How To Choose a Mattress

Good sleep quality is the gateway to a happy and healthy life, and a good mattress is crucial. 

Choosing a new mattress can become overwhelming, mainly when so many options exist. 

That is why we created this guide, in which you will learn exactly how to choose a mattress that meets your needs. 

Let’s get into it! 

Do You Need a New Mattress?

But how can you be sure that it’s the right time to get rid of your old mattress?

Mattresses typically last around seven to eight years, but it all depends on the mattress type and the materials. For example, softer memory foams are less durable, while natural latex beds are some of the most durable ones. 

But there’s no actual set time. Here are some signs that your old mattress might be too old.  

Wear and Tear

First, if your mattress has some obvious signs of wear and tear, it’s time to invest in a new one. 

If you notice that your mattress has started to lose shape, sag, and have dips that won’t go away, it’s already starting to lose support and affect your sleep. Other signs of wear and tear include too many rips and stains and even extra noisiness. 

And if you want to ensure that your next mattress lasts longer, you must maintain it properly. 

Sleep Quality

How well you sleep is a telltale sign that it’s time to replace your old mattress. 

If you can’t fall asleep quickly and wake up tired and in pain, your mattress is the likely culprit. It could also be the cause of your sneezing and coughing. 

The best way to test whether this is the case is to sleep on a different, newer mattress for at least one night and compare the experiences. 

Determine Your Budget

When talking about how to choose a mattress, you also need to watch out for your budget. Most mattresses are a big investment.

The price range can definitely vary, and you can find anything from a budget mattress to a high-end luxury one. But looking at the middle, most beds cost between $600 and $2,000. 

Mattress prices depend on many things, but mostly on materials, construction, where it’s made and sold, and what brand produces it. 

Unique materials and construction types, like natural latex or individually wrapped coils, usually cost more, while foam and innerspring mattresses tend to be cheaper. But there are no rules.  

Just because a mattress is expensive does not guarantee that it is the best mattress for you. Always consider your preferences first. 

Another piece of good news! Most mattress brands, especially in online mattress stores, have discounts and regular sales throughout the year. They also come with perks like free shipping and a sleep trial. You should take advantage of this!

Also, if you’re getting an entirely new bed in a new size, keep in mind that you’ll need other bed accessories like a new bed frame and bedding as well. 

Support

We have to start with the mattress feature that’s most important for your sleep and health: support. 

The perfect mattress is just a combination of a bunch of features that suit you, but support is the one thing that you can’t sacrifice. 

A good, supportive mattress is responsible for spinal alignment for back sleepers, side sleepers, and stomach sleepers. Side sleepers, for example, require a bed that allows their hips and shoulders to sink while still supporting their spine. 

The rule of thumb is that if parts of your body sink too much or too little, the support is improper. 

Support is also based on your body type and has a lot to do with the material and firmness of the mattress. 

While lighter sleepers can get enough support even from softer foam mattresses, heavier sleepers are usually better off with a sturdy coil system under them. 

If necessary, you could purchase a mattress with zoned support. These can be helpful for side sleepers or those with back pain. 

Firmness

Mattress firmness indicates how soft or firm a mattress feels, and it’s entirely subjective. 

Firmness is a significant element of comfort, and you should definitely know about it when shopping for a new mattress. 

Even though firmness and support aren’t the same, firmness can definitely affect spinal alignment and support. That’s why it’s crucial to find a mattress that gives you a good combination of both. 

Even though it’s subjective, mattress companies use a scale from 1 to 10 to help determine firmness. These can vary between companies, but they’re usually separated into several levels.

Most people prefer a medium-firm mattress, but who knows? It might not be your cup of tea. 

Here’s more about different firmness levels.

Extra Soft (1-2)

Extra-soft mattresses are rated 1-2 on the firmness scale, and they’re usually made from softer foams. 

This mattress feels like a cloud, but don’t let that fool you! Unless you’re a very light person or have medical conditions, this firmness level can cause more harm than good. They usually don’t offer adequate support and tend to be less durable. 

