A new mattress is a significant purchase that requires some forethought. If you choose correctly, you’ll sleep well for at least the next 7 or 8 years, but if you pick the wrong mattress, you may struggle to fall asleep or have to replace your mattress sooner than expected.
Our mattress buying guide covers:
- Where you can buy mattresses
- The types and sizes of mattresses to consider
- How your sleeping style affects what the best mattress for you is
- The importance of sleep trials and warranties
- How to tell if it’s time for a new mattress
How Much to Spend on a Mattress
Before you begin looking at mattresses, it’s smart to have an idea of how much you’re willing to pay for a new one. Although you may change your mind about how much you want to spend, it’s smart to start with a baseline.
You don’t have to use up all your savings to sleep well at night. A well-made budget mattress can be durable, supportive, and comfortable.
For a starting budget, we recommend $500 to $1000 for bargain hunters and $1000 to $2500 for people willing to invest in a quality mattress.
The best mattresses in the $500 to $1,000 range include simple but well-crafted memory foam and spring mattresses. They may not have a lot of extra features, but they’re good enough to sleep on for several years.
The best mattresses in the $1,000 to $2,500 range span all types. You have not just memory foam and spring, but latex and hybrid beds to consider. Many of these mattresses have extra features, such as cooling infusions and mattress edge support.
A mattress’s price is determined by what materials go into making it, how much material is used, and what policies are attached to the mattress. Policies like sleep trials and warranties can increase a mattress’s price because companies account for refunds and replacement costs. They sell their beds at a higher price to make up for the losses they incur when a mattress is returned.
Where to Buy a Mattress
There are numerous places where you can buy a new mattress. People who like the convenience of online shopping have hundreds of mattress retailer websites to browse through. Shoppers who prefer being able to touch and feel a mattress before buying can check out mattress showrooms, furniture stores, and select department stores.
Online Retailers
Online mattress companies are quickly becoming one of the more common ways to purchase a new mattress. You can find mattresses on Amazon and other big-name storefronts, or buy directly from the mattress company’s website.
Most online mattresses are also bed in a box mattresses, which are mattresses that the company compresses to fit inside relatively small boxes. The compression saves space in a truck, making it easier to deliver the mattress to your front door.
There are a few benefits to buying an online mattress vs. shopping at a traditional store. One of the most significant advantages is lower prices. Because an online mattress company sells directly to the customer, the company cuts out the expenses that come with middleman brick-and-mortar stores.
Convenience is another important factor. Buying an online mattress is something you can do from the comfort of your couch, kitchen table, or bed. Once you purchase the mattress, it will be delivered directly to your home.
Some shoppers may feel skeptical about buying a mattress they’ve never seen or felt. However, research suggests that people form misleading first impressions when they try out mattresses in stores. A few minutes on a showroom model can’t accurately capture how it will feel to sleep on a mattress every night.
Instead, most online mattress companies offer lengthy sleep trials. You can try a bed out at home for a few months and make sure it’s the right mattress for you.
Mattress Showrooms
If you’re a fan of in-person purchases, you can’t beat a mattress showroom. Mattress showrooms let you try out various mattresses and often have knowledgeable staff on-hand to answer your sleep-related questions.
As we mentioned earlier, many mattress stores can’t match the prices that you would find in online stores. A mattress showroom has more overhead costs to meet such as building maintenance and staff wages.
Plus, while mattress stores are the best way to see a variety of mattress models in person, they typically can’t match the sheer versatility of online shopping. Mattress showrooms have a finite amount of space, so there’s only so many mattresses that they can display.
Our biggest piece of advice is to look for mattress showrooms that offer sleep trials with their beds. Many mattress stores offer trials comparable to those attached to online mattresses.
Furniture Stores
Often, people shopping for a new bed frame and other bedroom furniture save themselves time by buying a mattress from a furniture store. Many furniture store mattresses have bargain prices since they have a simple innerspring or all-foam design.
However, furniture stores tend to not have a wide selection of beds and their employees may not be able to answer all of your bed-related questions. While a mattress from a furniture store may not be bad, it probably won’t be the best mattress for you.
