How To Buy The Best Mattress
The Key To Choosing The Best Mattress For Your Lifestyle And Budget
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"Invest in the things that come between you and the ground" is an expression that is especially relevant when shopping for a mattress. Ending up with the wrong product can cause a number of literal and figurative headaches ranging from the hassle of returning an oversized item to suffering from recurring back pain.
On the other hand, a good night's sleep on the right mattress will have you feeling more refreshed and awake in the morning, giving you more energy throughout the day. "One of the most important factors for having ‘good sleep’ is having enough of it," says Dr. Neil Kline, board-certified sleep physician and representative of the American Sleep Association. "Generally, sleep is more restorative when it is continuous. So reducing extraneous stimuli that can interrupt sleep is beneficial."
In other words, feeling a random spring poking you in the spine can really mess with your sleep quality. And a good mattress can lull you to sleep by regulating your body temperature and keeping your back comfortable.
Considering the effect this purchase can have on your life can make the idea of buying a mattress seem daunting. Not to mention the boredom of shopping at big-box stores or the hefty price tags. But things don't have to be this way. "You don't have to spend a lot to be satisfied," says Nick Robinson, editor and publisher of the mattress review site Sleep Like The Dead.
So how do you choose the right mattress for you? From breaking down the properties of a wide range of mattresses to providing you with expert tips for buying a mattress and highlighting the best mattresses on the market, this comprehensive shopping guide will help inform your decision.
- 1 The Anatomy Of A Mattress
- 2 Qualities Of The Best Mattress For You
- 3 Shopping For A Mattress Online
- 4 Shopping For A Mattress In-Store
- 5 Maintenance
- 6 Mattress Accessories
1. The Anatomy Of A Mattress
Not all mattresses are created equal. Some boast a bit of springiness thanks to metal coils, while others are built with a sophisticated mesh material made of different types of foam. Both types of mattresses have a target audience in terms of body shape and weight, so considering the materials that make up a mattress is crucial to finding the perfect mattress for you. It also comes to down to budget and personal preference, of course.
Spring
A simple way to determine if an innerspring mattress is going to sag and flatten like a pancake after a short period of time is to look at coil count, though this matters more if you're looking for mattresses at the very bottom of the price range since higher-end mattresses tend to be built with stronger springs.
Keep in mind that in the same way that a high thread count won't always score you the best sheets, coil count isn't everything. Consumer Reports flat out denies that it matters at all, stating that while a mattress may have more coils, it might be using a thinner-gauge metal, negating any positive effects.
Pocket Spring
There's a good chance you'll come across the term "pocket spring mattress" while shopping. This term refers to an innerspring mattress that features coils individually wrapped in pockets of fabric or foam. This means that each coil functions independently and that if you happen to move at night, your partner won't end up rolling on top of you. It is a pretty useful feature for couples with wildly different sleep styles.
Water
Adjustable Air
Latex And Memory Foam
Regardless of your preference, other types of much denser and harder foam usually make up the base of most modern high-tech foam mattresses, which provides a solid foundation and stops you from rolling around involuntarily at night.
Tempur-Pedic
The brand Tempur-Pedic has become synonymous with high-quality, higher-end mattresses that focus on health, spinal alignment and sleep quality. The manufacturer has been around for over 25 years and has been known to outfit U.S. hospitals with mattresses.
Expect the brand's pricing to be significantly higher than other conventional brands. Prices for Tempur-Pedic mattresses start at around $1,700, making this option a significant investment.
Cooling Gels
Gels are found in both spring- and foam-based mattresses. Consumer Reports, however, doubts their temperature-controlling benefits, pointing out that gel layers often get "buried beneath other layers" and only feel cool when used in spring mattresses -- not foam ones.
Sophisticated Foam Blends
2. Qualities Of The Best Mattress For You
Size
Mattress sizes generally can be broken down in the following way:
Twin: (39"x75") Typically measuring 39 by 75 inches, a twin-sized mattress is large enough to accommodate one adult or one child.
