When it comes to buying a mattress, there’s no getting around the fact that quality counts. After all, you’ll be spending hours on it every day, so it’s crucial to choose the right one.
For a comfortable night’s sleep, keep these factors in mind when shopping for a mattress:
Types of Mattresses
Before you buy a mattress, it’s a good idea to research the types of mattresses you’re most likely to see in stores — and weigh the pros and cons of each before deciding.
Innerspring: This traditional mattress is the market’s most common and affordable type. It’s supported by metal springs, and it tends to be on the firm side.
Memory foam: This mattress is softer and conforms to your body’s shape to provide extra support and pressure relief. For anyone who sleeps hot, there is a cooling memory foam option that can keep you from sweating through your sheets.
Hybrid: A hybrid mattress offers the benefits of both an innerspring and memory foam mattress in one. It tends to be more expensive, but its durability may make it worth the cost. It’s a good choice for many different types of sleepers.
Air-filled: An air-filled mattress is adjustable, allowing you to control how full, therefore how firm, it is. The bed also comes with the option of adjusting each side to your preferred firmness, giving you ultimate customizability. Replacement parts extend the life of your mattress. Many models have warranties lasting 10 to 30 years, but you’ll pay a higher price.
Latex: If you want a mattress that supports your body and doesn’t trap dust or other allergens, this is one choice you won’t regret. It’s not as hot and has more bounce and elasticity than memory foam.
Firmness
When shopping for a new mattress, the more you know about what you want and need, the better! Ask yourself: Do you like a firm mattress or one with more give? Are you a back sleeper or a side sleeper? Do you get hot at night?
The mattress industry uses a firmness scale from 1 to 10, but each brand may have its own idea of what “firm” and “extra firm” mean. That’s why, when you shop for a mattress, nothing will tell you more about the firmness and comfort than trying it out yourself.
Additional Accessories You Might Need
Depending on your bed style, you may need a box spring or bunkie board to lift your mattress. You can also consider buying a mattress pad or topper that adds comfort and makes the bed feel plusher without sacrificing any firmness.
