How to Choose a Mattress

Pros and cons of memory foam

Pros	Cons
Affordable Good at keeping motion transfer at a minimum (you won’t feel your sleeping partner moving) Good for alleviating back pain Good for relieving pain at pressure points Contours and conforms to your body	Won’t provide as much freedom of movement Certain models can trap body heat causing you to sleep hot Tend to be thinner than traditional innerspring mattresses If foams are not labeled as CertiPUR-US certified, they could be harmful to the environment and air quality in your bedroom Not always ideal for stomach sleepers, as this can cause misalignment that leads to back pain

Foam and memory foam mattresses make up the majority of online mattresses available, which isn’t surprising because memory foam mattresses are known to be one of the more comfortable mattress types.

These are typically a medium on the firmness scale and tend to be better for people with back pain as the layers of memory foam help with lumbar support, comfort in the hips and shoulders and body contouring. It’s also great for motion transfer (if your partner moves around a lot, you won’t feel it).

Learn More: What are Memory Foam Mattresses?

A memory foam mattress will be more contouring, meaning it will hug your body more than other mattresses will and won’t provide as much bounce or freedom of movement. So if you don’t typically move around a lot throughout the night, memory foam might be a good option for you. It’s also worth noting that many of the “foam” mattresses you see today are not purely memory foam but a foam blend made with other materials.

Because of the hug that memory foam provides, this mattress type has been known to sleep hot. However, Helen Sullivan, spokesperson for CertiPUR-US, advises that this issue has largely been alleviated with new foam technology:

“When these foams first became popular, some said they were warmer to sleep on. However, technological advances in foam production have largely eliminated these problems by using different foam formulations, and in some cases, special cool foams, cooling gel foam, etc.”

If you’re shopping for a foam mattress, you’ll want to pay close attention to the particular layers of foam. Look for mattresses that use CertiPUR-US® certified polyurethane foams. This means that the foam is made without formaldehyde, PBDEs, TDCPP or TCEP (“Tris’) flame retardants, ozone depleters, and other harmful chemicals. It also means there is low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) emission for indoor air quality. Essentially, CertiPUR-US® certified foams are better for you and the environment.

You can find brands that offer CertiPUR-US® certified foams here.

Innerspring Mattresses

Pros and cons of innerspring

Pros	Cons
Responsive (good if you tend to change positions throughout the night) Strong edge support Good airflow (helps keep you cool)	Can be expensive Heavy/difficult to maneuver Will not contour your body or provide as much comforting support in pain points

When you think of traditional mattresses, innerspring, or coil, is probably what comes to mind. This is one of the most widely used types of mattresses and is made with at least one layer of spring metal coils. Innerspring mattresses have great bounce, strong edge support, and are usually pretty good about keeping you cool.

Because of the metal coils inside, these types of beds are heavy and may ship full-size (if that’s a factor that will impact your decision). If you’re looking for something that can contour your body well, then an innerspring mattress is probably not for you.

Since there’s a decent amount of empty space in these mattresses, you won’t get as much support in your shoulders and hips as you would with other types of mattresses, but you will have more freedom of movement, which is beneficial if you tend to move around a lot at night.

Coil Count

The amount of coils in your innerspring or hybrid bed aren’t quite as important as they may seem. However, generally the more coils there are in a mattress, the higher-quality it is. This isn’t to say if your mattress doesn’t have a lot of coils it’s not high-quality, but you may want to stay away from any mattress that has less than 420 Bonnell coils, because the quality and support will be lacking.

Another thing to keep in mind about coils is the coil gauge. Coil gauge is simply the measure of how thick the wire used in the coil is. Coil gauges can run from 12 to 15, and the lower the coil gauge, the more firm the mattress is. If you want a softer mattress and you’re looking at a bed with coils, make sure the coil gauge is right around the 14 to 15 mark. These kinds of coils have a gentler spring, which is what makes the mattress feel softer.

Latex Mattresses

Pros and cons of latex

Pros	Cons
Provides pressure relief + freedom of movement Durable and will last a long time (up to 15 years) Sleeps cool	Expensive Very heavy/difficult to maneuver Can contain harmful chemicals if not organic

Latex mattresses are great for people who want many of the benefits of a foam mattress but don’t want to feel as hugged or “contoured.” These mattresses tend to have great cooling properties, bounce and are still responsive – meaning it will adjust to your body as you move around.