Soft (3-4)

A soft mattress can have ratings ranging from 3 to 4 on the firmness scale. 

They’re the best choice for light and side sleepers because they’ll let their hips and shoulders sink while still being supportive. 

Soft mattresses are mostly made of foam, but other mattress types can also have this firmness level. However, they could be more durable. 

Medium (5-6)

Medium mattresses hold a 5 to 6 score on the firmness scale, and they’re the ones people love the most, especially medium-firm ones. 

Medium-firm mattresses are very versatile. They can be a good choice for all body types, sleeping positions, and comfort levels. Medium firm mattresses can also be found in any mattress type. 

We know everyone likes it, but if it seems like something other than the right mattress for you, don’t push it! 

Firm (7-8)

Levels 7 to 8 on the firmness scale are reserved for firm mattresses. Any type can have this firmness level, but there are fewer firm mattresses made from foam. 

The best mattress for back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and heavier sleepers is a firm one. It is also beneficial to those who sleep hot. The density of the material also means it tends to last longer. 

Extra Firm (9-10)

Extra-firm mattresses range from 9 to 10 on the firmness scale, and they’re as firm as extra-soft mattresses. Extra-firm mattresses range from 9 to 10 on the mattress firmness scale.

For most people, these mattresses lack the needed comfort, and they’re only a good choice for people with special conditions and heavy sleepers. The good news is that they’re durable. 

Mattress Types

Now that you know about two of the most critical aspects of buying a mattress, it’s time to get more complicated. 

If you’ve already started looking for a new mattress, you’ve come across various types. But what are the differences between them? And which one is the best? 

Here’s everything you should know about mattress types. 

Foam Mattresses

Foam mattresses are separated into all-foam beds and memory foam mattresses. Both of these have a support layer made from sturdy polyurethane foam, but the comfort layers differ. 

In an all-foam mattress, the comfort layer is made from softer polyurethane foam, while a memory foam mattress has memory foam. 

Foam beds are known to mold your body, relieve pressure well, stop motion, and respond slowly. Many foam mattresses are on the softer side and are excellent low-cost options. 

These softer mattresses are a good option for side sleepers and light sleepers. The lack of motion transfer also makes them perfect for couples. 

The biggest problem with this type is temperature regulation. The foam layers trap heat, so hot sleepers should avoid them. Gel memory foam, which was made to deal with this problem, is another option. 

Foam mattresses tend to have poor edge support, and the contouring may make some people, particularly heavy sleepers, feel trapped in the bed. And the softer the foam, the less durable it is. 

Check this out: Best Memory Foam Mattress

Innerspring Mattresses

An innerspring mattress is the oldest mattress type around. It is made with a support layer made of steel coils and a thin comfort layer on top. 

The coils in an innerspring mattress can be created in a couple of different ways, and their construction impacts the attributes of the bed. The four types of coils are continuous, offset, Bonnell, and pocketed coils. 

Most innerspring beds are on the firmer side, have a lot of bounce, and offer great support. They usually fall in the lower price range, so you won’t have to worry about breaking the bank. 

Their construction also allows for excellent breathability, which hot sleepers will love. They have good edge support and are durable. 

However, they’re not everyone’s cup of tea. Innerspring mattresses don’t do much to relieve pressure, so if you have back pain, this is not the best choice. 

And don’t get us started on the motion transfer. If you’re a light sleeper, either go for pocketed coils or forget about this mattress type. 

Check this out: Best Innerspring Mattress

Latex Mattresses

All latex beds can be made from natural, synthetic, or a blend of those two materials. Natural latex foam mattresses are better and more eco-friendly, but also more expensive. 

Latex foam is known for its fast response, firm support, and durability. It’s one of the most durable mattress types. They also provide excellent pressure relief and sound motion isolation. 

Natural latex is very sustainable, so if you’re looking for an organic mattress that won’t off-gas, this is the type for you. 

Besides, latex beds are a good option for combination sleepers, couples, and everyone who likes a slightly firmer bed. 