Department Stores
Many big box stores offer mattresses as part of their wide product lineup. Like a furniture store, the main reason you would buy a mattress from a department store is convenience. The department store doesn’t specialize in selling mattresses, so while you may get a good mattress, you’re not likely to get a great one.
However, some department stores have teamed up with online mattress brands to sell their products. This setup benefits both companies, as department stores can sell a comfortable mattress without investing the time needed to design one, while an online brand can reach a wider audience of shoppers.
Consider an Amerisleep Mattress
We offer memory foam and hybrid mattresses in five firmnesses, so each one is suited to a particular kind of sleeper. Every mattress we have comes with free shipping and returns, a 100-night sleep trial, and a 20-year warranty.
Quick Guide: A 30-Second Summary
Best Firm Mattress | Amerisleep AS1 |
Best Mattress for Back Sleepers | Amerisleep AS2 |
Best Mattress for Couples | Amerisleep AS3 |
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers | Amerisleep AS4 |
Best Soft Mattress | Amerisleep AS5 |
-
Price Range
$649 to $1398
-
Mattress Type
Memory Foam
-
Firmness
8 out of 10 (Firm)
-
Availability
All sizes
-
Warranty
20 Years
-
Thickness
10 Inches
The AS1 can provide resilient firmness, perfect for those who enjoy staying on the surface of a mattress.
- Enduring support from firm feel
- Plant-based memory foam cushion
- Base foam forms consistent support
- Stomach sleepers
- Hot sleepers
- Select back sleepers
Our firmest model is the AS1 and is available only as a memory foam mattress. The bed stands 10 inches tall and contains two foam layers, wrapped inside a soft and breathable cover:
- 2 inches of Bio-Pur® foam
- 8 inches of Bio-Core® foam
Bio-Pur® foam is a unique plant-based material that forms the top layer of our memory foam and hybrid mattresses. The foam is more responsive and breathable than traditional memory foam.
Bio-Core® foam is the base layer in all of our memory foam mattresses. Its strength and resilience are a large part of why we offer a 20-year warranty with our mattresses.
-
Price Range
$849 to $1798
-
Mattress Type
Memory Foam
-
Firmness
7 out of 10 (Medium-Firm)
-
Availability
All sizes
-
Warranty
20 Years
-
Thickness
12 Inches
The medium-firm feel of the AS2 allows it to comfortably meet back sleepers’ curves while offering the support needed for restful sleep.
- Lightly firm cushion for pressure relief
- Zoned support includes back support
- Base foam withstands wear and tear well
- Back sleepers
- Some stomach or combo sleepers
- Heavier sleepers
The AS2 model has a medium-firm feel with targeted support and comfort zones. The AS2 mattress stands 12 inches tall.
The AS2 memory foam mattress has three foam layers:
- 2 inches of Bio-Pur® foam
- 3 inches of Affinity foam with HIVE® technology
- 7 inches of Bio-Core® foam
Affinity foam with HIVE® technology is a unique material that separates our mattresses into five support zones. This helpful feature ensures the mattress feels soft in the shoulders and hips areas for extra pressure relief while providing uncompromising support under the head, torso, and feet.
The base foam offers a sturdy surface that keeps them standing upright, promoting a longer-lasting structure.
Recent studies say Verified Source National Library of Medicine (NIH) World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible. View source that medium-firm beds are the best mattresses for back pain. However, whether the AS2 is right for you will depend on your preferred sleeping position. We mostly recommend the AS2 for back and stomach sleepers.
-
Price Range
$1049 to $2198
-
Mattress Type
Memory Foam
-
Firmness
5 to 6 out of 10 (Medium)
-
Availability
All sizes
-
Warranty
20 Years
-
Thickness
12 Inches
The AS3 has a balanced medium feel that suits most sleep styles, making it the best options for partners who want to share a bed without compromising on their comfort.