Ron Rudzin, CEO of Saatva, says, “Latex is great because it has the resilience of a spring mattress, but locks you in like memory foam.” As we mentioned earlier, latex mattresses also tend to have the longest lifespan of all mattress types.

The downsides? Latex mattresses tend to be more expensive. They are also very dense, meaning they’re going to be on the heavier side. Depending on the type of latex you get, you may notice some of that synthetic, chemically smell for the first few days.

Learn More: Dunlop vs. Talalay Latex: What’s the Difference?

But if you opt for a natural latex mattress, you won’t need to worry about that. These mattresses will come at a higher price tag, but you really are getting the best of the best when it comes to mattresses.

Hybrid Mattresses

A hybrid mattress usually refers to a mattress that’s made with a combination of memory foam and springs, but it can include other materials and combinations as well (like latex and memory foam).

Hybrids tend to offer a good balance of support and pressure relief while providing a cooler sleeping surface than pure memory foam. Motion transfer will also be better on a hybrid than innerspring alone with the help of more motion-absorbing layers.

Learn More: What are Hybrid Mattresses?

If you and your significant other want different things in a mattress, then a hybrid might be the best option for you. However, getting the best of both worlds can sometimes mean a higher price point. Hybrid mattresses can also be extremely heavy, making transporting and handling challenging in some cases.

Adam Tishman, co-founder of Helix Sleep, specializes in custom hybrid mattresses. He says:

“A hybrid mattress offers the best of both worlds. You get the bounce and cradling effect of springs balanced with the contouring and cushioning of foam. Traditional all-innerspring beds can feel stiff and don’t isolate motion well, while all memory foam beds sleep extremely hot and can feel too dense. It’s all about the right balance!”

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What to Look For In a Mattress

If you’ve done any research on mattresses already, you’ve probably noticed that the mattress industry has its very own lingo – with words like “responsiveness” and “motion transfer.” While they might seem like meaningless marketing lingo, they’re actually important factors to consider when choosing a mattress that’s going to best meet your needs. We’ll give you a breakdown of these key mattress features—in plain English—to help you understand why these are so critical when finding the best mattress.

Comfort and support are two of the main factors to consider when looking at a new mattress, so it’s important to note that sometimes you won’t be able to realize how well a mattress performs on these factors until you try it out for a few nights. So if you’re not sure what mattress is best for you, make sure to invest in a mattress with a risk-free trial period. Other important factors include spine alignment, pressure relief, shipping and return policies, and the firmness level.

You can learn more about each of these features and how we score them while we are testing a mattress’s performance in Our Review Process article.

Comfort

Comfort is important, because it dictates the feel of your mattress and how well the mattress conforms to your movements and regulates temperature. Lack of comfort can be caused by a stiff mattress, a warm mattress, or too much movement from the other side of the bed (if you sleep with a partner). This can lead to more sleep disruptions, so it’s essential you find a comfortable mattress that gives you restful, deep sleep. When it comes to comfort, responsiveness, temperature control and motion transfer are some of the key factors to look at.

Responsiveness

Quick definition: How well the mattress responds to your movement and adjusts to your body position.

Responsiveness just means how well a mattress reacts and adjusts to your body’s movements while you sleep. We all move while we sleep, but responsiveness is especially important for restless sleepers and combination sleepers who change position during the night.

Learn More: What Does Responsiveness in a Mattress Mean? 

Motion Transfer

Quick definition: How well the mattress isolates movement and absorbs motion.

Motion transfer refers to how well a mattress absorbs movement. Many people overlook this factor, but it’s an important quality to look for—especially for couples who share a bed and people who have their children or pets climbing into and out of their beds throughout the night. Memory foam and foam blend mattresses tend to be best for motion transfer.

Learn More: What is Motion Transfer and Why Does it Matter for Your Mattress?

Temperature Regulation (or Cooling)

Quick definition: How well the mattress promotes airflow and breathability, factoring in heat retention and any substantive cooling properties/features.

While you’re sleeping, you want to make sure your mattress is helping to transfer heat away from your body, not keeping it trapped within its layers so that you wake up feeling sweaty or clammy. Mattresses with breathable, or aerated, layers provide a cooler sleeping surface because they help increase airflow. Heat-wicking materials like wool covers work to disperse heat and draw it away from your body. Other materials, like Celliant, are specifically made to adapt to your body’s temperature.

Learn More: What is the Best Temperature for Sleep?

Support

Support in a mattress is crucial for ensuring a healthy back, healthy joints, and a long-lasting bed. Spine alignment, pressure relief, edge support, and durability are some of the most important factors to consider for support.