Latex beds are similar to memory foam but feel firmer and don’t trap heat, so they’re a better choice for hot sleepers. However, beds made from synthetic latex are usually softer and less breathable.  

The only bad things about a natural latex mattress are its high price and lack of edge support. 

Check this out: Best Latex Mattress

Hybrid Mattresses

A hybrid mattress is a combination of two mattress types – usually a coil system for support and foam layers on top. The foam is either memory foam or latex, and the attributes of the mattress depend on that. 

Hybrid mattresses are the way to go if you’re looking for a good combination of support and comfort. They offer firm support and edge support, with just the right amount of contouring and pressure relief.

Sleeping on a hybrid mattress is a good choice for many, especially side sleepers, heavy sleepers, and those suffering from back pain. 

The way they respond depends on the material of the comfort layer, but the coil support makes them bouncy in general. These coils also impact motion transfer, but the good news is that most hybrid mattresses come with individually wrapped coils. 

A hybrid mattress is also among the more durable ones, but it can get pretty expensive. Could be worth it for you, though. 

Check this out: Best Hybrid Mattress

Airbed

In an airbed, support and comfort are created with air. The good news? You can adjust the air levels in these chambers, so you can set the firmness to whichever level you want. 

When you hear the word “airbed,” you might think of an old-fashioned thin air mattress you’d take on your camping trip in your teens. But today, there are more luxurious versions of this camping staple that you could use even in your bedroom. 

However, they’re still not for everyone. Airbeds are less durable, offer little support, and can cost a lot if you’re looking for a very comfortable one. 

Adjustable

Mattresses for adjustable beds are made so they can be bent in specific ways while still offering support and comfort for the sleeper. These mattresses are unique, and you won’t find them in any mattress store. 

Adjustable beds typically don’t have coils because that type of construction doesn’t allow them to bend. They’re usually made of foam, have adjustable firmness labels like an air mattress, and fit perfectly into an adjustable base.

Pillow Top

“Pillow top” is a term used for mattresses with a soft comfort layer on top. But although every mattress type can become a pillow top, most pillow top mattresses have a coil support layer, making them closer to innersprings and hybrids. 

Because there are so many choices of materials, the attributes of pillow top mattresses can vary. Still, most are known for the comfort and “cloud-like” feeling they give the sleeper. 

They’re a better option for side sleepers, people with back pain or allergies, and everyone who prefers a softer, more luxurious feel, as long as the support layer matches their preferences. 

Waterbed

If you have watched movies set in the 1980s, you already know what a waterbed is. It’s mattress-shaped vinyl filled with water. 

In a waterbed, the water provides all of the support and comfort. It is a good option in some cases but bad in others. 

For example, waterbeds are an excellent choice if you suffer from painful joints. They offer a lot of pressure relief, and people with arthritis enjoy sleeping on them. They’re also good for allergies and back pain in general. 

However, waterbeds have virtually no motion isolation at all. So if you’re sharing a bed with somebody, prepare to get woken up by their every toss and turn. 

These mattresses used to be very popular. There are fewer on the market now, but you can still find them if you’re looking. Just keep a few things in mind: they’re usually expensive to buy and maintain, and they aren’t that durable. 

Speaking of durability…

Durability

If you want your mattress to last a long time, you need to look for a durable one. 

Not every mattress material is created equal. Some of them are soft and comfortable, but they pay for that by not lasting very long. 

We already mentioned that natural latex beds are some of the most durable ones, along with hybrid mattresses. 

On the other hand, softer memory foams, especially those made from cheaper material, aren’t very durable, can’t handle a lot, and will begin to sag and fall apart after just a couple of years. 

Of course, if you want your mattress to last, you also need to take care of it the right way. 

A mattress that falls apart fast will negatively affect your sleep and health, which is also why choosing a bed made from high-quality materials is essential. 

Quality Materials

Any mattress type can come in a high- or low-quality version, but there are some things you should watch out for when looking for a quality mattress. 

