If you want to buy a new mattress, you might get overwhelmed with the options, the mode of purchase, the price, the material, and so much more. Plus, if it’s your first time, you want to get over the confusion fast!
But don’t panic, let’s help you get through with this guide!
Benefits of a Good Mattress
Most people believe sleeping on any mattress works. They ignore the fact that the quality of your sleep is equally important. Dig in here and you’ll never ask “how does a good mattress improve sleep and lifestyle?”…
NOTE
We have enlisted our recommended mattresses in this guide, here.
1. It promotes good spinal alignment
You won’t know how bad sleeping on an air mattress is until you meet a long-term user. It might save some money but it’ll damage your spinal health for good.
A good mattress will support your back and promote a healthy posture.
2. It prevents body ache
A good mattress also relieves any pressure points from your body. You won’t experience spinal, shoulder, or hip pains.
3. It might reduce snoring
While sleeping on your back on a bad mattress, your airway might get blocked and cause snoring. A good medium-firm mattress might be your solution to that.
4. Say goodbye to toss and turn issues
If you feel irritated because your sleeping partner moves a lot in your sleep, a quality mattress will absorb the waves of their movement and let you sleep without interruption.
5. It’s a great way for stress reduction
Bad quality sleep skyrockets stress hormone production and blood pressure. In this condition, you can’t deal well with tricky life situations, and your productivity decreases.
6. You’ll have lesser allergic reactions
A quality dense mattress discourages mite infestation in your bedding. They can’t survive inside it so you’ll notice a major change in your allergic reactions.
7. It reduces drowsiness and prevents insomnia
Poor quality sleep can keep you drowsy the entire day. Further, interrupted sleep patterns might induce insomnia. Good quality latex ones are the best mattress for insomnia.
8. You’ll manage your weight better
With poor quality sleep and drowsiness, you’re more likely to skip exercise or cook healthy. You also feel hungrier when you feel sleepy. All of it leads to unhealthy weight gain. A good mattress indirectly helps your weight management.
9. It promotes better emotional and mental health
Since a poor mattress can cause sleep deprivation, it can impact your emotional and mental health negatively. So, if you invest in a quality mattress, you’ll feel less irritated and prevent numerous mental health issues like depression, anxiety, ADHD, and more.
10. You can save a lot with a one-time investment
A good mattress is always more expensive, but it’s a one-time investment for at least 10 years. But you might need to change cheap mattresses multiple times within 10 years. So, it can save you many bucks in the long run.
Wondering what options are available? Let’s get to know them here…
Mattress Types
If you know the types of mattress materials and each of their uses, buying your mattress becomes easier. There are many popular types, so let’s know them quickly…
1. Memory Foam
If you want to know what is the best mattress for a side sleeper with shoulder and hip pain, memory foam is your answer.
These easily adapt to the body and also take off the weight from the pressure points. So, they relieve your back, from shoulder to hips, from any stress as they stress on spine alignment.
Further, if your sleeping partner moves a lot in their sleep, this mattress type also has motion isolation. So, it’s also the best mattress for sleeping soundly with a chaotic sleeper.
Memory foam has multi-layered foam which is firmer near the bottom for support and durability and softer on the top for a comfortable sensation of being cradled.
Contrarily, too many layers lead to the problem of overheating. But many businesses are experimenting with in-built cooling technology.
2. Latex
This one is quite a lot like memory foam mattresses. The basic differences are that it’s made from the latex of rubber trees which is used in organic mattresses.
These are more expensive and resilient compared to memory foam. So, if you dislike the cradled or sinking feeling in memory foam, this is a great choice.
You can choose from two available options: Dunlop (dense latex) and Talalay (soft latex). But you’ll hardly feel much difference between them.
3. Innerspring
These mattresses have steel coils inside them for more firmness and bounce. They’re the best ones for stomach and back sleepers as it helps in spine alignment in these positions.
However, choosing the perfect one is a tough job. Firstly, check the coil gauge or steel thickness. It’s usually between 12-15 where 12 means max firmness and durability.
Next, check for coil count or the number of coils in your mattress. A quality queen-size bed must have at least 400 coils.
Lastly, check the coil type: pocketed coils, i.e., individually wrapped coils instead of webbed ones, are suitable for target support.
4. Hybrid
If you still can’t choose a single type from the options, hybrids are always an option for the indecisive mind. They have coils near the bottom for support and foam on the top helps in pressure relief.
However, they’ll obviously be heavier than foam ones and less pocket-friendly.
5. Adjustable
If you have more money to splurge and be in charge of your mattress firmness, this is your best bet. You can adjust the firmness with the air chambers. It’s suitable for couples with different mattress requirements and allows you to sleep like a baby.
Now that you know the types… I am sure you’re left confussed.
So, here’s…
What to Consider when Buying a mattress?
“Should a side sleeper use a firm mattress?” or “Do I really need a motion isolation mattress?” I’m sure you have many questions about the distinct features of your mattress. Let me help you answer them all.
