BEST MATTRESSES SHOPPING GUIDE

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BEST MATTRESSES SHOPPING GUIDE

Are you able to sleep well on your mattress, or do you toss and turn all night long? Finding the best mattresses that provide comfort, durability, and affordability can be a bit of a challenge. Moreover, mattress manufacturers routinely introduce new technologies to lure customers away from their competitors. It can be difficult to separate hype from reality.

We’ve compiled a handy shopping guide that answers some of the most common questions mattress shoppers have. For instance, what type of mattress is right for you? Sleeping on your side, back, or belly can influence this.

You may be a “hot sleeper” who needs airflow or a “cold sleeper” who needs extra blankets or a weighted blanket for warmth. Depending on whether you have back pain, arthritis, or other issues, what works best for you? If you share your mattress with someone, is there a way to strike a balance between your needs and theirs?

For a good night’s sleep, you can find a comfortable mattress. Learn how the right mattress can improve your life – and how to find one.

How often should a mattress be replaced?

In the first instance, you need to decide if it’s time to replace your mattress. It is not cheap to buy a quality bed, but if you make the right choice, you could greatly enhance your sleep and your life. Even a high-quality mattress won’t last forever, so durability is key. If you have had your bed for more than 10 years, it may be time to buy a new one.

Consider this: over time, mattresses collect dust, human skin cells, and body fluids. An old mattress could be revived with a professional deep cleaning or a new mattress topper. But these are only temporary solutions.

In the following circumstances, a new mattress is definitely in order:

  • Your innerspring mattress top is so worn that the springs are exposed. A mattress topper only masks this problem. Exposed springs are a safety hazard as well as a threat to your comfort.
  • The mattress has structural issues. Older mattresses may sag in the middle or collapse on the sides. While some people adapt to these inconveniences, an unsupported mattress puts unnatural stress on the body.

The following are other signs that you may need to consider a new mattress:

  • You experience chronic stiffness or back pain in the morning.
  • You have a hard time falling asleep at night.
  • Allergic symptoms increase at night.
  • Other places, such as a couch, chair, hotel, or a friend’s guest room, seem to provide better sleep.

There are several types of mattresses.

Best Mattresses

Best Overall Saatva Classic Mattress

PROS: Five layers seamlessly work together to provide luxurious comfort for a good value. The Luxury firm option is ideal for both cold and hot sleepers with adequate support for neck and shoulders.

CONS: Those who are sensitive to back and joint pain may find a mattress made completely of memory foam more comfortable.

Best Mattress for Your Bucks
Puffy Original Mattress

PROS: High-value mattress with multi-layered memory foam that makes for a comfortable night's sleep, no matter what position you prefer. Also great for back or join pain. Easy installation on top of the proper frame that is ready out of the box.

CONS: If you are used to more traditional mattresses with springs and other bells and whistles, this might not be the one for you.

Innerspring

On an innerspring mattress, hundreds of metal coils support the sleeper. In an ideal innerspring, the spine is perfectly aligned and the extremities are fully supported. Because different parts of the body exert different amounts of pressure on the springs, this type of mattress may or may not provide adequate support. This is determined by the total number of coils in your mattress. In comparison, an inexpensive mattress with 400 coils might not feel very comfortable, while a pricier model with 900 coils may feel so good that it’s hard to get out of bed in the morning.

However, coil count is not always an indicator of mattress quality. A mattress with 800 coils might contain coils of inferior quality, whereas a mattress with 500 coils might contain coils of premium steel.

Pros

Beds with innerspring cost less than most other types of beds. The slight bounce and mobility that bounce provide some people is appealing. The springs inside this type of mattress provide a firmer sleeping surface, spine alignment, and pressure relief.

Most older innerspring require a box spring, but some modern innerspring do not. It is possible to place a spring mattress on a platform, which creates a bed with a lower profile.

Cons

These mattresses often cost less than other types. The durability may be compromised if the price is lower. Cheap mattresses should be avoided because, well, you get what you pay for, and you certainly don’t want a spring poking you in the middle of the night.

Consider purchasing a topper for an innerspring bed if you like the idea of a less-expensive mattress but miss the cradling comfort of memory foam. Among Saatva’s toppers are graphite, which draws heat away from the body, and latex, which is a bit more bouncy. The market offers a wide range of quality mattress toppers that can improve your sleep experience.


Memory foam

Memory foam mattresses are made of high-density foam with a high viscosity. Instead of coils, these models feature a solid foam support system.

Pros

Memory foam conforms to your body, creating the right highs and lows to provide you with personalized comfort and support. In many cases, memory foam greatly reduces (or eliminates) the urge to toss and turn during the night. The material also minimizes motion transfer, so if you share your sleeping space with someone else (or even a pet), you may enjoy fewer disturbances during the night.

In the past, memory foam beds were quite expensive, but they are comparatively less expensive today than latex and hybrid mattresses. Many reputable companies offer memory foam beds, including Puffy, Leesa, Nectar, and Casper.

Cons

The biggest drawback of memory foam is that it tends to trap body heat. A memory foam mattress could make you feel hotter when you sleep. Manufacturers of all-foam mattresses have addressed this issue by incorporating breathable “open-celled” foam and gel layers that promote air circulation. Look for a memory foam bed that has gel memory foam or is marketed as a “cooling mattress” if you sleep hot.

Hybrid

Hybrid mattresses have layers of different components. Depending on the product, hybrid mattresses may have a cushioning layer of coils and a comfort layer made up of memory foam, latex, or gel. In other words, these mattresses take the best of tradition (the old-fashioned innerspring) and combine it with the best of new technology to create something unique.