For example, memory foam is soft, but the softer it is, the less it can handle. This is why you should always look for a high-density foam mattress. Also, gel memory foam is suitable for cooling, but it’ll cost more. 

The same rules apply to coils. If you want a quality innerspring or hybrid mattress with strong coils, keep an eye out for coil gauge and coil count. 

The coil gauge tells you how thick the steel is; the lower the number, the stronger and more durable it is. The coil count indicates the number of coils in a mattress. A typical Queen size mattress has a coil count of 400. 

And as mentioned before, latex is just better when it’s natural. If you want synthetic latex, choose one with a high density, similar to memory foam. 

High-quality materials don’t have to be expensive, but they usually are in the higher price range. 

Mattress Size

The next thing you should keep in mind are mattress dimensions. 

Consider your comfort, whether you share a bed with someone, and how big your room is before making the final choice. 

There are a lot of mattress sizes in the world, but there are only six standard ones. Here’s what you should know about them:

Twin

The smallest mattress size is a Twin mattress, which measures 38 inches by 75 inches. 

It’s a good option for single sleepers, particularly kids and teenagers, but only if they are under 6 feet tall. This bed is far too small to accommodate two people. It’s a popular choice for dorm rooms and other compact sleeping arrangements.  

Twin XL

The length of a Twin XL mattress is 80 inches, while its width is the same as that of a standard Twin mattress at 38 inches. 

Because of its additional length, it is a good choice for sleepers taller than 6 feet. Like the Twin mattress, it is commonly found in kids’ rooms, dorms, and other small living quarters.  

Full

The dimensions of a Full mattress are 54 inches wide by 75 inches long. They’re much bigger than Twin mattresses, but they’re still for singles who prefer more space, as couples would feel cramped on this one.

This mattress is designed for people who are shorter than 6 feet tall. However, a non-standard Full XL size can be purchased if you are interested. It’s usually put into smaller bedrooms or guest rooms. 

Queen

A Queen-sized mattress, measuring 60 inches by 80 inches, is a common choice among sleepers. Especially for couples, this is typically the choice that will save them the most money.

Additionally, it is appropriate for singles who are over 6 feet tall. In a small master bedroom or guest room, a cheap queen bed is often all that’s needed.  

King

A standard King size bed has a width of 76 inches and a length of 80 inches. Although anyone can use it, this mattress is ideal for couples, especially those who share their bed with young children or pets. 

Because of the additional length, they are ideal for those who are over 6 feet in height. King mattresses need a lot of space, so they’ll fit best in a spacious master bedroom. 

California King

Last but not least, the dimensions of a California King bed are 72 inches in width and 84 inches in length. Although it can fit a couple, it’s narrower than a King, but the additional 4 inches make it an excellent choice for those who need the extra legroom. 

They are as large as a standard King bed, so you’ll need a sizable master bedroom to accommodate them. 

Name	Dimensions	Best for
Twin	38” x 74”	Singles; adults under 6′ tall; teens; children; small rooms, shared rooms, and bunk beds.
Twin XL	38” x 80”	Singles, adults; teens; and children taller than 6′; small rooms; shared rooms; college dorms.
Full	54” x 75”	Singles under 6′ tall; teenagers; small rooms or a guest room.
Queen	60” x 80”	Singles, especially those over 6′ tall; couples; those who sleep with their pets or children; bigger rooms, guest rooms.
King	76” x 80”	Singles who like a lot of space; even those over 6′ tall; couples; couples sleeping with a child or pets; larger rooms.
California King	72” x 84”	Singles and couples, especially tall ones; those who sleep with their pets or children; larger rooms.

Pressure Relief and Pain

Our bed is the one place in our home where we spend most of our time. We use it to rest our bodies and get ready for a new day. But what if you suffer from back pain, and your mattress is making it worse? 

Pressure relief is one of the biggest comfort aspects of a mattress. You don’t want your bed to push against your pressure points too much because it’ll cause pain and discomfort. 

Some mattresses are different in this area. For example, memory foam mattresses are known as the best at providing pressure point relief. 