1. Firmness
The firmness levels vary from firm, medium-firm, and medium, to soft. Some brands even follow a firmness scale of 1-10 [1 = softest 10 = firmest]. 4-6: soft feel; 5-7: medium feel, and 7-9: firm feel. But don’t focus on it too much as the scale and sleepers’ opinion on firmness doesn’t always align. So, your pick depends on
a) Sleep posture
Side sleepers: The best mattresses for side sleepers vary from soft to medium firmness. If the firmness is excess, it’ll add pressure on your hips, and shoulders, and affect spine alignment.
Stomach sleepers: A firm mattress is ideal to avoid the pressure points from sinking in too deep.
Back sleepers: A medium-firm mattress is suitable to reduce the risk of improper spine alignment.
Combo sleepers: If you fidget around in sleep, medium firmness can support most positions.
b) Body Weight
i) Heavy sleepers (weight over 200lbs)
Usually, a firm mattress can help a heavy body from sinking too deep and save you from back pain. Depending on the feel you want, it varies:
Soft feel: Choose a tall bed with thick foam top layers of at least 4-5″ over a sturdy coil.
Medium feel: To make it medium-firm, reduce the foam layers by 1-2″ and 7-8 firmness range.
Firm feel: Choose an innerspring type combined with a pillow-top layer and 8-9 firmness sorts.
ii) Average sleepers (150-200lbs)
For this weight range, focus more on the feel to get the perfect one.
Soft feel: If your weight is closer to 150lbs, go for light sleepers’ rules. If you’re near 200lbs, pick a mattress with cushions of thick top layers.
Medium feel: This kind will satisfy both comfort and support despite your weight range.
Firm feel: For this type, go for thinner comfort layers and thicker support layers.
iii) Light sleepers (below 150lbs)
A soft mattress is the most suitable as a firm one won’t relieve pressure on your joints. But if you want variety, here you go…
Soft feel: Any of the foam types with a memory foam comfort layer will work.
Medium feel: To get the appropriate kind in this feel, go down around 1 firmness point from the kind you need.
Firm feel: Go for a simple pillow top or quilted cover comfort layer over a firm one. It will give you a sturdy foundation along with a comfortable feel.
2. Body temperature
If your body overheats while sleeping, a mattress with poor temperature regulation can affect the quality of your sleep. Furthermore, the weather is naturally hotter which makes you sweat more.
For such issues, avoid memory foam and go for any cooling features like these…
Built-in cooling technology: The copper-infused gel along with phase-change technology draws away heat from your body. Phase-change technology stores and releases heat, so it’s always a better choice. Comparatively, the cooling of metal gel isn’t as noticeable in reality.
Cool-to-the-touch materials: These mainly have covers that instantly chill your body on contact, but the cooling sensation doesn’t last overnight.
Breathable construction: Innersprings and hybrids with more coils and lesser foam lets better airflow than foam ones, so it’s cooler.
Electric cooling: If you want to keep your bed cool throughout the night, it’s a great option. This high-maintenance mattress needs air/water and a cooling unit. As the name suggests, it runs on electricity.
3. Organic Materials
If you want to protect yourself and your loved ones from harmful chemicals, look for these certifications of entirely organic material with these…
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): This usually tells you that the mattress uses cotton and wool. It also says the manufacturing process strictly used no chemicals.
However, some brands misuse the certification, so look them up in the public database.
Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS): This certification is for the production process of latex components only.
Other certifications like OEKO-TEX, GREENGUARD, and CertiPUR-US assure your mattress is tested for no harmful chemical levels but it’s not a claim for organic or natural materials.
Many brands only use organic covers like cotton but label the entire product “organic”. Remember that memory foam isn’t organic, so focus more on innerspring and latex ones.
4. Construction specifications
Companies market their mattresses with edgy labels about their build. You might not instantly focus on them, but if you understand their meanings, you can increase your satisfaction level. So, let’s know the important ones…
Motion Isolation: This technology doesn’t let you notice any movement on your bed. For ideal disturbance-free sleep, luxury foam works best if you or your sleeping partner fidgets a lot while sleeping.
Modular Firmness: If your and your sleeping partner’s bedding preferences are different, a split bed with adjustable or interchangeable firmness works great. You can also split the beds easily for firmness replacement.
Edge Support: Many of us experienced beds going flat at the edges. It’s especially uncomfortable if you move in your sleep towards the edges. You also can’t sit peacefully at the edge right after waking up. “Edge Support” labels help you avoid such issues.
Mattress Height: If you desire a luxurious feel, a tall mattress is your choice. But, if you want to save some bucks, set up your mattress alone and easily, and struggle less while putting on the fitted sheets, choose a standard 10” one.
Anxious about the cost of your needs? Let’s clear it up here…
What is an average Mattress Cost?
A good queen-size mattress on average costs $1500. But if you’re on a budget, there are ones below $500. Contrarily, If you’re open to splurging even more, you can go for $2000+ ones.
The pricing depends on the materials and technology. For instance, lesser layers and organic materials are less expensive.
With growing layers/thickness, polyurethane foam, and many more construction specifications, the price increases.
