The Definitive Guide to Buying a New Mattress
You have to admit it; you spend more time in your bed than any other furniture in your house. Your bed is your haven for relaxation, getting a good night’s sleep, and of course, cuddling. So does having a comfortable mattress matter? Of course, it does!
If you think you’re not getting a good night’s sleep anymore, and you keep tossing and turning at night, it’s probably time to get a new mattress. But hold on! What kind of mattress do you need? What are the features and factors you should consider when buying a new mattress? Here’s what you need to know.
Factors and Features to Consider When Buying a New Mattress
When you’re buying a new mattress, you’re not only investing money on a mere product, but you’re investing in years of goodnight’s sleep as well. Don’t rush into things. Think long and hard before buying a new mattress. Here are some factors you should consider when buying a new mattress.
Consider Your Budget for a New Mattress
Before anything else, you should consider the budget you’re willing to spend. There are hundreds of brands in the market, made of different materials, and the budget may vary. It would be best if you got what you paid for, but at the same time, it shouldn’t break your bank account. So how much are you willing to spend? To give you an idea, here is the price range for mattresses as of 2021:
- Budget Mattress for $600 and below: For this kind of budget, you can buy a budget mattress that’s not so bad. For sure, you can buy a mattress that offers ultra-comfort and support.
- Average Quality Mattress for $600-$1200: The majority of the average quality mattresses fall in this price range. With this price, you can sleep comfortably like a king or queen.
- Affordable, Luxury Mattresses for $1,200-$1,600: If you want affordability and luxury in a mattress, buying within this price range is for you. With this kind of budget, you can buy a dual-later innerspring design that, for some, comes with an active cooling cover.
- Luxury Mattresses for $1,600 and above: With this kind of budget, you can buy a luxury mattress that offers extra comfort and support. Examples of these mattresses are TempurPedic beds or Purple Hybrids.
So what is your budget? After you’ve figured out how much you’re willing to spend on a mattress, you have to consider other factors like finding the right size, your body type, your usual sleeping position, the materials, and of course, the warranty.
Determine the Right Size for Your Needs
Mattresses come in different sizes, so when choosing one, consider which size you need, and of course, the bed frame you have at home. If you already have a California King bed, then you have to buy a king-sized mattress. Buying a mattress of a different size than your bed doesn’t make sense. Unless you’re planning to buy a new bed, then match it with your mattress size.
Also, you have to consider your preference. Are you satisfied with sleeping in a small bed? Then you can go for a single or twin-sized mattress. If you sleep with your partner, a full-sized, queen, or king mattress is for you. If you sleep with your partner and co-sleep with the kids, then a king-size mattress is for you. What are the sizes for mattresses? Here’s the standard of Sleep Foundation Org. 1
Your Usual Sleeping Position
Rewind your thoughts from last night; what is your usual sleeping position? Do you sleep on your back? Stomach? Or side? Does it matter? It definitely does! Your usual sleeping position determines how soft or firm your new mattress should be. Here’s what you should know:
- Side: If you’re a side-sleeper, you’ll surely have a good night’s sleep on a mattress with soft to medium firmness. This kind of softness conforms to the curvature of your side and hips, without the risk of pressing your joints.2 Also, as a side sleeper, you need to remember that the less you weigh, the softer your mattress should be.
- Back and stomach: If you usually sleep on your back or stomach, a mattress with medium to firm softness will accommodate the most comfort. A firm mattress ensures that your spine, back, and stomach have proper support. If you opt for a softer mattress with this usual sleeping position, your back may droop, and you may end up having back pains.
- Several sleeping positions: If you can’t determine your usual sleeping position, and you realize that you sleep in several positions, a mattress with a medium firmness level is best for you. This is the right firmness suitable for relieving pressure on the side, back, and stomach sleepers.
Your Weight
After determining your usual sleeping position, the next factor to consider is your weight or BMI. Why? Weight distribution plays an integral part in how soft or firm your mattress would feel.
Heavier persons tend to exert more pressure and weight on the mattress. So, for instance, for a person who weighs 250 pounds and usually sleeps on their stomach, a medium-firm mattress is recommended.
Furthermore, persons with larger body frames should take into consideration a hybrid mattress. These types of mattresses include a comfortable foam, innerspring, and a steel base layer that guarantees long-lasting use. As for persons who weigh less than 200 pounds, most mattresses will work just fine and will last long.
Mattress Material
Mattresses are available in different materials, and it comes with their pros and cons. But which type of mattress material is best for you? This depends on your preference and what you think can benefit you the most. Here are the most common materials used in mattresses:
- Foams: As you know, a must-have material for mattresses is the foam. The most common types of foam are memory foam, polyurethane foam, gel memory foam, and rebound foam. Foams are what make the mattress soft, absorb movement, regulate temperature, and relieve pressure.
- Polyester Batting: Polyester batting is a filler used in pillowtop mattresses and mattress covers. This type of material is a blend of 20% polyester and 80% cotton. Compared to other fibers, polyester batting holds the shape and thickness of mattresses.
- Wool: Wool is a common material used in mattresses. It is used in mattresses as extra padding, for extra firmness, and for temperature regulation. It’s a more eco-friendly option and if you want more bounce on your bed, choose a mattress with wool.
- Cotton: Cotton is a common material used in mattresses. It’s naturally breathable, retains natural body temperature, aids in a good night’s sleep, and keeps allergens away. Additionally, cotton mattresses are durable and can last up to 15 years. One last thing, it’s affordable too.
- Steel Coils: As you already know, some foams come with steel coils. The steel coils are used as a structural component on the base of the mattress to establish firm support.
Buy Online or in the Store?
So, where do you buy the mattress? If you buy online, you may find the best deals. However, there may be problems with shipping, costly freight, and damages when shipped, or you might end up ordering a product that isn’t what you wanted.
Also, warranty and return policies may be tricky if you order the mattress online. But this is not the case for all online shops. Big mattress companies are now offering convenient online shopping options.
On the other hand, you can personally check out the mattress to see for yourself when you buy it in the store. Also, there are many options in the store, and the salesperson can explain to you the features of a mattress. It might not be the same as the best deals you’ll find online, but you can still try to haggle with the price.
Have You Made up Your Mind Yet?
Hopefully, this guide will lead you in the right direction in choosing the perfect mattress. As long as it fits your budget, taste, and comfort, then it’s the right mattress for you. Remember that you’ll be spending more time in your bed every day for the rest of your life. You’re not just investing in a comfortable mattress, but in a good night’s sleep as well.
References:
1 Sleep Foundation Org – Mattress Sizes and Dimensions
2 Us National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health – Sleeping mattress determinants and evaluation: a biomechanical review and critique
