assess your individual preferences and needs, understand the different kinds of mattresses, consider your sleeping habits and set a budget. Finding the perfect mattress is a chance to enjoy restorative sleep in the coming years. Buying the right mattress is an investment in your overall health and wellness, so take enough time to do effective research that culminates in a choice supportive of your distinct sleep needs. In time, the sheer number of mattress possibilities will change from being an endless sea of choices and turn into a wide variety of possibilities.
In addition to buying the right mattress, you'll also need to pick where you buy one from. City Mattress has earned its reputation for high-caliber sleep solutions. We offer a broad selection of on-trend styles from trusted brands, catering to every budget and comfort preference you might have. Find the best mattress, furniture and bedding for your home, and schedule delivery and set up services. Shop at City Mattress for the convenience, comfort and quality you need for a rejuvenating sleep experience.
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