Whether you're a first-time buyer or you're replacing your old mattress, finding the perfect bed might seem like an uphill task. There's no "one size fits all" mattress, so it requires a little bit of effort to find the perfect fit for you. However, the process can be quite rewarding if you know how to go about it. Here are some insightful tips to make your mattress shopping a breeze.
Online Shopping: This option provides unrivaled convenience. With a simple click, you can explore a vast selection of mattresses from the comfort of your home. Online shopping enables you to compare different brands, styles, and prices without stepping out of your door. Most online stores provide detailed product descriptions and customer reviews, which can be instrumental in your decision-making process.
Physical Stores: Physical mattress stores offer the unique benefit of trying out a mattress before buying it, an experience hard to replicate online. You can assess the mattress's firmness and comfort levels, all under the guidance of trained store personnel. However, a brief trial in a store might not adequately capture how the mattress will feel after a full night's sleep.
Customer reviews can offer you a real-world insight into a mattress’s performance. While marketing materials may highlight the mattress's features and benefits, it's only actual users who can tell you about the pros and cons. Look out for factors like comfort, firmness, motion isolation, and durability in the reviews. Remember, comfort is subjective; what works for others might not necessarily work for you.
Many mattress companies offer trial periods — LA Mattress Store offers 120-night comfort trial. This allows you to test the mattress in your home and, if it doesn't meet your expectations, you can exchange it for another mattress. Trial periods minimize the risk of buying a mattress, especially online, and enable you to test it more thoroughly than a quick in-store trial.
It's crucial to know what you need in a mattress. Consider your sleeping position — side sleepers generally need a softer mattress, while back and stomach sleepers might prefer something firmer. If you experience back, hip, or shoulder pain, look for a mattress that offers targeted pain relief. Factor in your material preference (like memory foam, latex, or hybrid), temperature regulation needs, edge support, and more. Additionally, consider any allergies or sensitivities you may have.
Don't worry if you're feeling overwhelmed right now. In the next section, we'll delve into the crucial factors to consider when selecting a mattress, helping you find the perfect fit.
This is a common question with a complex answer. The "best" mattress ultimately depends on your individual needs, preferences, and circumstances. It's the one that offers the right level of comfort and support for your body type and sleep habits, without compromising on quality or exceeding your budget. Essentially, the "best" mattress is the one you're most comfortable with — and that varies for everyone.
Motion Isolation: This refers to a mattress's ability to limit movement transfer across the bed — a crucial factor if you share a bed with a partner. A mattress with excellent motion isolation can prevent your sleep from being disturbed by your partner's movements. You can test this out in a store or look for information in online reviews.
Pressure Relief: This is how well a mattress distributes your body weight evenly, preventing pressure points from forming in areas like your hips, shoulders, and lower back.
Whether you're an active sleeper who changes positions often, someone with mobility issues, or if you're simply concerned about getting a restful night's sleep, several factors come into play when choosing a mattress. Let's explore these important considerations.
Ease of Movement refers to how responsive or easy it is to move around on the mattress. It is especially important for seniors or individuals with mobility issues, or if you frequently change positions during sleep.
To test this aspect, try sitting up, rolling over, or getting out of bed while lying on the mattress. If these movements are challenging, the mattress may not be suitable for you. Preference for certain materials plays a role here, as some materials might restrict movement.
Edge Support is the ability of a mattress to maintain its structure even when weight is applied to its edges. A mattress with good edge support lets you sit or sleep near the edge without feeling unstable.
To test this, try sitting or lying down near the edge of the mattress. If you feel like you're about to slide off, the mattress likely has poor edge support. This is especially crucial for larger individuals or those who share their bed with a partner.
Temperature Control becomes an important factor if you tend to sleep hot or live in a warmer climate. A mattress with good temperature control can regulate heat, wick away moisture, and keep you comfortable throughout the night. Some materials, like traditional memory foam, are known to retain heat.
During shopping, look out for mattresses with cooling technologies such as gel-infused foam or breathable covers. In a store, you can physically feel the mattress to assess if it stays cool to the touch.
Durability is how well a mattress maintains its shape, structure, and material quality over time. As mattresses are significant investments, it's important to choose one that will retain its support and comfort for many years without sagging or developing indentations.