Twin-XL: (39"x80") The Twin-XL size is as wide as a Twin but can accommodate taller children, young adults or single adults thanks to an extra five inches in length.
Full: (54"x75") Sometimes referred to as Double, this sizing boasts the same length as a twin-sized mattress, but with extra width, allowing two adults to sleep on it. It is a bit of a tight fit for two if you like your space, and might be better for a single person. If you're taller than average, this is not the right size for you as your feet will likely end up over the edge of the bed.
Queen: (60"x80") Queen is six inches wider and five inches taller than Full -- and is the most popular and commonly used mattress size. It comfortably fits two adults, and will allow for, say, one person to read at night without bothering the other.
King: (76"x80") King is generally best suited for those who share beds with their significant others as well as feline or canine companions. This is also a great option for couples with kids who might want to crawl into bed with their parents.
California King: (72"x84") If you're looking to buy the largest mattress you can get your hands on -- especially if you're very tall -- you should consider California King; it's 72 by 84 inches of sleep heaven. Make sure you have the space for it, though.
Sharing A Mattress
As discussed above, if you're sharing your bed with a partner, consider getting a Queen or King mattress depending on how much space you have available and your budget.
Sharing a bed also means more movement. You don't want to bother your partner, and you don't want your partner to bother you. Shifting vibrations and restlessness can cause you to lose sleep, and the wrong mattress could exacerbate that. "How much you toss and turn can definitely be affected by your mattress. Memory foam mattresses tend to reduce tossing and turning, as they tend to envelop the sleeper more which can discourage movement," says Robinson.
But depending on your own preference, you might not like the feeling of trapping yourself into a layer of memory foam. "Even compared to other foam and spring mattresses, memory foam is still going to be slower to react to the sleeper's movements. For the type of sleeper who moves around a lot, hybrid, latex or coil will probably be a preferable option to foam", says Derek Hales, founder and editor-in-chief of Sleepopolis.
The Right Firmness
Firmness is one -- if not the most important -- factor to consider when buying a mattress. As discussed above, how much you sink in will depend on the materials used. "Typically, your lighter person would prefer something softer, a heavier person something firmer, and your average-sized person something in the middle," says Robinson.
A firm foam-based mattress still won't be able to match the firmness of a spring-type mattress. If you personally prefer a much firmer mattress -- or happen to weigh more than 300 pounds -- consider looking for a tightly coiled innerspring mattress. It will stop you from sinking in too much and help you sleep comfortably. Don't forget that sinking too far into a mattress can lead to spinal misalignment caused by an uneven sleeping surface, an issue those who sleep on their stomachs should be especially aware of.
Safe Materials
There's a lot of misinformation regarding the toxicity of different mattress materials. Memory foam (aka polyurethane) is often said to be dangerous for your well-being. Myths surrounding the off-gassing of toxic substances such as volatile organic compounds from foam mattresses still linger on today. While a very small percentage of consumers have had allergic reactions to foam materials, there's no strong evidence to suggest these materials are dangerous for the broad population.
In fact, the most statistically significant downside to some of the materials used for building mattresses is bad odor. Sleep Like The Dead found that two percent of buyers returned their mattress simply because it smelled off -- but not because of an allergic or otherwise harmful reaction to the materials.
If you do have an existing condition that causes you to negatively react to polyurethane, try getting a latex mattress instead.
To Coil Or Not To Coil
Spring mattresses tend to have more firmness options than foam mattresses and will most likely end up costing you less. Robinson describes a spring mattress as possessing more of a "traditional feel" that will also be a more desirable option for your "romantic activities," as these mattresses offer more bounce than foam ones. Also, spring mattresses tend to be more readily available in retail stores, giving you the opportunity to try them out in person before making a decision.
And, according to Hales, coil mattresses can feel more cooling as they are made with less material. "Most of the cooling dynamic is driven by airflow. With a spring mattress you have the most airflow, which usually leads to better cooling on the sleeping surface."