- Eco-friendly memory foam comfort
- Transition foam with zoned support
- Cooling, soft mattress cover fabric
- Side, back, and combo sleepers
- Couples sharing a mattress
- Hot sleepers
The AS3 is our most popular mattress because of its balanced feel, which suits a wide range of sleepers. Many sleepers fell in love with our original memory foam model, but the AS3 Hybrid counterpart has quickly gained its fans, too. Both the memory foam and hybrid models are 12 inches tall.
The AS3 memory foam mattress has three foam layers:
- 3 inches of Bio-Pur® foam
- 2 inches of Affinity with HIVE® technology
- 7 inches of Bio-Core® foam
The AS3 Hybrid has three layers, too:
- 3 inches of Bio-Pur® foam
- 8 inches of pocketed coils
- 1 inch of base foam
We recommend the AS3 mattress for side, back, and combination sleepers. It’s also a popular choice when it comes to mattresses for couples, with a comfortable feel suitable for different body types and sleeping styles.
-
Price Range
$1049 to $2198
-
Mattress Type
Memory Foam
-
Firmness
4 out of 10 (Medium-Soft)
-
Availability
All sizes
-
Warranty
20 Years
-
Thickness
12 Inches
The AS4 is soft without being truly plush, excellent for side sleepers who want to feel more buoyed as they stretch out.
- Thick top of Bio-Pur® cushion
- Transition foam with zoned support
- Sturdy support from bottom foam
- Side sleepers
- Lightweight sleepers
- Hot sleepers
Our medium-soft mattress is the AS4, which is exclusively available as a memory foam mattress. The AS4 mattress is 12 inches tall and contains three foam layers:
- 4 inches of Bio-Pur® foam
- 1 inch of Affinity with HIVE® technology
- 7 inches of Bio-Core® foam
The AS4 mattress is well-suited for side sleepers who want a soft mattress that’s not too soft. Petite people under 130 pounds may also find the AS4 provides just enough cushion for a comfortable night’s rest.
-
Price Range
$1649 to $3398
-
Mattress Type
Memory Foam
-
Firmness
3 out of 10 (Soft)
-
Availability
All sizes
-
Warranty
20 Years
-
Thickness
14 Inches
The softest mattress in our line-up is the AS5, excellent for side sleepers who enjoy pillowy plushness.
- Bio-Pur®and Active Flex foam top
- Affinity foam adds specialized support
- Supportive base without reducing softness
- Side sleepers
- Hot sleepers
- Heavier individuals
Our softest and thickest mattress is the AS5. Shoppers can choose between the original memory foam mattress and its hybrid counterpart. Both models stand 14 inches tall.
The original AS5 memory foam mattress has four foam layers:
- 3 inches of Bio-Pur® foam
- 2 inches of Active Flex
- 2 inches of Affinity with HIVE® technology
- 7 inches of Bio-Core® foam
The AS5 Hybrid also has four layers:
- 3 inches of Bio-Pur® foam
- 2 inches of Active Flex
- 8 inches of pocketed coils
- 1 inch of base foam
Active Flex is a material exclusively found in the AS5. The responsive foam limits sinkage without affecting the plush mattress’s feel, ensuring a person doesn’t feel stuck or misalign their spine. Active Flex is one reason why our AS5 is suitable for heavier sleepers.
We recommend the AS5 for side sleepers who want an unforgettably soft sleep experience.
Mattress Types to Buy
When it comes to a quality mattress, there are four main types to consider—memory foam, latex, innerspring, and hybrid. Other types of mattresses exist, but these four are the ones to focus on if you want a good night’s rest.
Memory Foam
Memory foam is a responsive material, reacting within seconds to the presence of heat and pressure. So when a person lies down on a memory foam mattress, the material accommodates them by molding to their body. This full-body support is why memory foam mattresses have a reputation for excellent pressure relief.
Memory foam mattresses have a layered design, with a top layer of memory foam and one or more underlying layers of stiffer polyurethane foam. Extra in-between layers of foam can increase the mattress’s responsiveness and durability.
Traditional memory foam mattresses tend to retain too much body heat, thanks to the material’s density. However, many modern mattress manufacturers produce memory foam with more air channels or added cooling ingredients. Gel infusions are commonly used to make sure heat is quickly and effectively dispersed across the mattress.