It's challenging to assess durability during a brief in-store trial or an online purchase. The best approach is to opt for reputable mattress brands with long warranties and check reviews from long-term users.
Memory Foam: These are known for their body-conforming properties, pressure point relief, and support. Some also incorporate cooling gel or copper infusions for temperature regulation. They generally last about 7 to 10 years, although the lifespan can vary with care and foam quality.
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Innerspring: Traditional mattresses relying on metal springs for support. These mattresses also have a comfort layer of foam or other materials for additional cushioning. They typically last about 5-7 years, but lifespan varies with material quality.
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Hybrid: Combines elements from other mattress types, usually having a supportive coil base with one or two layers of foam or other materials for comfort. Lifespan averages around 7-10 years, depending on the quality of materials and construction.
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Latex: Made from natural or synthetic rubber, these mattresses offer contouring similar to memory foam but are more responsive and bouncy. They are some of the most durable mattresses with a typical lifespan of around 8 to 12 years or more with good care.
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The firmness of a mattress is a key consideration when shopping, as it significantly affects your comfort and support level. The ideal firmness should cater to your body type and sleeping position to ensure a restful night's sleep. While personal preference plays a part, this shouldn't compromise on the necessary support for your body.
Back Sleepers
When it comes to back sleepers, the ideal mattress needs to strike the right balance between comfort and support. This means choosing a mattress that falls within the medium-firm to firm spectrum. This level of firmness offers the necessary support to keep the spine in alignment, whilst also providing enough cushioning to the lower back to prevent excessive sinking which could lead to discomfort and pain.
It's important to remember that weight plays a significant role in determining the best mattress for you. Lightweight back sleepers will likely find a medium mattress more comfortable, whilst heavier back sleepers might require a firmer mattress to prevent excessive sinking.
Side Sleepers
Side sleepers often prefer mattresses that are medium to medium-soft. The main pressure points for side sleepers are the shoulders and hips, which is why these mattresses provide ample cushioning in these areas. A mattress that's too firm may cause discomfort and result in shoulder or hip pain, negatively impacting sleep quality. Conversely, a mattress that's too soft might not offer the necessary support for the back, leading to spinal misalignment.
Stomach Sleepers
Stomach sleepers require firmer mattresses to support their hips and prevent them from sinking too low, causing spinal misalignment. The torso carries a significant amount of body weight, so a mattress that's too soft could cause discomfort and pain. A medium-firm to firm mattress can provide the necessary support to maintain healthy spine alignment.
Again, weight is an important factor to consider. Heavier stomach sleepers may need a firmer mattress for adequate support, while lighter individuals might find comfort on a medium-firm mattress.
People With Shoulder Pain
Those experiencing shoulder pain might find a medium-soft to medium-firm mattress to be the most comfortable. These individuals need a mattress that provides excellent pressure relief to cushion the shoulder area and alleviate pressure points. Mattresses that are too firm should be avoided as they may exacerbate shoulder pain, particularly if you tend to sleep on your side.
People With Back Pain
A medium-firm mattress that provides a good balance of support and comfort can be beneficial for most people with back pain. This level of firmness promotes a healthy neutral spine alignment and offers good pressure relief, preventing pressure build-up in the lower back region. A mattress that's too soft might lack the necessary support for proper spine alignment, whilst one that's too firm could lead to pressure build-up and increased back pain.
Your sleeping position is an important factor to consider when choosing a mattress. Side sleepers might need a slightly softer mattress, while back and stomach sleepers usually require a firmer mattress.
People With Hip Pain
People with hip pain require a mattress that offers excellent pressure relief for pressure points in the hip region. A medium to medium-firm mattress often works well as it provides the necessary support while also cushioning the hips to relieve pressure.
Your sleeping position and weight are essential factors to consider. Side sleepers and lighter individuals might prefer a slightly softer mattress, while back and stomach sleepers and heavier individuals might need a firmer one.
Lightweight Sleepers (Below 130 lbs)
Due to their lighter weight, these sleepers don't sink too much into the bed, so they are best suited to softer mattresses that fall within the medium-soft to medium range. A mattress that's too firm won't relieve pressure points properly, potentially leading to discomfort and pain.