In recent years, the technology of the materials being used to build coil mattresses has advanced considerably, offering users an excellent sleeping experience.
Responsiveness
Responsiveness in a mattress usually refers to how quickly or slowly a mattress responds to movement. A mattress that is more responsive will "give back" very quickly. Hales says hybrid coil mattresses tend to be more responsive, as they are more firm and have a little bit less give: "One of the biggest complaints of memory foam is the slow response with sleepers feeling stuck or entrapped in the foam -- something that is alleviated with modern memory foam. But even compared to other foam and spring mattresses, it's still going to be slower."
And speaking of responsiveness, a mattress with very little "give" is, generally speaking, a much better option for sex. Coil mattresses will prevent you from sinking in, which could make things awkward and unpleasant. Firmer foam mattresses share some of these qualities as well.
Temperature
One of the most important factors to take into consideration when shopping for a mattress is temperature control. As mentioned above, coil and hybrid coil mattresses allow for much greater airflow and decompression than a foam mattress. "There are some good scenarios where spring makes more sense, the biggest is perhaps cooling. With a spring mattress you have the most airflow, which usually leads to better cooling on the sleeping surface," says Hales.
If you tend to run very hot or happen to live in a very hot climate, spring mattresses can oftentimes be a wiser investment. Which is not to say that foam mattresses can't keep you cool. A lot of online retailers will advertise high-tech "cooling gels" that may or may not make an actual difference (as noted above, Consumer Reports has its doubts).
Longevity
Expect your mattress to stay with you for 5 to 10 years. The daily wear and tear of a mattress usually surfaces in the form of lumps, sagging in the middle or rips and stains.
It's also important to consider that if your partner is experiencing a mattress-related decline in sleep quality, the mattress may be affecting your own sleep as well.
The Shopping Experience
Buying a mattress can be done in two ways: In a traditional showroom (think big-box store with a bunch of mattresses lining the walls) and online. "According to the data we've collected -- and this is an interesting finding -- owner satisfaction tends to be similar whether a person would buy a mattress online untried, or they bought a mattress that they actually laid on in store" says Robinson.
Online retailers often advertise the fact they'll ship your mattress in a box. These "bed-in-a-box" retailers offer foam mattresses that can be vacuum-packed and rolled up for convenient transport and delivery -- a whole lot easier and cheaper than renting a van or paying for expensive delivery.
Your Budget
Remember what we said about investing? You may be tempted to purchase a mattress on the cheaper side, but remember that you'll be spending about a third of your time in bed. Consider the fact it might be worth splurging on your mattress and cutting back on another expense.
That being said, you probably don't need to completely break the bank here. "Most people that are most satisfied fall between $550 and $1100, assuming that they do their research," says Robinson. "There really isn't a correlation between spending more and having higher owner satisfaction."
So if you're within that sweet spot, chances are you'll be able to find a mattress that's right for your body and preferences. Now let's figure out how to exactly do that:
Shopping For A Mattress Online
Online retailers have managed to solve the issue of cumbersome and expensive shipping by forgoing the traditional innerspring design. Foam can be vacuum-shaped and rolled up into roughly a 1' x 1' x 4' box that can be delivered to your doorstep without having to take out a doorway or having to shout "Pivot!" when maneuvering a massive mattress around tight corners.
Furthermore, online mattress brands will often compete when it comes to very fast expedited shipping. For instance, Leesa offers free 3- to 10-business day shipping with tracking, and Casper and Tuft & Needle promise free two- to five-business day shipping.
Tips & Tricks
Look for unbiased reviews. Check out review sites like Sleep Like The Dead and Sleepopolis. Online mattress retailers will often have a selection of reviews on their own sites, but it's best to read them with a grain of salt and get a second opinion somewhere else.
