A mattress can make all the difference between sweet dreams and… ongoing nightmares.
Think about it! This is a piece of furniture that's expected to stay with you for many more years to come: that's a lot of nights.
You should definitely spend some time figuring out what type of model suits your needs and sleeping habits the most.
Here's exactly what to consider when buying a mattress.
Don't leave size to guesswork
Don't make the mistake of choosing a mattress just because it looks just like your old one, as it might very well be slightly smaller or larger… but just enough to not match your frame anymore.
Be sure to measure both your current mattress and bed frame before purchasing your next one.
To give you an idea, your main options are:
- Twin: 38" X 75"
- Large twin: 38" X 80"
- Full: 54" X 74"
- Queen-sized: 60" X 80"
- King-sized: 76" X 80"
- California King: 72" X 84"
Familiarize yourself with different types of bases & fillings
When you look at mattresses' specifications, the type of base isn't only a technical detail that you can ignore. It can genuinely make a massive difference, especially in very specific situations.
Here's what you can choose from and, most importantly, who each category is most suitable for.
Innerspring mattress
This is the most traditional type of mattress, the one with the classic bouncy feel.
You can find two types of innerspring mattresses:
Open spring (or open coil or continuous coil) is the most affordable option and consists of a long piece of metal wire that is twisted into several springs. Because it's lighter, this mattress is also much easier to flip. However, an open-spring model offers less support compared to other types of mattresses, so we mainly recommend it for beds that are only used occasionally (like the one in your guestroom);
Pocket spring is a higher-quality option that, just like the name suggests, consists of individual springs in separate pockets of fabric. As well as being more breathable and offering a lot more support, these mattresses come in a much wider range of firmness options. The firmest pocket-spring models are perfect if you sleep on your stomach.
Memory foam mattress
These mattresses focus on pressure relief rather than a spring and bounce.
Because they mold to your specific body shape, they're the best option if you suffer from back pain and/or sleep on your side (but most definitely not if you usually lie onto your stomach).
You can also choose among different densities and thickness levels, which will translate into how deep you'll sink when lying down.
Latex foam mattress
This is a more breathable alternative to traditional memory foam mattresses, which might be a more sensible choice in particularly hot climates.
Adjustable air-filled mattress
If you want to be able to customize your experience on a regular basis and, especially, separately from your partner, more expensive air-filled mattresses will certainly be the right investment for you, as they give you the most flexibility.
In fact, they come with a remote that allows you to control the level of air inside the mattress and adjust its firmness whenever and however you want.
Hybrid mattress
If you haven't got any specific problems or requests, a hybrid mattress could be a versatile and practical choice for you. It results in the most balanced experience as it combines pocket springs, memory foam, and latex elements.
Soft and medium-soft mattresses are a handy choice if you often change position and move around during the night or if you sleep on your side, with the latter offering slightly more support;
Medium-firm mattresses are better suited for back sleepers as they translate in enhanced lower-back support;
Firm mattresses are a safer choice if you sleep on your belly, suffer from back pain, or weigh over 15 stones.
Sleeping Woman In Deep Jungle
Worried because your partner has different sleeping habits from you? Don't be: some mattresses come with two separate sides (for example, a soft and firm one) to meet the needs of partners with completely different requirements.
Have you or your partner got any allergies?
This is something that's easy to forget about but that might backfire within a few weeks:
Memory and latex foam mattresses are antimicrobial and more resistant to mold and dust mites, which makes them a safer option if you suffer from allergies;
Alternatively, if you were hoping for an innerspring or air-filled mattress, consider purchasing a separate allergen-resistant cover.
Don't forget to check the warranty
Finally, because your mattress is meant to last you for many years, you don't want to skimp on warranty: the longer it is, the more peace of mind… and, consequently, the sweeter your dreams!
Eliza is a creative interior designer who swears by the power of sleek interiors and quality furniture to transform daily personal and professional life. With a B.Sc. in interior design from Philadelphia University and a well trained eye for craftsmanship, she offers unparalleled advice on how to arrange your space to make it sophisticated, comfortable, and functional, whether it’s the office or bedroom.
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