Another drawback of memory foam is the material’s tendency to off-gas. Off-gassing happens in new mattresses and occurs when volatile organic compounds break down inside the mattress, releasing a distinct chemical smell. This odor typically disappears within a few days, especially if the mattress is kept in a well-ventilated area.
Still, many sleepers love memory foam mattresses for their conforming feel and affordable prices.
Latex
Latex mattresses contour to a sleeper’s body like memory foam does. Unlike memory foam, latex foam tends to feel cool and firm to the touch. A latex mattress also lifts the sleeper more, keeping them on top of the mattress. For an in-depth comparison, read our memory foam vs. latex mattress guide.
Mattress companies sell natural and synthetic latex mattresses. Natural latex foam is whipped from rubber tree sap, while synthetic latex is made from chemical compounds.
There are two different types of natural latex, Dunlop and Talalay. Dunlop latex is all-natural with a simpler process; often, sediment settles on the bottom as the foam is whipped, making Dunlop latex top-heavy. Talalay’s production process creates a more uniform foam that’s often used in comfort layers.
Natural latex mattresses are more durable but also more expensive than synthetic latex beds. The average queen size latex mattress costs $2,100.
Innerspring
Innerspring mattresses are the classic design that’s survived for more than a century. They have a simple construction, with a supportive coil core sandwiched between thin layers of foam and fabric cushioning.
When it comes to a spring mattress’s steel coils, there a few traits worth considering:
- Coil gauge describes how thick the wire comprising the coils is. Thinner coils have a higher number than thicker coils.
- Coil count is a straightforward term used to describe how many coils are inside a mattress. Similarly, coil density refers to how tightly the coils are packed.
- Pitch refers to how the coils are angled in relation to the top of the mattress.
Are more coils better? Opinions from experts vary, with some saying that more coils increase the bed’s contouring ability, while others argue that additional coils are just a way to justify higher prices. Considering a mattress’s coil count is helpful, but it shouldn’t necessarily make or break your decision when it comes to buying a mattress.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses blend an innerspring bed’s support with a foam mattress’s comfort layers. To qualify as a true hybrid mattress, the bed must have at least 2 to 3 inches of foam on top of a coil system.
Hybrid mattresses are a favorite because they limit the drawbacks of innerspring and memory foam mattresses. They keep cool more naturally than a memory foam mattress thanks to the airy coil layer, and the feel is more buoyant than a memory foam mattress, too.
A hybrid’s conforming foam top allows it to offer more pressure relief than a traditional innerspring mattress. Plus, the pocketed coils that most hybrids contain minimize motion transfer without affecting the bed’s bounce. Some sleepers also enjoy the way the hybrid’s coils keep them on top of the mattress.
As with a traditional innerspring, you may want to consider a hybrid’s coil count and gauge before buying. However, they shouldn’t be the most important factors when it comes to making a decision.
Mattress Sizes to Buy
Mattresses companies usually offer their beds in six standard sizes—twin, twin XL, full, king, queen, king, and California king. Some companies may also offer crib mattresses and split king size beds.
The best mattress size for you will depend on the size of your room, how much you’re willing to pay for a mattress, and whether you plan on sharing with a sleep partner.
Mattress Size | Dimensions in Inches |
---|---|
Crib | 28 ⅝ inches by 52 ½ inches |
Twin | 38 inches by 74 inches |
Twin XL | 38 inches by 80 inches |
Full | 54 inches by 75 inches |
Queen | 60 inches by 80 inches |
King | 76 inches by 80 inches |
California King | 72 inches by 84 inches |
Split King | Two mattresses, each 38 inches by 80 inches |
There are also less common variations and oversized mattresses to consider, such as:
Crib
Crib mattresses are regulated by the federal government for safety reasons. Not only do they have to be a certain size, but they also shouldn’t be more than 6 inches thick. This design minimizes an infant’s odds of head entrapment and suffocation between the mattress and cribs sides.
A quality crib mattress should feel firm, not soft, to best prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Verified Source National Library of Medicine (NIH) World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible. View source
Twin
As the smallest standard size for a proper bed, twin size mattresses are an excellent choice for a children’s room and small living spaces. Some parents give their kids more space by pairing two twin mattresses with a bunk bed frame.