Many retailers offer free shipping. While that's fine and dandy, make sure to check the return policy, specifically whether the retailer offers a pick-up option if you change your mind. Otherwise, you'll end up having to spend money if you decide to return the mattress. You don't exactly want to end up with a giant and very heavy unwanted mattress in your living room.
Now that you're ready to make a choice, here are our top picks:
Leesa
RELATED: Leesa Mattress Review
Why We Love It
It checks all the boxes: It allows for enough airflow, is firm enough for a variety of sleepers (under 300 pounds) and a variety of sleeping positions, and is a great mattress for couples.
Bear in mind, however, that it is a very heavy mattress, coming in at 69 pounds.
Why Others Love It
Consumer Reports gave the Leesa queen-size mattress an overall score of 68 out of 100, reporting excellent durability and a very good option for petite and average side sleepers.
- A Consumer Reports reviewer wrote: "We've now owned the mattress for close to two years and we are still satisfied."
- Sleepopolis concluded that "Leesa continues to be one of the top-tier picks on the market and one of the best overall mattress values available both on or offline."
- Sleep Like The Dead reported that the Leesa mattress has a 78% owner satisfaction rate and commended it for its conforming ability. "A highly conforming bed is one that molds and contours to the body resulting in a cradling, cloud-like, pressure-point-free sensation. Leesa performs above average on this issue."
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Pricing starts at $450.00 at Leesa.com
Casper
Why We Love It
Its complex layering of four foams makes it not only good at providing pressure relief and support, it keeps the sleeper cool as well. It features an open-cell layer on the surface, allowing for maximum airflow and a very soft sleeping surface.
Why Others Love it
- Sleep Like The Dead found the Casper to have 80% owner satisfaction, citing its good durability, support and conforming qualities while applauding the company's "no-fee, no-restriction" return policies.
- Consumer Reports gave the Casper an overall score of 79 out of 100. "The mattress's surface was excellent at conforming to various shapes, maximizing contact with the sleeper, and it proved to be very stable, limiting the amount of vibration transmitted."
- Sleepopolis.com gave the Casper a 4.2 stars out of 5, writing that "Casper is an above average mattress that offers a medium firmness and good support for average weight sleepers."
Pricing starts at $550.00 at Amazon.com
Lucid
Why We Love It
The dual-layer mattress exhibits airflow qualities thanks to a two-and-a-half-inch layer of ventilated memory foam, while providing a sturdy base with seven and a half inches of high-density foam. And, of course, it has a very affordable price tag.
Why Others Love It
- Sleep Like The Dead found the Lucid to have a 77% owner satisfaction.
- Amazon's over 3,000 reviewers gave the Lucid 10-Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress an average of 4 out of 5 stars. One of the reviewers wrote: "Since my fiancée and I are heavier, it's nice to lay on, and we don't sink in much. I'd say just enough to feel like the bed is conforming, and hugging our bodies. I think it's an excellent value for what you pay for."
- Foam Nights wrote: "The manufacturer offers a 25-year warranty, but there are limits. Having said that, this mattress (in my opinion) is great at conforming quickly to the contours of your body, will help with minor aches and pains, and best of all will not cost you the earth!"
Tuft & Needle
Why We Love It
Its price is definitely a strong point, putting it on par with the likes of higher-end IKEA mattresses, while providing an optimal sleeping experience that can be delivered straight to your door.
It offers the usual 100-night trial policy and free shipping as well, which is an extremely convenient shopping experience. This mattress is advertised to be compatible with almost all kinds of bed foundations. Slap it on the floor or combine it with a high-tech adjustable frame.
Why Others Love It
- Consumer Reports gave the mattress a 74 out of 100 and a user rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 (over 21 reviews). "The mattress's surface was very good at conforming to various shapes, maximizing contact with the sleeper, and it was more breathable than others, potentially reducing perspiration," wrote one reviewer.
- Sleepopolis gave it a 4.2 out of 5 stars, but with a strong caveat: "While it may be an upgrade over the current mattress you’re sleeping on, there are likely even better mattresses available at a similar price level."
