How do I choose the right mattress?

Start with your sleep position (side, back, or stomach), then choose a firmness level that supports that position. From there, pick a mattress type, memory foam, hybrid, latex, or innerspring, based on your comfort preferences. Testing in a showroom is the most reliable way to find the right fit.

What mattress type is best for back pain?

Medium-firm hybrid or memory foam mattresses are generally recommended for back pain. They provide spinal alignment support while cushioning pressure points at the hips and shoulders. Look for lumbar support features in mattresses from Tempur-Pedic or Sealy Posturepedic.

How firm should my mattress be?

Side sleepers typically do best with soft to medium firmness. Back sleepers usually prefer medium-firm. Stomach sleepers generally need firm support to prevent lower back strain. Your body weight also plays a role, heavier sleepers usually benefit from firmer mattresses.

How often should I replace my mattress?

Most mattresses last between 7–10 years. Signs you need a replacement include visible sagging, waking up with aches, or noticeably reduced comfort compared to when the mattress was new. Higher-quality materials like latex and memory foam tend to last longer.

Is it better to buy a mattress online or in store?

Buying in store lets you test actual feel, firmness, and comfort before committing. Online buying offers convenience but relies on trial periods for returns. LA Mattress combines both, test in our showroom, then purchase with our 120-Night Comfort Trial.

The Complete Guide

Mattress Buying Guide

Learn how to choose the perfect mattress based on your sleep style, comfort preference, and budget. Written by LA Mattress sleep experts.

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How to Choose a Mattress

Follow these five steps to find your perfect mattress.

Choose Mattress Type

Memory foam, hybrid, innerspring, latex, or organic, each type has different feel, support, and cooling properties.

Choose Firmness Level

From soft to firm, firmness determines how your mattress supports your body based on your sleep position and weight.

Choose the Right Size

Twin, Full, Queen, King, or California King, choose based on your room size and whether you sleep alone or with a partner.

Compare Brands

Test Tempur-Pedic, Sealy, Stearns & Foster, Harvest Green, Diamond, and more, all available at our LA showrooms.

Test In-Store or Order Online

Try mattresses in person at one of our 5 Los Angeles showrooms, or order online with our 120-Night Comfort Trial.

Mattress Types Explained

Different mattress types suit different sleepers. Here's what you need to know.

Best for pressure relief

Memory Foam

Conforms closely to your body shape, eliminating pressure points. Excellent motion isolation makes it ideal for couples. Tends to retain heat, look for cooling gel versions.

Best for: Side sleepers, couples, pain relief

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Best of both worlds

Hybrid

Combines memory foam or latex comfort layers with an innerspring coil support system. Offers pressure relief, bounce, and better airflow than all-foam mattresses.

Best for: Most sleepers, hot sleepers, couples

Shop Hybrid →

Classic coil support

Innerspring

Traditional coil construction with a firm, bouncy feel. Excellent airflow and edge support. More responsive than foam, easier to move around on.

Best for: Stomach sleepers, hot sleepers, those who prefer a classic feel

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Natural & responsive

Latex

Made from natural or synthetic rubber. Responsive, bouncy feel with excellent durability. Naturally cooling and resistant to dust mites and mold.

Best for: Eco-conscious shoppers, hot sleepers, those with allergies

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Certified natural materials

Organic

Made with GOTS-certified organic cotton, wool, and natural latex. Free from synthetic materials and chemical flame retardants. Best for environmentally conscious buyers.

Best for: Eco-conscious families, allergy sufferers, chemical-sensitive sleepers

Shop Organic →

Mattress Firmness Guide

Firmness is the single most important factor in mattress comfort. Choose based on how you sleep.

Soft

Scale: 1–3 / 10

Maximum cushioning with deep contouring. Relieves pressure on hips and shoulders.

Side sleepers · Lightweight sleepers · Pressure relief needs

Medium

Scale: 4–5 / 10

Balanced cushioning and support. Most versatile firmness level, works for most sleep positions.

Combination sleepers · Couples with different preferences

Medium-Firm

Scale: 6–7 / 10

Firm support with slight give. Keeps your spine aligned while providing some cushioning.

Back sleepers · Heavier sleepers · Back pain sufferers

Firm

Scale: 8–10 / 10

Minimal give, maximum support. Prevents your hips from sinking and keeps your spine neutral.

Stomach sleepers · Heavier sleepers · Those who prefer minimal sink

Shop by Sleep Position

Your sleep position determines what firmness and support your body needs.

Best Mattress for Side Sleepers

Side sleepers need cushioning at the shoulder and hip. Soft to medium firmness with contouring memory foam or latex works best to relieve pressure points.

Recommended firmness: Soft–Medium

Shop Side Sleeper Mattresses →

Best Mattress for Back Sleepers

Back sleepers need lumbar support to maintain the natural curve of the spine. Medium-firm hybrid or memory foam mattresses provide the ideal balance.

Recommended firmness: Medium-Firm

Shop Back Sleeper Mattresses →

Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers

Stomach sleepers need a firm mattress to prevent the hips from sinking and causing lower back strain. Innerspring or firm hybrid mattresses are best.

Recommended firmness: Medium-Firm–Firm

Shop Stomach Sleeper Mattresses →

Featured Buying Guides

In-depth articles to help you make the right decision.

Mattress Buying Guide

How to Choose a Mattress

Choose Mattress Type

Choose Firmness Level

Choose the Right Size

Compare Brands

Test In-Store or Order Online

Mattress Types Explained

Memory Foam

Hybrid

Innerspring

Latex

Organic

Mattress Firmness Guide

Shop by Sleep Position

Best Mattress for Side Sleepers

Best Mattress for Back Sleepers

Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers

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Why Buy from LA Mattress?

120-Night Comfort Trial

Showroom Testing

Expert Sleep Advice

Free Local Delivery

0% APR Financing

Manufacturer Warranty

Frequently Asked Questions

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