Pros

The beauty of this type of bed is that it can be quite customized. A hybrid mattress uses layers to achieve the desired effect. For extra support, a base layer may be added below the coils. There may be a cooling gel layer to enhance pressure relief and promote cool sleep. A top layer that promotes airflow may also be included in the package.

This mattress is a good option for people who like memory foam but don’t want to sink in so much. Hybrid mattresses also tend to have firmer edge support than other mattress types. A hybrid mattress is a good option if you want to feel secure both on the side of the bed and underneath your body.

Cons

The foam in some hybrid mattresses can emit chemicals that cause off-gassing. In addition, although they tend to cost more upfront, they are often more durable than memory foam and innerspring products.

Adjustable “sleep number” air


The adjustable air/memory gel hybrid mattress is a recent development in mattress technology. In this type of mattress, you set the level of support you want, and the air bladders inside the mattress inflate or deflate according to your instructions. It is not recommended to adjust the air bladders in the middle of the night because the pumps that control the air bladders can be noisy.

One obvious benefit is that two people with different firmness preferences can share a bed comfortably. While these mattresses tend to be expensive, many users say the price is well worth it. A word of advice about sleep number beds: while firmness level plays an important part in overall comfort, it’s best not to set it too high or too low. A too-soft mattress can cause back problems over time because it doesn’t support the spine well. A mattress that holds the body in rigid suspension all night can also cause problems.

Size of the mattress

Twin

Size matters when it comes to getting the best mattress for your situation, especially if you share the bed with someone else. It is the smallest size available to adult sleepers, although barely large enough to support one average adult. A twin bed is ideal for a child’s room or a spare guest room. Two adults wouldn’t feel comfortable sharing a twin bed for long!

Full

The full mattress is the next size up. It is the smallest size that can comfortably accommodate two adults. If one sleeper leaves the bed or climbs back in, there is a lot of motion transfer. Extended-length full mattresses are available for tall sleepers. You can easily find sheets, blankets, and pillowcases for full-size beds.

Queen

Many people are content with the next largest size, the queen. Two adults can sleep comfortably on a queen-size bed without making incidental contact. This might be the size for you if you prefer a few inches of separation between you and your partner. Also, motion isolation is better with this size than a full.

King

A king-sized mattress is the ultimate mattress size. There are various king-size mattresses, including California kings and split kings. The hotel industry prefers this size since sleepers can maintain a comfortable distance if necessary. King-size beds are ideal for people who enjoy a lot of independence while sleeping.

A king-size bed’s sheets, blankets, and pillowcases are generally more extensive and expensive. Be aware of this additional investment if you are considering a king-size mattress. Ensure that your room’s dimensions can accommodate this larger bed before buying.

The Firmness

Mattress firmness is a hot topic, and for a good reason. When the right degree of support is offered, the body can let go of tension and sleep restfully, whereas when the degree of support is incorrect, the body feels tight, cramped, and uncomfortable the next day.

A soft mattress that allows you to sink in and conform to your body may be ideal if you have a slight build.

Consider a mattress that will support your body weight rather than allow you to sink too deeply. A too-soft mattress for your body type could strain your lower back and other muscles. Choose a firm or medium-firm mattress.

You should avoid extremes if you suffer from back pain. According to Harvard Health, a soft mattress is unlikely to provide adequate support, while an extra-firm mattress is also likely to make you uncomfortable.

Sleep test

Some mattress makers provide consumers with a trial period during which they can keep the mattress at home and “test it out.” At the end of the trial, which can last anywhere from 28 days to a year, the consumer gets to decide whether to keep the mattress or return it. A 100-night trial is not uncommon.

Only after sleeping on a mattress for a certain period can a person get a sense of how it feels and whether it is a good fit for their body. Additionally, it instills confidence in the buyer, as it implies that the company is highly confident in its product – so confident that it is willing to accept financial losses in exchange for customer satisfaction.

Most likely, you will have to pay the entire mattress price upfront. If you decide that you do not want the mattress after the appropriate amount of time has passed, you can get your money back. We advise consumers to read the fine print for any unanticipated conditions. If you do not use the mattress within 30 days of purchase, the money-back guarantee may be voided. In addition, only one mattress may be returned per household per year.

You might be wondering which mattress companies offer this special deal. We cannot mention them here, but we can comment on a few famous mattress makers. If you were to purchase a Purple Mattress, your free trial would likely last for 100 nights, though it may be less, depending on the terms of your agreement. Tuft & Needle also usually offer 100-night trials. One company that provides a 365-day trial period is DreamCloud. The company offers free returns if you decide not to keep your mattress, as well as a lifetime warranty. Another company offering a year-long trial is Nectar Sleep.

If you were wondering (we were), most returned mattresses are donated to charity or recycled by the manufacturer.

PRICING FOR MATTRESSES

Innerspring mattresses with decent coil counts, independent spring designs, and thick padding should cost no more than about $1,000. While there are pricier innerspring models, the difference in quality is often negligible.

Memory foam/gel mattresses are generally promoted as high-end models, so customers should expect to pay $1,500 or more for them. Sometimes manufacturers offer to finance, but the interest rates can be much higher than average.

Adjustable air mattresses with memory foam or gel can also be expensive. For such a bed, a price tag of $2,000 to $2,500 is not uncommon. If you suffer from health issues related to poor sleep, you may want to invest in an adjustable sleep number mattress, but others may decide the initial investment isn’t worth it.

Jannette

I am a freelance writer recovering from a massive stroke and three seizures. Any help is greatly appreciated, as now I have major medical bills that need to be paid and doctors will not release me for work! So blogging is my source of income now and it's a major drop in income.

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