Wondering if you can get a better deal online? Let’s consider all the factors here…
Where to Buy a Mattress?
Whether you get your mattress online or visit a store, both come with pros and cons. But, the customer is always the king, so you can get the best offers and avoid any inconveniences if you’re aware of each experience. So, let’s avail the best deal here…
1. In-store shopping
The older generation always asks you to check things in-person before major investments. So, if you live by the same rules, know these…
Pros
You get to test the mattress for a few minutes before choosing it. So, you’ll get an average idea about what you’re investing in.
Cons
a. The entire process of trying out all the mattresses is time-consuming and overwhelming. You face difficulties deciding on one so quickly.
b. You can only check limited stores, so you might lose good discounts.
Tips
a. Research online for the store with the best discounts and the suitable mattress type.
b. Directly ask for discounts if you find lower prices online.
2. Online Shopping
If you have faith in online shopping and want to enjoy the convenience of shopping from the comfort of your home, keep these in mind…
Pros
a. All the products are assorted in a list and you can scroll up and down to compare the products. You won’t feel guilty like when you ask your shopping executive for details repeatedly.
b. You can take your sweet time to decide without worrying about the store closing.
c. You get better prices due to the absence of physical store markups.
d. You can exchange your mattress if it doesn’t suit your requirements.
Cons
a. You can’t guess if your mattress is suitable without trying it.
b. They might hide an extra return fee if it’s a bad match for you
Tips
a. Only go for products with free trial nights and return policy
b. Look out for any hidden return charges or if they’ll deduct any money for it
c. Enquire if they have free return policies
Can’t wait to buy your dream mattress? Keep this in mind…
When to Buy a Mattress?
Most companies have discounts on mattresses throughout the year. But, unless you need a new mattress urgently, wait until the special holidays for competitive discounts. You can typically save the most on holiday weekends like…
1. President’s Day
2. Memorial Day
3. Fourth of July
4. Labor Day
5. Thanksgiving (Black Friday & Cyber Monday)
Still, Confused? Don’t worry, we got your back!
What mattress should you buy? Our Top 5 Recommendations
Your mattress will always depend on your personal choices. So, don’t assume you can only buy our mentioned products. So, without feeling pressured, let’s walk you through some suggestions…
1. Yogabed Cool Memory Foam Mattress
This is a 10” thick mattress with 4 layers of memory foam infused with copper.
Why it is on our list?
- Copper makes it antimicrobial and cools the mattress 12 times more than regular ones
- Memory foam provides you with good pressure relief and spine alignment
- You can easily take off the cover to wash it
- 10-year warranty
- 101-night free trial
2. The Luxury Bliss Organic Hybrid Latex Mattress
It’s 12″ thick with a 3″ soft top layer of latex and coil core and organic materials
Why it is on our list?
- 100% Talalay latex and fabric encased coils for comfort, support, and motion isolation
- Certified organic cotton cover for a soft feeling
- Organic wool for a cooling sensation and fire resistance
- You get a 100-night free trial
- Lifetime warranty
- Free delivery
3. Layla Memory Foam Mattress
You get a combination of copper gel and memory foam in this 10.5” thick mattress.
Why it is on our list?
- It’s flippable, i.e., you can use both sides for two different firmness
- Copper gel infusion provides a cool, clean, and supportive sensation
- It also allows motion isolation
- 120-night free trial
- Lifetime warranty
4. Nolah Signature 12”
This 12” thick mattress offers you pressure relief and cooling technology, has a thick core, is made of organic, and luxurious-looking cover.
Why it is on our list?
- 12” thick for durability and support
- Cotton cover cools and protects your skin
- Gives great bounce, pressure relief, and cooling sensation
- 120-night free trial
- Lifetime warranty
5. Nolah Natural 11”
The 11” mattress is an environment-friendly hybrid mattress made of Talalay latex. The cover is made of organic cotton and packed with GOTS-certified organic wool and support coils.
Why is it on our list?
- It’s natural, hypoallergenic, breathable
- Gives target support and nice pressure relief
- 120-night free trial
- Lifetime warranty
“But I think my mattress is doing fine!”
Don’t worry, I have an answer for you too.
When to Replace a Mattress?
You must change your mattress every 8-10 years even without any expiration date. If your mattress has any lumps and dents or if you face sleeping difficulties or pain after waking up, those also call for a replacement.
If your mattress isn’t that old, opt for a quick fix or upgrade with a new mattress topper. It reduces your expense compared to investing in an entirely new one.
Final Statement
Try to treat your mattress to help it last longer. Frequently people ask “Is it good to sleep on a mattress on the floor?”
Well, no! Treat that luxurious bad boy with care. Put it on a bed, keep the mattress protector on, and clean it every few months.
This will protect your mattress from dust, moisture, allergens, physical damage, and anything else that might void its warranty.
Last but not least: focus on your and your sleeping partner’s needs.
Your friend might swear by a certain type, your shopping executive might try convincing you to buy an uber-pricey one. Someone might even discourage you from spending so much on just a mattress.
Go for what you need!
