Mattress Buying Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Since the average person spends at least one-third of their life asleep, it’s important to have a good mattress. But, the mattress market can be overwhelming, especially if it’s been a long time since you purchased your last bed! So many new mattress makers have popped up in the last few years that you may not know where to start.

Look no farther than this mattress buying guide. We’ll tell you everything you need to know to buy your perfect mattress. Every step of the mattress buying process is critical, so go into it informed.

Read on to learn how to shop for mattresses in the modern age.

What to Look For In a Mattress

On average, consumers keep their mattress for nine years or more. So, consider this an investment in the next decade of your life. If you buy the wrong mattress, you could be facing the consequences for years!

When shopping for a mattress, there is no one size fits all. Some mattresses are better for back sleepers; others are better for side sleepers. If you’re buying with a partner, you’ll have to consider both people’s sleep needs.

So, more than you need to look for any one set of criteria for the mattress, you need to figure out what you need. Mattress shopping is a highly personal process. However, no matter what, you must look for proper support and comfort.

Support and Comfort: The Most Important Factors

Your mattress must support you and be comfortable to lay on. These are the two factors that will not get better with time; you’ll just have bad sleep! Don’t settle on support or comfort.

It’s critical that the mattress supports your spine and aligns it into a comfortable position. Your sleeping posture is just as important as when you’re awake! Sleeping on an unsupported mattress can cause chronic pain and sore muscles.

You can’t sleep well on an uncomfortable bed. To avoid tossing and turning all night, make sure that the bed is soft or firm enough for you. Consider the way you sleep as well: what’s comfortable when you’re on your back is not always comfortable while on your stomach.

Assess Your Needs

The first way to figure out what you’ll need in a mattress is to analyze your own sleeping habits. Everyone’s needs are different, but many mattresses are designed with common sleeping habits in mind. Here are a few questions to ask yourself:

Do you sleep alone, or with a partner? If you sleep alone, a smaller bed or spring bed could be great for you. With a partner, you’ll likely need a queen-sized or larger, and spring mattresses could bounce your partner every time you toss and turn.

Do you sleep on your side, stomach, or back? Stomach and back sleepers usually need firmer mattresses to properly support their spine. Side sleepers do better with a softer mattress.

Do you sleep through the night, or do you toss and turn until morning? If you fall asleep and stay asleep, you’ll need a mattress that will support you and not mold to your shape. If you wake through the night, a softer foam mattress could easily absorb your shifting weight.

Types of Mattresses

There are three main types of mattress that you can find. Though there is more innovation than ever in the mattress market, you can still expect your bed to fall in one of these three categories.

Foam Mattresses

These are made out of layers of synthetic foam. Tempur-Pedic and other memory foam mattresses have become very popular in recent years. Foam beds offer great support and comfort for back and side sleepers, but can sink and show wear quickly.

Innerspring Mattresses

These are likely what you already imagine when you think of a mattress. Made of a pillow top and interconnected wire springs on the inside, these mattresses offer high levels of support. Innerspring mattresses are more expensive and require more maintenance than foam mattresses.

Hybrid Mattresses

These use both springs and foam to utilize the best of each. Hybrids often use pocket coils, which means the springs are not connected to each other. There are then a few layers of foam on top, helping the bed to mold to your body.

There are a lot of exciting, high-tech mattresses on the market right now. Now you know what to look for, but where do you even find it?

Where to Find a Mattress

Of course, you can go to the closest mattress shop or department store to find a mattress. There are upsides to seeing a mattress in person: you can test it out, snuggle in, and make sure it’ll fit your needs. Try to lay on the mattress the same way you would sleep on it to make sure it’s right for you.

However, you can try newer and more affordable mattresses by ordering online. Many of these companies make returns easy and hassle-free so you can test a bed before committing.

Mattress Buying Guide: Online Shopping

There are dozens of mattress companies online, disrupting the sleep market. If you’re wary of buying a mattress online, you’re not alone. But even skeptics are being convinced by the new mattress buying process.

Most online mattress companies have perfected their shipping strategy. Your mattress will arrive in a small tube or box, and expand over the course of a few days. You’ll also receive the tools to collapse it again if you need to return it.

These online mattress sellers are not only convenient, but they make it easy to test your new mattress before committing. Many offer a 30 day or longer trial to make sure you love your new bed.

One of our favorite online-only mattress brands is Helix. Their modular, modern mattresses show true innovation in sleep technology. Read this mattress review to see why!

Now You’re Ready to Buy Your Next Mattress

Now that you’ve read this mattress buying guide, you’re ready to take the plunge! Find a model that meets all of your needs, and settle in for the best sleep of your life.

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