How to Choose a Mattress

Your sleep position is the single most important factor in choosing firmness:

• Side sleepers → Medium to medium-soft (4-6) — You need cushioning at the shoulders and hips to prevent pressure points. Too firm causes pain; too soft misaligns the spine. See our side sleeper guide →
• Back sleepers → Medium-firm (6-7) — You need support under the lumbar curve with enough contouring to fill the gap. This prevents lower back pain. See our back pain guide →
• Stomach sleepers → Firm (7-8) — You need a surface that prevents the pelvis from sinking, which hyperextends the lower back. See our stomach sleeper guide →
• Combination sleepers → Medium-firm (5.5-6.5) — You need a responsive mattress that works in multiple positions. Hybrid and latex are best for easy position changes.

Body weight adjustment: If you're under 130 lbs, go one step softer. Over 230 lbs, go one step firmer. Your weight affects how much the mattress compresses.

Each mattress type has distinct characteristics. Here's a quick comparison:

Memory foam — Deep contouring, excellent pressure relief, great motion isolation. Sleeps warmer, slower response time. Best for: side sleepers, couples who need motion isolation, pain sufferers. Shop memory foam →

Hybrid — Combines foam comfort with pocketed coil support. Balanced performance: good pressure relief, better airflow than foam, responsive feel. Best for: most sleepers, couples, hot sleepers. Shop hybrid →

Latex — Natural, responsive, durable. Bouncy feel with gentle pressure relief. Sleeps cool. Best for: eco-conscious shoppers, combination sleepers, those who dislike memory foam's "hugging" feel. Shop latex →

Innerspring — Traditional bounce, firm support, maximum airflow. Less contouring than other types. Best for: stomach sleepers, those who prefer a classic bed feel. See hybrid vs innerspring comparison →

Not sure which type? Our foam vs hybrid comparison covers the two most popular choices in detail.

Mattresses span a wide price range. Here's what to expect at each tier for a queen:

• $500-$800 (Budget): Basic foam or innerspring. Adequate for guest rooms or temporary use. May not last more than 3-5 years.
• $800-$1,500 (Mid-range): Quality hybrids and memory foam from brands like Diamond Mattress, Spring Air, and Englander. The sweet spot for most shoppers — good materials, decent durability.
• $1,500-$2,500 (Upper mid-range): Premium hybrids like Helix Midnight Luxe and mid-tier models from major brands. Noticeably better materials and construction.
• $2,500-$5,000+ (Premium/Luxury): Tempur-Pedic, Stearns & Foster, and Chattam & Wells. Best materials, longest durability, most advanced comfort tech.

We offer 0% APR financing on most purchases — a $3,000 mattress at 0% over 36 months is about $83/month. See our pricing guide →

If you have specific sleep concerns, they should influence your choice:

• Back pain: Prioritize support and alignment. Medium-firm hybrid or memory foam. Consider an adjustable base. Back pain mattress guide →
• Hot sleeping: Avoid dense memory foam. Choose hybrid (coils promote airflow) or latex. Look for cooling covers and gel-infused foam. Cooling mattress guide →
• Sharing a bed: Prioritize motion isolation and edge support. Queen minimum, King preferred. Couples mattress guide →
• Allergies: Latex and some foam mattresses are naturally hypoallergenic. Use a mattress protector regardless.
• Heavy sleepers: Need firm, thick mattresses with reinforced support. Heavy sleeper guide →

No review, quiz, or guide replaces the experience of lying on a mattress yourself. Here's how to test effectively:

• Lie in your primary sleep position for at least 10-15 minutes — your body needs time to settle
• Bring your partner if you share a bed — you both need to be comfortable
• Wear comfortable clothes — jeans and shoes make it hard to judge comfort
• Test multiple firmness levels back to back — comparison reveals preferences you didn't know you had
• Ask about the return/exchange policy — our 120-night comfort exchange gives you time to be sure

All five of our Los Angeles showrooms are designed for unhurried testing. Our sleep consultants guide the process but never pressure — take your time. Full in-store testing guide →