Zinus 12-Inch Memory Foam Mattress
Why We Love It
Special care was put into putting this 12 inch foam mattress together. The foam was infused with natural green tea extract for a special and memorable sleeping experience. It will come in the same convenient and easy to handle box when it's shipped to you and most importantly, it won't cost you a fortune either.
Why Others Love It
- Amazon's reviewers gave it an aggregate of 4.5 stars out of 5 (over 5,000 reviews). "This mattress feels just like a hug from a marshmallow while you sleep. The marshmallow loves you very much and will never hurt you," one user wrote.
- Sleep Sherpa gave the Zinus a 9 out of 10, writing: "If you're looking for a great value with no frills, this is the mattress for you!"
Shopping For A Mattress In-Store
Give yourself plenty of time before you head to the local showroom -- buying the perfect mattress should never be rushed. There's absolutely no downside (and a lot to be gained) to doing your research beforehand. Don't be pressured into anything, even if that means shooing away the salesperson from time to time.
Lie down on a variety of mattresses to get a feel for the different levels of firmness. Try at least a couple of each type, if available (foam, coil, memory foam pad, etc.).
Take your time, but don't overthink it. A lot of the choice comes down to personal preference -- the best person to ask is yourself.
And in case somebody at the store tries to upsell you, you can ignore them. Most likely, you're there for a mattress and nothing else, so don't get pressured into tacking on unnecessary extra purchases.
Return Policies
Whether you're shopping online or in person, it's very wise to get information about return policies prior to biting the bullet. Ask the next available salesperson or chat with online support about the small print. How long do you get to try out your new mattress from the comfort of your own home? If you're not satisfied, are you able to get a full refund? What's the return process like? Do they offer return shipping? How much of the return costs do you have to cover? These are all questions you should know the answers to before handing over your credit card.
Shipping
When it comes to choosing a mattress at a local store, your delivery experience will vary wildly. Often, you'll be able to chose between immediate pickup, local same-day delivery or expedited shipping that will take a little longer.
Maintenance
So now that you've got your brand new mattress -- or you're simply wondering what to do with your existing one to get the most out of it -- you're probably asking yourself how to best take care of it. Having it sit on your bed frame for years at a time can mean it will develop a sag or lumps.
This is why Robinson suggests rotating your mattress every six months or so. "Some companies usually recommend that the mattress be rotated -- not flipped -- two or three times a year. For most mattresses, that's typically all the maintenance that's required," he says.
So there you have it, some good news! Taking care of your mattress is extremely simple. Apart from rotating -- that is, flipping it both horizontally and diagonally -- ensure that your mattress is getting enough air. Air circulation is critical both for your sleep and your mattress' longevity. Now have a look below to find out the best way to dress up and support your new mattress.
Mattress Accessories
You won't get the most out of your new mattress if you let it sit on the floor. There are a lot of options out there to get your mattress off the ground and at a comfortable sleeping height. There are traditional box springs (the large rectangular bases they try to sell you at the showroom), bed frames with either curved or flat lats or flat platforms that often feature round openings on the top. "A foundation has been used to elevate the mattress, and to make sure that the mattress is on a proper base and it doesn't sag or have a short life span," says Robinson.
While it won't affect your sleeping experience as much as your choice of mattress, a good foundation will not only make your mattress last longer, it will also allow you to get in and out much more comfortably.
Here are a couple of great ways to get started.
SafeRest Waterproof Mattress Protector
$69.95 on Amazon.com
Smart Home Bedding Super Plush Pillow
$59.99 on Amazon.com
Utopia Bedding Comforter Duvet Insert
$69.99 on Amazon.com
Zinus Box Spring
$132.99 on Amazon.com
Red Nomad Memory Foam Mattress Pad
$499.99 on Amazon.com
Related Readings:
Best Mattresses for Couples
Best Mattresses for Sex
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