The type of mattress for lightweight sleepers depends on their preferences and needs, but generally, side sleepers may prefer a soft to medium-soft mattress, while back and stomach sleepers may require a medium-soft to medium mattress.
Average-weight Sleepers (Between 130 – 230 lbs)
Most mattresses are designed to cater to average-weight sleepers, so they probably won't face too many difficulties when shopping for one. Generally, they'll sleep comfortably on medium to medium-firm mattresses that strike a balance between support and comfort.
Any type of mattress—memory foam, latex, hybrid, or innerspring—can work well for average-weight sleepers, provided it has the right firmness level. The choice between these types usually comes down to personal preference and specific needs.
Heavyweight Sleepers (Above 230 lbs)
Heavyweight sleepers exert more pressure on the mattress, so they require a firm mattress that can support their weight to prevent excessive sinking and maintain good spinal alignment. Medium-firm to firm mattresses with thick profiles (more than 10”) or strong support systems are recommended.
In addition to support, heavyweight sleepers should look for a mattress that provides adequate pressure relief, depending on their sleeping position. A mattress that's too firm may lead to pressure points and discomfort, so a delicate balance between firmness for support and softness for comfort is necessary. Reinforced edges can also prevent sagging and make it easier to get in and out of bed.
How Much Should You Spend on a Mattress?
Deciding on how much to spend on a mattress can be quite daunting, given the extensive range of options available in the market. Mattress prices can fluctuate wildly, ranging from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. It's common to believe that the best mattress is always the most expensive one; however, that's not necessarily true. It's possible to find a high-quality mattress that meets your specific needs without burning a hole in your pocket. To achieve this, it's crucial to establish a budget for your mattress and refine your search to mattresses within that price bracket.
Before we delve into the typical price ranges for mattresses, it's essential to bear in mind some considerations while deciding your budget.
Assess Your Needs: The perfect mattress for you is one that meets your specific requirements. These might include your sleeping position preference, any physical discomfort or pains you might experience, your body weight, whether you tend to sleep hot or cold, and so on.
Account for Health Concerns: If you have specific health issues, such as chronic back pain or allergies, it might be worthwhile to invest more in a mattress designed to address these problems.
Consider Durability: While more durable mattresses might seem more expensive initially, they tend to last longer, saving you money in the long term.
Check for Warranty: A reputable brand offering an extensive warranty can offer you peace of mind and is often worth spending a bit extra for. This warranty will serve to protect your investment in your mattress.
Price Doesn’t Always Equate to Quality: Many shoppers mistakenly equate a higher price tag with higher quality. The most expensive mattress is not necessarily the best one, and thorough research can help you find the best value for your money.
With these considerations in mind, let's explore the typical price ranges for mattresses and what you can expect within each range.
Cheap Mattresses ($100 to $500):
At this price range, you'll predominantly find basic innerspring and memory foam mattresses. These models are usually of simple design and constructed with regular materials, lacking any additional features. Consequently, their lifespan and comfort level may not be as satisfactory as their pricier counterparts. However, if you're shopping for a guest room, a child's room, or temporary use, these mattresses can be budget-friendly and adequate.
It's crucial to remember that a mattress at this price point may not be as long-lasting. This is because cheaper mattresses often utilize lower-quality materials that aren't as durable as those used in more expensive ones. Cheap mattresses may also have thinner profiles, leading to thinner comfort layers, which might compromise the level of comfort as you could feel the support layers underneath.
Affordable Mattresses ($500 to $1,000):
In this price range, you will notice an improvement in the quality of materials and design. Mattresses within this price bracket use better-quality foam or more robust innerspring systems, potentially offering better comfort and support.
Nonetheless, these mattresses lack the premium features that come with higher-end models. However, there are some good "bed in a box" mattresses available in this range that can provide solid performance, striking a balance of comfort, support, pressure relief, and durability at an affordable price.
Average-Priced Mattresses ($1,000 to $2,000):
This range is where you begin to see mattresses built with higher-end materials, more sophisticated designs, and additional features. For example, mattresses in this price range often incorporate high-density memory foam, pocketed coils, extra cooling features, and more.