Spine Alignment

Quick definition: How well the mattress keeps your spine in its natural alignment.

When you compare mattresses, you want to look for something that will support your body so that your spine can remain in its natural position. A healthy spine position allows your muscles to rest, meaning you’ll wake up feeling more refreshed in the morning.

If you’re a side sleeper, the line from your tailbone to your neck should be straight. If you’re a back sleeper, your spine should retain its natural curve when you’re lying down on a mattress that provides good support. Stomach sleepers will have a bit more trouble maintaining the natural curve just by nature of the position. As a rule of thumb, a good mattress is one that takes the shape of your spine, while simultaneously supporting your weight so your back is aligned properly, according to Vik Singh, founder of Spine & Vigor.

Learn More: Why Spine Alignment is Important for Choosing a Mattress

Pressure Relief

Quick definition: How well the mattress relieves pressure, (particularly on the hips, shoulders and thighs) and provides even body weight distribution.

Your body will be best supported by a mattress that evenly distributes your body weight so the heavier parts of your body, like your hips and shoulders, don’t sink in too deeply. If they do, your mattress could be causing strain on your pressure points.

You’ll want to look for a mattress that pushes back when you apply pressure (but not too much). Different mattresses will offer better pressure relief for different body types – so if you’re lighter weight, you won’t need as much pushback, but if you’re a heavier weight, you’ll want to make sure the mattress is proving proper support and you’re not sinking in too much.

Learn More: Why Pressure Relief is Important When Choosing the Right Mattress

Edge Support

Quick definition: How much edge support the mattress provides, accounting for functional use of the end of the mattress and how comfortable it is to sleep on the edge of the bed.

Edge support is what prevents you from rolling off the mattress in the middle of the night. Innerspring mattresses usually have a separate support layer around the edges that help keep you on it, while foam mattresses typically don’t have a separate edge layer. However, it’s also harder to “roll off” a foam mattress.

This factor is important if you’re a particularly restless sleeper (or have a history of falling off beds…), or if you use the end of your bed to put your socks and shoes on in the morning.

Learn More: What is Edge Support in a Mattress?

Durability

Quick definition: The materials and design that help determine how long a mattress will last and continue to provide a comforting night’s sleep.

When looking for your ideal mattress, you want quality, premium materials that will last (preferably without tons of nasty chemicals). The strength of the material is important—you don’t want sagging or lumps and want your mattress to maintain its elasticity and support for years to come.

Firmness

Quick definition: How stiff or contouring a mattress feels.

Firmness is a critical factor to look at when purchasing a mattress, because it determines both comfort and support. Keep in mind your own preferences and needs when deciding on a firmness level that works for you. While everyone is different, the type of sleeper you are usually helps dictate the level of mattress firmness you should look for to make your ideal comfort level.

Firmness is measured on a scale from 1-10 with 10 being the firmest. (But honestly, unless you find comfort in sleeping on a pile of cotton balls or a wood floor, we wouldn’t recommend going to either extreme of a 1 or 10).

• Side sleepers tend to prefer softer mattresses (3-6) that contour their body well and provide comforting support around the hips and shoulders. Typically foam mattresses are better for side sleepers although adding a pillow top to your mattress can also help make this position more comfortable.
• Back sleepers usually prefer a slightly firmer mattress (4-7) for better support since they tend to put more stress on the lower back when sleeping in this position. Medium firmness foam mattresses are usually a preferred choice for back sleepers but you can also find middle-ground firmness on innerspring and hybrid.
• Stomach sleepers need good support on their lower back especially and tend to prefer firmer mattresses (6-8). Most types of mattresses (even memory foam) offer some degree of higher firmness, but you probably want to stay away from mattresses that are on the softer side.

Green Certification, CertiPUR-US, or Organic Materials

If you are an eco-conscious consumer or have an allergy to consider when choosing a mattress, look for Green Certifications, CertiPUR-US certifications, or for mattresses made using organic materials. While these types of mattresses can be more expensive, they offer consumers a high-quality sleep experience.

Mattresses made with GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified materials must abide by organic textile requirements. For a mattress to be GOTS organic certified, it must be made from 95% certified organic fibers. .
If getting an organic mattress is important to you, be on the lookout for “greenwashing,” which occurs when a company markets itself as environmentally friendly, rather than actually minimizing negative impacts to the environment. Some mattress companies will use the term “organic” without being GOTS organic certified. If organic materials are important to you, be sure to look for certifications that are issued by reputable, unbiased organizations.

