When it’s time to buy a new mattress, making your choice is easier said than done. Faced with a multitude of sizes, types, brands and features, shopping for a new mattress can be overwhelming. Let’s take a look at how to choose the best mattress for your sleep needs.
Choosing the Right Mattress Size
When deciding on a size for your new mattress, take into account the size of your room as well as how much space you and your partner need while sleeping. There are a handful of standard mattress sizes to choose from:
- Twin: At 39 x 75 inches, this compact Twin mattress is great for kids and can also accommodate a single adult (though the slightly longer Twin XL is a better choice if you’re tall).
- Full: Full mattresses measure 54 x 75 inches. Providing a little more space than a twin, a full can be a good upgrade mattress for a growing teenager or for a guest bedroom. While technically large enough to fit some couples, a full probably won’t provide adequate space for two people to get a good night’s sleep regularly.
- Queen: The most popular size on the market, a queen size mattress is around 60 x 80 inches in size. This size accommodates most couples and is suitable for most bedrooms.
- King: If you have the bedroom space, a king size bed is the best choice for a couple. Measuring 76 x 80 inches, a king mattress provides ample room to stretch out and get comfortable. For very tall people or those who want to indulge, a California King provides an extra 4” of length.
Choosing the Ideal Mattress Type
While there is no single best type, different mattresses are better for different sleeping styles. Here are the major mattress types and the sleeping styles they complement:
- Spring: The traditional spring mattress features steel coils with various levels of cushioning on top.
- Memory Foam: Memory foam mattresses are constructed of several layers of polyurethane foam and other materials. Despite the connotation that “foam” equals “soft,” memory foam is often on the firmer side, providing an optimal level of support that conforms to the body. In general, a high-quality memory foam mattress is the best choice for people with chronic back pain. (Note: Ask your doctor for recommendations.)
- Firm: A firm mattress is useful for people who tend to sleep on their back, as it provides necessary support for the spine.
- Plush: Plush or pillowtop mattresses can be beneficial to side sleepers, as they provide extra cushioning for the hips and shoulders. However, a mattress that is overly soft can cause a person to “sink in,” failing to provide much-needed support for the spine. As with firm mattresses, it’s important to find a happy medium.
More Mattress Shopping Tips
With these mattress sizes and types in mind, it’s time to go shopping! Here are some further tips for making the decision:
- See it in person. Pick out your new mattress in-store, so you have a chance to see and feel it before you make a commitment. If possible, try to lay on each mattress you’re considering for at least 10-15 minutes in order to get a good sense of how it feels.
- Take advantage of sales. Promotions and discount events like The RoomPlace President’s Day Sale are sure to help you save on a big purchase like this.
- Read reviews. Make sure to research what other shoppers have to say about a mattress before you make an official decision.