Latex mattresses are a close second, and hybrids with a good foam top layer can also do a good job. However, innerspring mattresses basically give you no pressure relief. 

Here’s what you should watch out for if you feel pain in certain areas. 

Back Pain

Many people suffer from back pain for a variety of reasons. One of those reasons could be a lousy mattress that worsens the pain. 

A mattress could cause back pain if it’s too old or doesn’t suit your body. 

Back pain sufferers should sleep on a mattress with medium firmness and a lot of pressure relief. It should also keep their spine aligned. Back sleepers have the best sleeping position to deal with this pain since stomach sleepers and side sleepers put more stress on their spine.  

The best mattress types to deal with pressure points in this case are latex, hybrid, and firmer memory foam. 

Lower Back Pain

If your spine isn’t correctly aligned while you sleep, you may wake up with lower back pain. Shoulders and hips that aren’t adequately supported can become misaligned and painful. Beds that are too soft or too firm can cause the same thing. 

Choose a mattress that works for your sleeping position if you suffer from hip or lower back pain. Beds that are medium-soft to medium-firm are best for side sleepers, while back sleepers and stomach sleepers should opt for a firmer mattress. 

Middle and Upper Back Pain

Pillows and poor posture are common causes of neck, shoulder, and upper back pain. If you’re experiencing neck pain, try switching to a pillow that provides extra elevation. 

As an additional point, a poorly fitting mattress can cause shoulder pain for side sleepers because hips and shoulders are their pressure points. A softer mattress would be ideal for these people, or they could try and become back sleepers for a while. 

Motion Isolation and Responsiveness

How well a mattress handles motion isolation and how it responds to your body are two important aspects of comfort. 

Motion isolation is critical if you share a bed with someone and are a light sleeper. Do you want the tossing and turning to wake you up? 

As a rule, whether with latex or memory foam, all-foam mattresses are the best at motion isolation. Memory foam is slightly better, though. 

On the other hand, you should avoid mattresses with steel coil construction if you don’t want to feel any movement through the night. Hybrids are mostly made with individually wrapped coils and have a foam comfort layer, so they’re definitely a better choice than an innerspring mattress. 

When it comes to responsiveness and bounce, it’s all about what you prefer. Do you want to feel like you’re sleeping on top of the mattress, or would you like the cloud-like feeling of sinking into it? 

If you want more bounce, go for latex, latex hybrids, and innerspring mattresses. Couples also prefer these for their nighttime activities. 

And if you want to sink into that bed, memory foam has your back. 

Sleep Position

Getting that perfect bed also depends on your sleep position. 

So think about this: in which sleeping position do you most comfortably fall asleep, and in which position do you wake up? 

Everyone sleeps differently, but no matter what sleep position you’re in, the mattresses are supposed to keep your spine aligned, and you should feel comfortable. 

Let’s look at each sleeping position and what mattresses are perfect for it. 

Back Sleepers 

Many people sleep on their backs, and keeping their spines aligned is easy. The mattress for this sleeping position needs to be just right, neither too soft nor too firm, because either will cause their hips to sink in too far or not far enough. 

Back sleepers should opt for a medium-firm bed, and a hybrid model featuring coils and memory foam is typically recommended as it offers both support and comfort. Size-wise, back sleepers require more room than side sleepers, but a Twin could still work.

Check out our list of the best mattresses for back sleepers!  

Side Sleepers

When you sleep on your side, the widest parts of your body, your shoulders and hips, bear the brunt of the pressure. This is why side sleepers are better off with a mattress that will contour their body while still giving them proper support. 

The best option for side sleepers is a soft to medium mattress that will give them enough sinkage not to put too much pressure on their hips and shoulders. Memory foam and hybrid mattresses are the best choices in this case because of their comfort layers. Regarding bed size, side sleepers can get by with as little as a Twin.  

Check out our list of the best mattresses for side sleepers!

Stomach Sleepers

Most people are not stomach sleepers. And if you are, you should probably try to change positions to relieve the stress on your spine. 