CertiPUR-US is a certification specializing in foam. Foams can contain harmful chemicals, high volumes of VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds), or even heavy metals. These “emissions” can be harmful and can reduce the quality of air in your home. CertiPUR-US certificates show that a mattress containing foam has passed rigorous quality testing.

Trial Period, Warranty, and Return Policy

Even if a thousand people love a mattress, it doesn’t mean you will too. Everyone’s body is different, so you’re going to respond to your mattress differently. Before you buy your mattress, make sure you pay attention to the trial period you have, what’s covered under your mattress warranty, and the return policy. Most of our favorite mattresses come with a very generous trial period, warranty policy and hassle-free returns.

You should also try to give your mattress at least 30 days to “break it in” and see if it’s right for you before you kick it to the curb. (Although we don’t recommend actually kicking it to the curb if you want a refund.) For reference, most online mattress companies offer a trial period of 100 nights or more.

Mattress Shipping

Quick definition: How the mattress is delivered to your home.

Most of our favorite mattresses ship free and fast, but you should also pay attention to how it ships. If you live in a small or walk-up apartment, then mattresses that ship condensed in a box might be more convenient than mattresses that ship full size.

We know it can be hard to picture something as big as a mattress being shipped in a box that’s a fraction of the size, but it really is possible. Here’s proof!

If you can’t visualize lugging a full-size mattress up a flight of stairs going smoothly, it probably won’t go smoothly. There are also some companies that will come take your old mattress for a fee and set up your new mattress for you.

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How to Choose a Mattress Based On Your Sleeping Position

It’s important to take your sleeping position into consideration when choosing a new mattress so you can find a bed that is well-suited to meet your particular needs.

Side Sleepers

Side sleepers should look for a medium to medium-firm mattress that strikes a balance between contouring comfort and base support. Memory foam or foam blend mattresses tend to be ideal for side sleepers. These beds do a good job of evenly distributing body weight across the mattress to avoid pain in the pressure points of the shoulders and hips.

Stomach Sleepers

Stomach sleepers require a firm mattress that supports the pressure placed on the lumbar spine due to this sleeping position. Keeping the hips in line with the shoulders is critical, so avoiding a mattress that is too soft and might cause sinkage is a must for overall comfort and sleep quality.

Finding a bed that has a supportive foundation and a pressure-relieving comfort layer, such as an innerspring or hybrid, is best for stomach sleepers.

Back Sleepers

Back sleeping is the best sleeping position for you so long as your mattress also supports proper spine alignment. People who sleep on their back need a mattress that balances comfort and support to hug your body in all the right places but provide pushback where needed. Back sleepers will benefit from a medium firm mattress that supports possible tension areas and keeps the hips and shoulders in alignment.

Combination Sleepers

Combination sleepers who move around between positions in the middle of the night will want a mattress that’s firm enough that you don’t sink in and get stuck, but not so firm that you can’t get comfortable when you rotate. Plus, if you sleep with a partner, motion isolation is a key factor so your movements won’t disturb your partner’s sleep.

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Budget and Costs

A new mattress can be as inexpensive as a few hundred dollars or as expensive as a couple thousand dollars.

While we’re focusing on high-quality mattresses in this article (that are also affordable) we feel like we need to warn you about prices that are too low and too high. If you find a mattress under $500 (for a queen), it typically means they’re cutting corners or using cheaper materials. Which means you’ll likely end up getting low quality sleep.

This doesn’t mean you can’t find a quality mattress under $500 – in fact, we have! Check out our top picks for the best mattresses under $500.

Related: Best Mattress for the Money

Many of the online-only brands that cut out the middleman fees can offer a great quality mattress for under $1,000 for a queen size mattress. Certainly, there are mattresses that are more expensive than that, but you’re likely paying for bells and whistles. If that’s what you’re into, we’ve rounded those up too in our best luxury mattress guide.

A mattress can feel like a big investment, but you can also think about price this way: If you buy a $1,000 mattress, only sleep on it for 300 days out of the year, and own it for 7 years, you’re essentially paying $0.48 a day to get a great night’s sleep. (Your latte costs 10x more than that.)

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Where to Buy a Mattress

When you’re ready to buy a mattress, you have a lot of places you can go. You can buy a mattress from big box retailers, department stores, furniture stores, mattress specialty stores, and even online from the comfort of your home. We’ll give you the pros and cons of each option so you decide what works best for you.