Twin XL
Not every adult will feel comfortable on a standard twin mattress, particularly if they’re over 6 feet tall. A twin XL size mattress is 5 inches longer, giving tall sleepers the legroom they need for a good night’s rest.
As a side note, twin XL is usually the smallest size that adjustable bed retailers offer. So if you want a compact adjustable base and mattress, you should consider a twin XL bed.
Full
A full size mattress is a perfect choice for people who like to sprawl as they fall asleep. While 16 inches wider than a traditional twin, a full bed still fits well in most rooms.
However, while the mattress size is sometimes called a double, we can only recommend full size mattresses for solo sleepers. Couples who try to share a full mattress may feel cramped and overheated, both conditions which can cause them to lose sleep.
Queen
A queen size mattress is a popular choice for couples and single sleepers because it fits in most budgets and bedrooms. The bed is small enough to leave room for walkway paths and bedroom furniture, yet large enough to give two people space to sleep without bumping into each other. People who often host visitors may want to invest in a queen size mattress for their guest room.
King
A king size mattress is a perfect addition to any large master bedroom. Couples have room to spread out, single sleepers can enjoy a truly spacious mattress, and parents have room to co-sleep with a small child.
Naturally, the size tends to be the most expensive and heaviest choice, so it’s not for everyone. However, many sleepers love the luxurious experience that comes with sleeping on a quality king size mattress.
California King
A California king size mattress is the best choice for people over 6 feet tall or sleepers with narrow master bedrooms. The extra 4 inches of length give couples extra legroom, and while the bed is 4 inches narrower than a traditional king, there’s still room for parents to co-sleep with a young child.
Split King
A split king size mattress is the ideal choice for couples who want to maximize their personal comfort. Many companies offer split king mattresses with a different firmness on each side. If one person likes a soft mattress and their partner prefers a firmer bed, they can share a split king bed without compromising their comfort.
Split king mattresses also move more freely on an adjustable bed than a traditional king mattress. A person can raise their half for reading or elevated sleep, while their partner’s half remains flat and unaffected.
Some companies also offer split Cal king and queen mattresses, though these are less common than the traditional king.
See also:
- Twin vs Twin XL Mattresses
- Full vs Queen Mattresses
- Twin XL vs Split King Mattresses
- King vs Queen Mattresses
- King vs Split King Mattresses
Know Your Sleeping Style
Understanding your sleep style is a key part of choosing the mattress firmness best for you. Your sleep style is defined by your usual sleep position, your body weight, and your personal preferences when it comes to a mattress’s feel.
Sleeping Position
Many people favor one of three sleep positions. They might find it easiest to drift off when they’re lying on their side, or they might find stretching out on their back or stomach more comfortable.
Side Sleeper
The majority of sleepers tend to prefer sleeping on their sides. When it comes to side sleeping, perhaps the most important thing to look for in a bed is pressure relief. Side sleepers tend to have pressure points build up in their shoulders and hips because of the way their bodyweight is distributed across the mattress.
A good mattress for side sleeping offers a conforming cushion. Look for soft to medium feel beds.
Back Sleeper
Though not as popular as side sleeping, back sleeping has its advantages. Lying on your back positions your spine so it mimics the posture you have when standing up straight.
A mattress for back sleeping should have a medium-firm to firm feel. The comfort layer should be malleable enough to mold to the back’s curves and responsive enough to prevent the spine from bowing too far into the mattress. Back sleepers who enjoy a softer mattress should look for a medium mattress with targeted lumbar support.
Stomach Sleeper
Many sleep experts think that sleeping on your stomach is unhealthy. The position carries a risk of chronic back pain due to the effects of gravity. When you lie on your stomach, gravity can easily push your belly too far into the mattress.
A quality mattress for stomach sleeping provides a firm feel to limit sinkage and keep a person on top of the mattress. For extra security, stomach sleepers can tuck a thin pillow under their bellies.