The best mattress for stomach sleepers is firm and supports the body. Stomach sleepers should check out a hybrid or innerspring mattress with good support and a comfort layer. Stomach sleepers need the same amount of space as back sleepers.  

Check out our list of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers!

Combination Sleepers

During the night, combination sleepers move around a lot and require a lot of space. They also need comfort and support for their backs, shoulders, and hips because they switch between various positions. 

Although this is challenging, a medium-firm mattress is the best bet as it will provide adequate support and pressure relief. They require a bed with a quicker response time, so a latex or hybrid mattress is probably best for them. 

Check out our list of the best mattresses for combination sleepers!

Body Types

Your weight is another factor to consider when selecting the right mattress. Different mattress materials will be more comfortable depending on how much you weigh. 

A medium-firm mattress is the most popular, but it’s only suitable for some. To simplify things, we divided people into three weight categories. 

Anyone weighing less than 130 pounds places very little stress on a mattress. Depending on other considerations, lightweight sleepers need a bed anywhere from extra-soft to medium-firm. A painful experience can result from sleeping on a mattress that is too firm. 

Sleeping on a soft, medium-firm, or firm mattress is best for people weighing 130 to 230 pounds. Personal preferences and sleeping positions determine it. A medium-firm to firm mattress is fine for back sleepers and stomach sleepers, but those who sleep on their sides might find medium firmness a bit too firm.Over 230-pound sleepers should use a firmer, more supportive, and longer-lasting mattress. Depending on their weight and how they like to sleep, a mattress for a heavy sleeper should be medium-firm or even extra-firm. Not only will a bed that is too soft be uncomfortable, but it will also not hold up well over time.

Temperature Regulation

Do you ever go to sleep and feel like your bed is on fire? If so, you’re likely a hot sleeper, and your mattress isn’t doing anything to help.

This happens more often than you think, and one study even mentioned that 30% of people blame the wrong temperature for their lack of sleep. 

Hot sleepers need a breathable and cooling mattress for comfortable sleep. Firmness is also important because a medium-firm to firm mattress allows for less skin contact than a soft mattress. 

Additionally, materials vary. Hot sleepers should avoid traditional memory foam because of its poor temperature regulation. There is no air circulation because it is a closed-cell material.

Mattress manufacturers, however, have come up with some novel approaches to cooling mattresses, such as gel-infused memory foam and copper-infused memory foam.  

Gel memory foam has its benefits, but some may have better choices. Consider switching to a more breathable material, like an innerspring or latex mattress. If it’s made with the right stuff, you can even get a memory foam hybrid that’s nice and cool. 

Edge Support

Good edge support is also vital for some sleepers. 

If you don’t sleep in the middle of the bed, if you share a bed with someone else, or if you like to sit on the edge of the bed, then you need a mattress with good edge support. You want to maintain your balance and not tumble!

The type of mattress you have will determine how well the edges hold up. You may find that a latex or memory foam mattress works well, but be aware that these options typically have poor edge support. 

And if you need a mattress with solid edge support, your best bet is an innerspring or hybrid model. An extra row of coils around the perimeter ensures you won’t roll off the bed. 

Mattress Height

When shopping for a new bed, one of the details that often gets overlooked is the height of the mattress. 

A mattress must have enough depth to accommodate a supportive core and a soft comfort layer. The minimum depth for a comfortable bed is 7 inches. The typical height of a mattress is between 8 and 11 inches.

Mattresses with greater thicknesses are heavier and more expensive. Not only can it provide support and comfort, but it can also have additional layers. A higher bed also has more space for the double or transitional layers needed to make a flippable mattress.

Off-Gassing

When purchasing a bed in a box, be prepared for some possible off-gassing. 

Mattresses that are packaged immediately after production can trap gasses inside and release them slowly over several days after you open them. While inhaling the vapors given off by most products isn’t dangerous, you should keep your kids away from mattresses that emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs). 

Finding an organic mattress is the best way to ensure minimal or no off-gassing. Organic mattresses still need to be let out to air, but not as much as memory foam mattresses, and they don’t have any chemicals that are bad for you.  