Big Box Retailers

Need to buy your groceries and your mattress all in one trip? Big box stores like Costco and Ikea make that possible. When you shop with these large retailers, you’ll typically see low prices, but you don’t have the benefit of being able to try all the mattresses (usually only a few are on display if any at all). Plus, you have to be a member of some of these stores to even get in the doors.

Department Stores

Department stores like Sears and Macy’s offer mattresses in stores. While you have the benefit of being able to try out the mattresses and speak with salespeople, the prices are typically high and the salespeople are often not very knowledgeable about mattresses if you need help making a selection.

Furniture Stores

A mattress is a piece of furniture, after all. At furniture stores, you get the convenience of shopping for multiple pieces of furniture at once and may even be able to score a bundle deal. But the mattress selection is typically smaller and the salespeople often don’t know much about mattresses.

Mattress Specialty Stores

If you’re looking for an expert, a mattress specialty store is where you’ll find one. But because you’re dealing with the middleman, you’re going to end up paying more for your mattress. Get your negotiation skills ready if you’re going to one of these stores. You may be able to score a price match guarantee.

Online

Shopping online is the most convenient way to browse every option available, but it can seem intimidating to buy a mattress that you can’t physically see and touch first. Some brands have a few retail locations or have partnered with larger retailers like Target to distribute their products, so sometimes you actually can see the mattresses.

The largest benefits from online shopping are the money you save and the ease of shopping. You can even buy a mattress on Amazon while you stock up on your household goods.

Online vs. In Stores

One question you might be asking yourself is: “Can I really buy a mattress online without trying it out first?” Fair question. But then consider this: You can’t really tell if a mattress is right for you without testing it out for a while. We’re talking like 30 days.

So while you can feel a mattress and wiggle around on it for a few minutes in a mattress store, you’re not really getting the full experience anyway.

Here are some other reasons why buying a mattress online might benefit you:

• You’ll save money by cutting out the middle man
• Easy delivery and setup
• You can test it out with a generous trial period (around 100 days)
• You’ll save time
• You can buy from the comfort of your own home
• Compressed mattresses have better performance (like breaking in a pair of jeans)

How to Negotiate for the Best Mattress Price

If you’re married to buying a mattress from a store, then you can use some helpful tips on negotiating so you can be sure you’re receiving the best price for your new mattress.

The good news is mattress prices are negotiable at most retailers, but the main strategy is to try to play one seller off of another. For example, if you secure a quote from one store, you can take it to their competitor and see that they beat the price. You can continue this process on and on and on by taking that lower price to a different competitor, and negotiating that price down even further. Another option would be to find the mattress you want online, and then get the retailer to match the price you see online.

But if you’re not keen on the idea of going back and forth between mattress stores, you’ll be happy to hear that online prices are typically the best. All you have to do is find the mattress that fits you best, and then find the comparable model online.

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When is the Best Time to Buy a Mattress?

Buying a new mattress is a big investment, and the best time to buy a mattress is obviously when the prices are discounted the most. Luckily, those times come at fairly predictable and frequent times throughout the year for many mattress brands and retail stores.

While not every company will always participate in these major sales, there’s a good chance you can find a great mattress deal around these holidays:

• Black Friday
• Cyber Monday
• President’s Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day

Keep in mind that most mattress sales start up to a week before the holiday and can extend up to a week after the holiday.

You can also expect to save on mattresses around different company events, like grand opening sales, liquidation sales, moving sales and anniversary sales. These aren’t as predictable so it’s something to keep an eye out for.

If you’re in the market for a new mattress, you might want to sign up for a few company newsletters to get alerts about sales and discounts. You can always unsubscribe later!

Hint: We always consolidate the best mattress sales for our readers on our coupons pages.

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Mattress Sizes

The best mattress size for you can be determined by considering two important factors: who will be sleeping on it and where will it go?

Who is Sleeping on the Bed?

While this certainly has to do with the size of the people who will be sleeping on it, it also has to do with personal preference.

Size	Who It’s Good For
Twin	Children, teens, single sleepers
Twin XL	Children, teens, single sleepers, college students
Full	Children, teens, single sleepers, college students
Queen	Couples
King	Couples, pet owners, parents
California King	Couples, pet owners, parents, taller people

If you’re single or shopping for children/teens then a twin size mattress or full size mattress will probably be suitable. The most common size for couples is a queen size mattress because it fits well into most bedrooms and is large enough to give both people the space they need to sleep without disturbing each other. Sheets and other accessories are also cheaper and more available for queen beds than larger sizes.