Combination Sleeper
When you’re a combination sleeper, you move between two or all three positions in the night. Curious if you’re a combination sleeper? See if you wake up in a different position than the one you fell asleep in.
A good mattress for combination sleepers has a medium feel to support all sleep styles. Responsiveness is another helpful feature, as it makes it easier to change positions while asleep.
Body Weight
How much you weigh affects how much pressure you place on your mattress, which in turn determines how the bed feels to you. The best mattress for your body type will support your weight and relieve pressure build-up.
Individuals who weigh more than 230 pounds often benefit from a durable, firmer mattress. For example, a heavyset back sleeper may want to choose a firm mattress over a medium-firm bed.
On the other hand, people who weigh under 130 pounds usually don’t place enough pressure on their mattresses. The lack of expected pressure means the mattress won’t fully conform to their bodies and ease pressure points. These petite sleepers need a softer mattress that’s quick to cushion their body. So a lightweight back sleeper might want to try a medium feel mattress.
People who weigh between 130 to 230 pounds (average weight sleepers) don’t significantly alter a mattress’s feel, so they can choose a mattress based on their sleeping position.
Understanding Sleep Trials and Warranties
Many modern mattresses come with a sleep trial and a warranty as a guarantee of the mattress’s quality. Before you purchase any mattress, take a moment to read through the fine print of these policies. We do not recommend buying any mattress that excludes either policy.
Sleep Trial
A sleep trial is the given period you have to test out a mattress at home. Typically, you have anywhere between 90 days to a full year to make sure a new mattress is the right bed for you. If the mattress isn’t to your liking, you can return it for a full refund.
Many mattress companies ask you to try the bed for 30 days before you try to return it. Why? As we sleep on an aging mattress, our bodies adjust to its gradual loss of support and comfort. When we switch to a newer, more supportive mattress, our bodies have to break the bad sleeping postures they developed on the old mattress.
While we always recommend buying a mattress with a sleep trial, some inexpensive models only come with a standard return policy. Under a return policy, you typically have about 30 days to return a mattress. Carefully read the return policy before you commit to a mattress, as some companies will only accept a mattress back if it’s unopened and unused.
Warranty
A warranty outlines the circumstances necessary for a mattress company to replace your mattress. Not only does it detail what’s covered, but it also tells you how long your coverage will last. Most quality mattresses come with a 10-year warranty, though plenty of companies offer longer coverage with a prorated warranty. Warranties cover manufacturing and workmanship defects like:
- Cracks or tears in foam
- Ripped covers or loose seams
- Burst coils
- Sagging beyond a certain depth
A mattress’s warranty is a good way to judge a bed’s quality because the company has to test its durability to determine how much coverage they’ll offer. For example, a sag-resistant mattress typically has more inclusive coverage than a bed that’s likely to lose support within a few years.
Warranties also give a set of conditions you have to fulfill to be eligible for a warranty claim. For example, a foam mattress’s warranty often specifies what bed bases you can and can’t use. Most memory foam mattress warranties are void if you pair the bed with a box spring.
Is it Time to Replace Your Mattress?
People often wonder how often they should replace their mattress. A general rule of thumb is to replace your mattress after eight years. However, this isn’t a hard-and-fast rule because plenty of mattresses still feel great even after a decade of use.
Often, it’s better to tell if it’s time to replace your mattress by considering its condition, not its quality. Even if your current mattress looks okay, if you’re not getting a good night’s sleep on it, it’s likely time to toss it out.
As mattresses age, their support and comfort materials tend to wear out. If you struggle to find a comfortable position on your mattress or wake up in pain or tired after a full night’s rest, the culprit is likely an uncomfortable mattress.
Allergy sufferers may need to replace an old mattress if it contributes to their symptoms. Many mattresses accumulate pollen, dust mites, and other allergens over the years. It’s impossible to entirely clean these allergens out without destroying your mattress, so if you tend to wake up sniffling and sneezing it’s better to simply buy a new mattress.
Getting Rid of Your Old Mattress
How do you get rid of your old mattress? Perhaps the better question is how you should dispose of your mattress. If you just send your mattress to the dump, it takes up precious landfill space. A 2017 paper estimates that about 20 million mattresses are thrown away each year, and they take up about 100 million cubic feet of landfill space.