In addition to offering superior durability, these average-priced mattresses strike a balance between quality and price, making them popular choices for the average consumer.
Premium or Luxury Mattresses ($2,000 and above):
Starting at around $2,000, premium or luxury mattresses can cost several thousand dollars. At this price point, expect mattresses constructed with the highest quality materials and the most sophisticated designs. These may include organic latex, luxury memory foam, advanced cooling systems, and unique coil systems.
These luxury mattresses often have the longest lifespan and come with extensive warranties. They're designed to offer the ultimate in comfort and support and often include features tailored to specific sleep needs, such as targeted support for pain relief or advanced cooling for hot sleepers.
Aside from these price ranges, there are other factors to consider when shopping for a mattress to ensure you're getting good value for your money. These include the sleep trial, warranty, shipping, return policy, and customer service support.
Sleep Trial
A sleep trial is a period during which you can test a new mattress at home to ensure it meets your needs and expectations. This trial is for 120-nights if the mattress doesn't meet your needs or expectations before the end of the sleep trial, you can exchange it for one you do like.
It takes time for our bodies to adjust to a new mattress, so spending a few weeks with a new mattress will give you a better understanding of whether it is the right fit for you.
Warranty
A warranty is the manufacturer's promise to repair or replace your mattress if it has any defects. Warranties can last from a few years to a lifetime, typically covering defects such as sagging, manufacturing flaws, broken coil wires, and more. A solid warranty implies confidence in the product on the part of the manufacturer.
Shipping
Shipping refers to the method and cost of getting the mattress from the warehouse to your home. Most mattress companies offer free shipping, while others charge a fee. The shipping terms can significantly affect the total cost of your purchase.
Customer Service Support
Customer service support refers to how a company assists its customers before, during, and after their purchase. A company with excellent customer service can make your mattress buying and ownership experience significantly more pleasant.
In conclusion, the amount you should spend on a mattress depends on your specific needs and budget. Understanding the different price ranges and factors to consider can help you make a more informed decision and ensure that you're getting the best value for your money.
When is the Ideal Time to Purchase a Mattress?
When it comes to buying a mattress, timing is essential. The perfect time can enable you to avail the best offers, maximizing your investment in a good night's sleep. Below are the best times to purchase a mattress.
Holidays
Holidays provide an excellent opportunity to grab some of the best mattress deals. Retailers reduce their prices considerably during this period, recognizing the shoppers' readiness to find gifts or secure great deals during their time off work.
Significant holidays like Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, and Black Friday are particularly notorious for fantastic mattress deals. During these sales, expect discounts of up to 20-30%, freebies accompanying mattress purchases, and packaged deals inclusive of pillows and sheets.
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Before the Introduction of New Products (May)
Mattress companies typically introduce new products in June. As such, May becomes a hot spot for sales as these companies attempt to clear out the old inventory to make room for the new models. This period often provides significant discounts, sometimes even on top-rated mattresses.
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Company Sales
Many mattress companies run their sales, irrespective of a specific holiday or event. These can be clearance sales, anniversary sales, or simply random promotions to boost sales. Companies may offer discounts, free items with purchase, or even free upgrades to a better model.
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Online vs. In-Store Mattress Buying
The digital age has significantly transformed shopping, allowing us to conveniently search and buy things online with a few simple clicks. However, while some buyers appreciate the convenience of online shopping, others prefer the traditional experience of buying in-store. Each method has its advantages and drawbacks.
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Conclusion
Congratulations! You're now well-equipped with the knowledge to make an informed decision on your new mattress. While shopping for a mattress is a complex task, it's a worthwhile endeavor, given the significant impact your mattress has on your health and overall quality of life. Regardless of whether you buy online or in-store, prefer memory foam or latex, or need a soft or firm feel, there's a perfect mattress out there for you. It just requires a bit of research. Good luck!
Mattress Buying Guides by Age and Lifestyle
As we age and enter new life stages, our sleep, and what we need to secure that sleep, evolves. Our bodies change, our lifestyle shifts, and consequently, our needs in a mattress alter to accommodate those changes. For the best mattress suited to your age and lifestyle, see the following guides.
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