How To Buy a New Mattress

Buying a new mattress can get complicated, but we have some extra tips. 

Here’s some information on where, when, and how to handle this process. 

Online Shopping vs. Physical Stores

Ah, the age-old question. What’s better, a brick-and-mortar store or online stores? 

Both of these come with advantages and disadvantages. 

Getting a mattress in-store lets you feel it firsthand, so you can get the whole buying experience. You won’t have to wonder if a mattress is too firm for you; you can feel it. 

On the other hand, this process takes more time, and physical stores often don’t have such a wide range of mattresses, are more expensive, and don’t come with some bonus stuff that online stores do. 

When shopping online, you have all the information you need right in front of you. This makes the buying process more manageable, and you can see customer reviews on mattress pages. 

Besides that, online mattress brands are usually more affordable, come with free shipping and longer warranties, and sometimes even have the option for white glove delivery. Also, they often have discounts during special holidays, so you can get that mattress you’ve been dreaming of without breaking the bank. And don’t get us started on the sleep trial. 

The only downside is that buying a mattress online means you don’t get to feel it to see whether it suits you immediately. 

In the end, it’s all about what you prefer. 

Sleep Trial

A lengthy sleep trial is a must if you want to ensure that the new mattress is the right fit. 

Sometimes we can’t immediately figure out how a new mattress makes us feel or how well we sleep on it. You need time to figure it out. 

A free sleep trial was created with this in mind. You get a mattress, install it in your home, use it during the sleep trial, and if you don’t like it, you send it back, and they refund you. It’s as easy as that. 

While most online stores offer free sleep trials that last anywhere from a month to an entire year, physical stores rarely do so. 

Warranty

Lastly, always get a good, lengthy warranty for your new mattress. 

A long warranty indicates that the mattress company is serious about its product. They’re telling you that they know it’s high-quality, and they stand behind that. 

Most warranties last for up to ten years, but some companies offer warranties that last for life. 

However, be careful! You also need to take good care of your mattress, and you can’t just expect it to get fixed, whatever happens to it. If you don’t follow the instructions for support and maintenance, the warranty could get voided entirely, and you’ll have no coverage. 

The first sign of a bad mattress is if it doesn’t come with a warranty. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How To Choose a Mattress for a Child

Children are a little different, but they have the same needs we do when it comes to sleep. 

If you’re choosing a mattress for a child, you must choose a safe one. Make sure that it isn’t made from harmful materials that could emit VOCs, because they’re toxic for kids. 

Next, children only need a little space. If it’s a young child, you might even go for a crib mattress, a non-standard mattress size. A Twin mattress could be fine if it’s older. After all, they grow pretty fast. 

Lastly, a child’s bed shouldn’t be that firm. They’re light sleepers, and a high firmness can be uncomfortable. 

How To Choose a Mattress for Back Pain

The best mattress for back pain sufferers provides adequate support and pressure relief. 

If your hips sink too much on a mattress, it’s not right for you and can worsen your back pain. Memory foam, latex, or hybrids of these two materials are the best options for this problem. Some would recommend a softer mattress, but firmer foam is actually a better choice.

How To Choose a Mattress Topper

Mattress toppers are used to make your old mattress more comfortable, but they can never replace a completely new mattress. 

If your old mattress is sagging or has other structural issues, it’s better to push through and save up for a new bed than to buy a mattress topper. 

Mattress toppers are typically made of foam, which can be polyfoam, memory foam, or latex foam. They can range in thickness and firmness. 

If your current mattress is too firm, you could soften it with a memory foam mattress topper. It’s all about what you prefer, sleep positions, body weight, and other little things. 

Final Thoughts

Whew! This is a lengthy guide, but we covered everything you’ll need to know about how to choose a mattress.

Remember that you should always think about what you want and that support and comfort are more important than anything else. 

But most importantly, do your research and take your time! There’s no need to hurry; there are plenty of mattresses around. 

Good luck figuring out what you need and getting that new bed of your dreams!