The Guide to Buying the Best Mattress

The Guide for Choosing and Buying the Right Mattress

You spend roughly a third of your life sleeping, and we're here to help you find the ideal mattress. In fact, we've already assisted millions in doing just that.

What type of mattress do I need?

There are four main types of mattresses: foam, innerspring, hybrid, and gel grid. Continue reading to learn more about each type and their respective pros and cons.

Foam Mattress

Memory foam is crafted to soften and mold to your body's shape, offering pressure relief, support, and motion isolation. Available in various comfort levels from firm to plush, many of our brands feature memory foam mattresses. For those seeking a mattress in a box, we provide numerous foam options!

PRO: Minimizes motion transfer and alleviates pressure on hips and shoulders by adapting to your body in any position.

CON: Standard memory foam can retain heat, so hot sleepers should opt for cooling foam or gel-infused foam.

Innerspring Mattress

Traditional spring beds feature the classic mattress technology, making them a reliable choice. These mattresses use a support system of metal springs or coils, providing a wide range of comfort options. They are highly durable and available at nearly every price point.

PRO: Provides firm support for pressure point and pain relief, with numerous options for price and comfort.

CON: May feel too firm for some sleepers, and not all models are compatible with adjustable bases.

Hybrid Mattress

Hybrid mattresses blend support and comfort by merging innerspring and foam technologies. They provide a versatile combination of support and comfort, making them an excellent choice for those seeking specific comfort levels.

PRO: Suitable for all sleeping positions, effectively balances support and comfort.

CON: Incorporation of advanced technology results in higher costs for hybrid mattresses.

Gel Grid Mattress

Gel grid mattresses, a type of hybrid, utilize advanced gel technology that combines firmness and softness, ideal for maintaining spinal alignment. The gel's open structure promotes cooling during sleep.

PRO: Achieves a balance between support and comfort, enhances cooling.

CON: Utilization of high-tech materials results in higher pricing for gel grid mattresses.

Which Features Should I Consider?

Once you identify the best type of mattress for you, it's essential to understand comfort and mattress attributes.

COMFORT

Comfort refers to how firm or plush your mattress feels. All four mattress types offer a range of comfort levels.

• Extra Firm: Provides the most solid feel with minimal give, excellent for back sleepers needing support and spinal alignment.

• Firm: Ideal for back and stomach sleepers seeking a stable, supportive feel.

• Medium: The perfect balance, suitable for back, side, and stomach sleepers who prefer a moderate firmness.

• Plush/Soft: Designed for side sleepers, offering relief from joint pain and discomfort around pressure points.

• Ultra Plush: Features extra layers to cradle your body, perfect for those who want to sink into their mattress.

SUPPORT

What is it? The degree to which your mattress compresses under your body weight.

How does it help? Proper support ensures your weight is evenly distributed, maintaining joint and spine alignment, and alleviating issues like stiffness and chronic back pain. Choosing the right support level for your sleep position is crucial: firm support suits back and stomach sleepers, while soft to medium support is ideal for side and combination sleepers. All mattress types come in various support levels.

PRESSURE RELIEF

What is it? How your mattress conforms to your body to provide targeted comfort.

How does it help? Effective pressure relief can reduce aches, minimize tossing and turning, and improve circulation by alleviating pressure points. It’s essential for a comfortable sleep, especially if you have sleep issues. All mattress types can offer pressure relief, and trying different beds in person can help you find the best fit.

COOLING

What is it? The mattress's ability to feel cool to the touch and maintain a cooler sleep environment.

How does it help? Cooling technology incorporates materials and components that keep you cool and comfortable throughout the night. This feature is especially beneficial for hot sleepers. Gel grid, cooling memory foam, and gel-infused memory foam mattresses excel in providing a cool sleep experience.

MOTION SEPARATION

What is it? The ability of a mattress to isolate movement on one side of the bed, preventing it from disturbing a sleeping partner.

How does it help? Motion separation minimizes the impact of movement, such as a partner tossing and turning, allowing you to sleep undisturbed. This feature is particularly useful for couples with different sleep schedules or styles. Foam mattresses are especially good at motion separation.

DURABILITY

What is it? The mattress's ability to maintain its support, pressure relief, and comfort features over time.

How does it help? Durability depends on the quality and construction of the materials used, such as foams and textiles. High-quality components ensure your mattress remains comfortable and supportive for years, providing long-term value.