So you’re in the market for a new mattress and not sure where to start? Chances are you’re feeling uninspired about choosing the best mattress. We get it. It’s not as fun as shopping for Christmas presents. But it’s probably one of the most important purchases you’ll make. We sleep about one-third of our lives – so we need an exceptional mattress for a substantial sleep.

Think of it as the ultimate gift to yourself – a good night’s sleep!

While there are many things to consider when choosing the best mattress for you, the perfect fit will determine how restful and restorative your sleep will be. Let’s take a look to find out exactly what you need to know to pick a new mattress that will serve your sleeping needs for years to come.

3 Simple Steps to Choosing Your Perfect Mattress

Now, you may be thinking ahead about the price tag, but let’s bang out this myth right here: the price doesn’t always determine the best quality mattress for your body. An expensive mattress may be marketed as more “comfortable” but that doesn’t mean it’s best for you.

Typically, a decent, high quality mattress should average $800 – $1000. But it could be as low as $500. Do keep your eye out for those sales though!

Here are our top three steps to help you choose the best mattress, regardless of your budget. Once you know what you’re looking for – shopping for a new mattress will be a walk in the park!

Step 1: Determining your mattress needs

Everybody’s sleeping needs will be different. You’ll have a much easier time researching and choosing the best mattress if you know your personal requirements first. Then you’ll avoid choosing blindly and know the questions to ask for further clarity. Take some time to evaluate what factors apply or matter to you. These include:

  • Mattress responsiveness (slow vs. fast)
  • Spinal alignment support (soft vs. firm)
  • Body contouring (sinking vs. on top)
  • Pressure point relief (determined by your sleeping position)
  • Breathability (airflow vs. cooling technology)
  • Sleeping position (side vs. stomach vs. back)
  • Medical needs (changing vs. static)

Step 2: Where to buy the best mattress

As a rule of thumb, you can typically always find great mattress deals whether you’re shopping in person or online. But here are some of the advantages and disadvantages for both. Just ensure you always inquire about a return policy!

In store

Buying a mattress from a local retail store is ideal if you want to see, test and compare on the spot. You’ll have a wide variety available to you and sales people present for questions. Even better, you can often negotiate for a better price. Most stores will also help you remove your existing mattress.

On the other hand, it may be a lot of information in a short time span. And you may feel rushed to test out each mattress while you’re there. Take your time. Recline for at least 10 minutes to properly assess your comfort each time you try out a new mattress.

Online

Choosing the best mattress online may not have the perks of testing on the spot, but that doesn’t mean you still can’t make an educated decision. Instead of going from store to store, you can search thousands of brands and reviews at your fingertips; all at your own pace. Luckily, we have a ton of mattress reviews for your perusal to help streamline your research.

Then most online companies have the option of visiting a retail or wholesale store to test the one you choose. Otherwise, most online purchases will do doorstep delivery with a money-back guarantee if it’s not suiting your standard. The disadvantage of this is that you’ll likely have to set up your new mattress and dispose of your old one. But generally, the markup price is lower with online mattress companies.

Mattress Hack: To get a better understanding of mattress firmness while you’re shopping, look out for the Indentation Rating System (ILD) score. The higher the ILD number, the firmer the mattress.

Step 3: How to choose the best type of mattress

This may be one of the more challenging choices to make – but we break down the most popular mattress types to help ease your selection.

Memory foam

Perfect for: Individuals or couples who want a supportive, body shaping hug

Memory foam mattresses are some of the most popular in the market. They are well known for their high density and stabilization properties, making them ideal for side and back sleepers. Unlike its counterparts, memory foam is durable and heavy – making it more supportive to your body movements at night. So if you have joint or back pains – this mattress type is for you!

This is also a good pick for couples, because it will hold the weight without sinking too much and support both of you. Additionally, this is a suitable choice for sleepers with allergies as memory foam is less likely to bear dust mites.

Some disadvantages of memory foam include lack of edge support and coolness as memory foam responds to your own body temperature. But if you test out your mattress, you’ll know if it’s the one for you!

Latex

Perfect for: Individuals that have allergies and want bouncy support

That’s right, if you’re looking for the ideal “jumping on the bed” mattress, look no further than a latex one. These mattresses are well known for their responsiveness and shelf life. They typically last a long time, especially if you aim for one that is 100 percent natural latex.

Sleeping on a latex mattress will be good for those who want a responsive, firm, comfortable bed. They are supportive by contouring to your body without sinking. As such because latex molds to your body, they are better for people who sleep on their back or experience lower back pain.

And if you’re worried about body heat, latex mattresses have excellent cooling properties that hold well. Like foam mattresses, latex have antimicrobial properties, thus resisting pesky dust and mold build-up.

Coil (Innerspring)

Perfect for: Individuals that sleep on their side or stomach and want good bounce

Innerspring mattresses may be one of the more familiar and widely used. Traditionally, these mattresses were made with interconnected coil systems, but are likely now made up of pocketed coils covered with fabric. If you’re looking for a firm, familiar, responsive mattress – this is the best choice, especially for stomach sleepers.

High quality innerspring mattresses also have heavier coils on the edges, therefore offering good support for people who sleep on their side or at the edge of the bed. And if you’re looking for cooling effects, this type also allows for good airflow.

The downside of this mattress is that some people experience irritated pressure points due to a lack of comfort foam layers. If you move a lot while you sleep or have joint pains, this mattress may not be as forgiving. Look for a mattress with larger coils or consider an innerspring hybrid.

Innerspring Hybrid

Perfect for: Individuals that went the best of both worlds (pocket springs + foam)

This is the most common hybrid mattress. It combines a layer of pocket springs with a layer of foam, either memory or latex, in one mattress. This is an upgrade to mattresses that are just labeled as innerspring. It has the pocket springs to provide support and comfort partnered with a pressure point, responsive foam surface.

If you toss and turn, sleep at the edge, are heavier or sleep with a partner – this is the best mattress for you! Really, this is just an all around good mattress for nearly every sleeping style or need. It keeps you level while keeping you comfortable.

Adjustable

Perfect for: Individuals with medical or changing needs

Perhaps you have a medical condition or chronic body pain. If you are someone that needs to frequently change the sleeping position to elevate or incline, then this mattress may be the best one. In some cases, they might also include built in heat or massage features. So it’s definitely worth looking at if any of these things entice you!

Extra Details to Consider

Choosing the best mattress is no easy feat – but hopefully these steps have crystallized what you need and what you’re looking for. Be patient with the process, it may take some time.

Look for a clear return policy and warranty. And choose quality over price. Remember, you could be sleeping on this mattress for up to 10 years, so it’s a worthy investment.