King size mattresses have crept up in the popularity polls recently because they essentially offer couples as much space in bed with their partner as if they were alone in a twin. If you’re a restless sleeper who needs lots of room, then a king mattress is the way to go. It’s also a popular choice among couples with pets or children who sneak into bed every now and then.

For taller or larger folks, California king mattresses might seem attractive. Buyers of both king sizes should be aware of increased costs for the bed itself and accessories, and more challenging set-up due to the size and weight of the mattress.

Here are the dimensions* for standard bed sizes so you know what to expect:

Size	Dimensions
Twin	38” x 75”
Twin XL	38” x 80”
Full	54” x 75”
Queen	60” x 80”
King	76” x 80”
California King	72” x 84”

*Note: mattresses differ in their height, which is why we are only providing width and length as standard dimensions.

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Additional Mattress Costs: Mattress Frames & Bases

Over the last five years, mattresses have changed a lot. Whereas older mattresses may have been flippable, not all newer mattresses were made to be this way.

This means that you may need to purchase a new bed frame or box spring to support your new mattress. In fact, some mattresses now require particular types of bed frames or box springs, so be sure to read the mattress’ warranty before purchasing.

Knowing that you may need to factor these components into your budget can help you prepare for this new investment in your sleep.

Related: Mattress Foundation Guide

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Mattress Shopping Tips & Checklist

Now that you’ve learned all that factors that should influence your mattress buying decision, we’ll simplify all that information down to the key questions you need to ask while shopping:

• Am I ready for a new mattress?
• Which material is best for me?
• Is this mattress high quality in all the right areas (spine alignment, pressure relief, temperature control, etc.)?
• Are there any red flags I should avoid (too soft/firm, too cheap/expensive, no trial period, etc.)?
• Does this mattress accommodate my sleeping position?
• What size mattress do I need?
• How much can I spend on a mattress?
• Where should I buy my mattress from?
• How can I get the best deal on my mattress?

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Mattress FAQ’s

How much should I spend on a mattress?

Before using our mattress guide to start shopping for a new mattress, consider what you’re willing to spend.

There are mattresses ranging from $200 – $10,000, which is a significant price range. If you’re looking for a higher-quality mattress that you’ll be sleeping on every night, we recommend spending at least $600 for a queen mattress. As the price increases from here, you’ll often see an increase in product quality, the mattress materials used, and even customer service.

What if I buy a new mattress and don’t like it?

Before buying a new mattress, be sure to review the sleep trial offer and/or return policy. Many mattress companies offer a “sleep trial” that allows you to test a mattress for a certain number of nights.

Common Myths About Mattresses

There’s a ton of misinformation out in the world about mattresses, and we’re here to debunk those myths. Here are a few common myths about mattresses and the truth behind them.

Myth: You can’t buy a mattress without lying on it first. 

The largest difference people point out between buying a mattress online vs. in-stores is that fact that you can’t lie on it first to test it out. In reality most (if not all) online mattress retailers offer a generous risk-free trial period.

If you decide the mattress isn’t right for you in that time window, you can typically return it for a full refund. Lying on a mattress for 10 minutes in a store won’t show you how well you can really sleep on the mattress anyways since it can take up to 30 days to fully break in a mattress.

Myth: The best mattress should accommodate all types of sleepers. 

Everyone has individual preferences and needs. It would be impossible for one mattress to be a universal bed to appeal to all types of sleepers. The best mattress is the one that’s best suited to your individual needs.

Myth: Gel memory foam beds are ideal for hot sleepers. 

While memory foam mattresses infused with gel are cooler than all-foam beds, they still aren’t the greatest choice for hot sleepers. Innerspring or hybrid beds would be the best choice for hot sleepers, because the coils leave more room for air to flow through.

Myth: The more expensive the mattress, the better the quality. 

Be careful in your assumptions that a high cost means higher quality. Often retailers mark up prices to account for the middleman. Shopping online can save you money, and you don’t always have to choose the most expensive bed.

Myth: All mattresses require a box spring. 

There are many different types of mattress foundations available besides just a box spring. In fact, some mattresses are even suitable to be placed on the floor. The brand you’re shopping with should give you recommendations on how to find the best foundation to match your bed.

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Resources on Everything You Need to Buy a Mattresses