When we run out of existing landfill space, we have to create new landfills out of land that could have been used for something else. Plus, many areas simply do not have the space needed to open another landfill. That’s why it’s important to do what you can to reduce your carbon footprint and dispose of your mattress in an eco-friendly way.
If your mattress is still in decent condition and free of any stains, rips, or sagging, you can try to donate. Mattress donations are an excellent way to give someone else the chance to experience a good night’s rest. You can try donating a gently used mattress to a national organization, such as the Furniture Bank Network, or a local charity or shelter.
What if your mattress is no longer fit for sleeping? Instead of sending it to the landfill, you can try looking for a mattress recycling center near you. Such centers take apart a mattress, melting and reforging coils and shredding foam, fabric, and wood to make other products.
Don’t Forget Your Mattress’s Base
Everyone has to place their mattress on some sort of supportive surface. Some people use classic panel beds, while others prefer more modern platform beds or adjustable bases.
When it comes to our mattresses, we recommend solid or slatted surfaces. Solid surfaces provide uniform support, while slatted surfaces let airflow through the bottom of the mattress to wick away heat and excess moisture. The slats should be no more than 2.75 inches apart to ensure the mattress doesn’t sag prematurely.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many inches thick should a mattress be?
We firmly believe that no mattress for adults should be less than 10 inches thick. Beds thinner than 10 inches tend to lack the support and comfort needed for a good night’s rest. Thin beds also usually lack a transition layer, which can improve the mattress’s durability and responsiveness. See our guide to the best mattress thickness for more information.
Can a sagging mattress cause back pain?
Yes, sagging mattresses cause back pain because they lack the support needed to keep the spine in neutral alignment. It doesn’t take much sagging to affect your sleep, either. A permanent indentation no deeper than an inch can leave you waking up stiff and sore.
Remember, a good mattress should rejuvenate you for a well-rested feeling. If your mattress is sagging or lumpy, it’s best to replace it so you can get a good night’s rest.
Is a firm mattress bad for side sleepers?
A firm mattress can’t provide side sleepers with the conforming cushion they need to wake up refreshed and pain-free. Pressure points tend to build up in a side sleeper’s shoulders and hips, and a firm mattress can’t contour well enough to fully relieve the pressure. Instead, the best mattresses for side sleeping feature a soft to medium feel.
How do I know if my mattress is worn out?
The surest sign that you have an old, worn-out mattress is waking up sore and stiff every morning. If you regularly experience back pain and neck pain and the pain is at its worst in the morning, the culprit is likely a bad mattress.
Sometimes, you’ll be able to see, hear, or feel that your mattress isn’t in great condition. If your mattress looks dirty or worn-out, makes squeaks and creaks as you move, or feels lumpy, then it’s likely time for a new mattress.
Can a mattress last 20 years?
It’s not impossible for a mattress to last 20 years, but it is highly unlikely that it will do so if you sleep on it every night. How long a mattress is likely to last depends on the quality of its materials and how much wear and tear it’s exposed to. A high-quality foam mattress may last between 10 to 15 years with regular use, but it’s still likely to grow unsupportive well before it hits the 20-year mark.
Did Our Mattress Buying Guide Help?
Choosing your next mattress is a big decision, which is why we wanted to cover all the main points to consider in our mattress buying guide. Start with an idea of how much you want to budget and where you want to shop, then move onto what type, size, and firmness is best for you.
We always recommend picking a mattress with a sleep trial, so you can try it out at home and make sure it is the best mattress for you.
About the author
McKenzie Hyde is a Certified Sleep Science Coach and a full-time writer specializing in sleep health and the mattress industry. With a Master of Arts degree in literature and writing from Utah State University, McKenzie combines her passion for writing with her in-depth knowledge of sleep science. Her articles cover a wide range of topics, including best sleep practices for students, the consequences of sleep deprivation, and choosing the right mattress for back pain relief. McKenzie's dedication to delivering accurate and informative content makes her a valuable contributor to the field of sleep health.
View all posts