Choosing the Perfect Mattress: A Comprehensive Guide

Looking for a night of good quality sleep? You’re not alone. Close to one-third of Americans sleep less than 7 hours a night. But what is “quality sleep?”

A good night’s sleep is dependent upon several things. A consistent sleep schedule, adequate sleep, decent quality, and refreshing sleep all help for quality rest. And while healthy habits, or good sleep hygiene is important, a poor mattress can worsen sleep by making it difficult to fall asleep or causing multiple awakenings at night.

This mattress buying guide will outline everything you need to know to buy the best mattress for you.

Review the following factors that should influence your mattress choice:

Your comfort and personal preference should be a priority when selecting the best mattress for you. For instance, do you feel comfortable on softer or firmer mattresses? Mattress firmness is graded on a scale of one to ten, with one being the softest and ten being the firmest. Soft mattresses (grades 3 to 6) usually allow the sleeper to sink into the bed, with the mattress contouring the sleeper’s body frame. This is a good option if you want pressure relief as you sleep.

Firmer mattresses (grades 7 to 10) typically provide more support and spinal alignment. You should also explore various mattress materials, such as foam, innerspring, and latex. Each has its benefits, depending on your body type and sleeping position.

The size of the mattress you buy depends on several factors, such as your room size, the number of sleepers, the sleeper’s body weight, and sleeping positions. Select a mattress that fits the room well and leaves adequate space for the bed frame and furniture, such as dressers and nightstands. If you are buying a new mattress for your child’s room, consider a twin-size mattress, which typically measures 38 by 75 inches, or a twin XL mattress (38 by 80 inches).

A queen-size mattress (60 by 80 inches) is ideal for an average-sized adult who moves around during sleep, or two adults sharing a bed, or an adult sharing a bed with a pet. A king size (76 by 80 inches) or California king mattress (72 by 84 inches) is suitable for large master bedrooms, taller than average adults, people with pets who sleep at the foot of the bed, or couples who want more space.

Your sleeping position influences your mattress choice. Back sleepers need a medium-firm mattress due to spinal alignment while cushioning the shoulders, lower back, and hips. Side sleepers need a medium-soft to medium that provides relief on pressure points like the shoulders and hips. Stomach sleepers need a firm mattress that gives the spine extra support and prevents their hips from sinking into the bed.

Here are some types of mattresses:

Innerspring mattresses have several steel coils. And softer layers to provide support and comfort. They’re great for support because they prevent sinking into the bed. Innerspring mattresses don’t trap heat because they allow for airflow within the springs.

All-foam mattresses are made of polyurethane foam, which is soft and bouncy. Memory foam, one of the types of foam, has polyurethane and additional materials that increase its viscosity and density, making it a great material for pressure relief because it contours your body shape.

Hybrid mattresses consist of memory foam comfort layers and an underlying innerspring core, allowing them to provide pressure relief and proper support. These features make them a good option for people with hip, neck, or back pain.

Natural latex mattresses contain a natural rubbery material that makes it bouncy, durable, hypoallergenic. They also are more environmentally friendly mattresses.

When going to a mattress store, in-store testing allows you to identify the one that meets your support and comfort needs. If you buy a mattress that is uncomfortable, or doesn’t meet your needs, you will probably want to return it. It’s important to ask about return policies, which usually range from 30 to 120 days. Understanding return policies can give you more freedom when selecting a mattress.

You should also ask about mattress trial periods, which retailers give customers, so they can determine if the mattress meets their needs. Other questions to ask sales reps about mattresses include the mattress lifespan (most mattresses last seven to 10 years) and warranty. If you are going online mattress shopping for mattresses, consider reviewing their FAQ section to get answers to these questions.

Once you invest in a good mattress, it’s important to maintain and care for it so that it lasts a long time. When cleaning your mattress, use a vacuum and attach the upholstery attachment, making sure to clean the entire mattress surface, including the sides. Wash and change the bedding, including sheets and mattress protectors, weekly to remove dirt and dust mites.

You can also spot-clean any areas of discoloration with a clean cloth, a cleaning solution (commercial enzyme cleaners or soap and water), and cold water. Ensure not to pour the cleaning solution directly onto the mattress, which may cause damage.

When buying the right mattress, consider your needs. The key things to consider are comfort, size, material, firmness level, body size, and sleep style. These factors will help you identify the mattress that promotes good sleep quality, and, may help you achieve better sleep quality.