The Best Mattress to Buy: A Guide to Mattress Shopping
A good night’s sleep is crucial for your overall health, with research indicating that seven to eight hours of rest each night can lower the risk of serious health issues like diabetes and heart disease. Adequate sleep also helps maintain a healthy weight, reduces stress, enhances mood, and sharpens cognitive function, thereby boosting productivity.
Yet, according to The Sleep Foundation, about one-third of adults in the U.S. sleep less than seven hours per night on average.
If you find yourself among them and want to improve your sleep quality, there’s promising news: Numerous studies suggest a strong link between the quality of your mattress and how well you sleep. It turns out that an old or unsuitable mattress may be contributing to sleep disturbances like back pain and pressure on joints. Additionally, research highlights the role of temperature regulation in a mattress and its impact on sleep quality.
Therefore, investing in a high-quality mattress could be the key to better, more restful sleep.
If you’re aware that it’s time for a new mattress, you might be overwhelmed by the plethora of choices available. From different designs to a variety of materials, it’s easy to get lost in the options. But don’t worry, we’ve done the legwork for you. We evaluated numerous mattresses based on key criteria to help you make an informed decision.
Firmness
Firmness is subjective, but most manufacturers use a 1 to 10 scale or descriptive terms to indicate firmness levels. A rating of 1 typically means “extra soft,” while 10 is “extra firm,” with 5 or 6 considered “medium firm.”
If you’re shopping online and unsure of your firmness preference, consider your weight and primary sleeping position, as these factors significantly influence comfort. Generally, manufacturers recommend the following:
| Weight |
Side Sleeper |
Back Sleeper |
Stomach Sleeper |
| < 130 pounds |
Soft - Medium |
Medium Soft - Medium Firm |
Medium Soft - Medium Firm |
| 130-230 pounds |
Medium Soft - Medium Firm |
Medium - Firm |
Medium Firm - Firm |
| > 230 pounds |
Medium - Medium Firm |
Medium Firm - Firm |
Medium Firm - Firm |
When we evaluated mattresses, we looked at the range of firmness options each brand offers and customer satisfaction with these options.
Size
Choosing the right size is straightforward—your mattress should match your bed frame. However, if your frame isn’t a standard size, check whether the mattress is available in non-standard sizes like Split King or Twin XL.
Materials & Design
There are three main types of mattresses: Foam, Innerspring, and Hybrid.
Foam mattresses are known for their ability to conform to the body, offering a cradling sensation. This makes them excellent for isolating movement, which is ideal if you share your bed. However, foam mattresses can trap heat, so if you tend to sleep hot, you might want to explore cooling features or alternatives.
Innerspring mattresses, made from steel coils, offer good support and ventilation, making them a cooler option. However, they may not isolate movement as effectively as foam mattresses, and poorly constructed versions can create pressure point discomfort and annoying squeaky noises over time.
Hybrid mattresses combine foam and coils, aiming to solve the heat retention of foam and the support limitations of coils. These mattresses often come at a higher price due to their complex construction.
Trial Period, Warranty & Shipping
Buying a mattress online means you can’t test it beforehand, but many companies now offer trial periods that let you try the mattress at home for weeks or even months. If it doesn’t suit you, returns are often free within the trial period.
Warranties are crucial for protecting against defects, and you should also check shipping costs. Some companies offer free delivery and returns, as well as removal of your old mattress.
By considering these factors, you can feel more confident in choosing the best mattress for your needs and improving your sleep quality.
