Shopping for a Mattress? Read This Before You Buy Dhanashree Kankanwade February 21, 2025 Lifestyle, YMK 8 A mattress is something everyone needs, but there isn’t a one-fits-all option. With thousands of different mattresses and various mattress brands on the market, you might find yourself getting overwhelmed, and ultimately, settling for the wrong mattress. Before you dive headfirst into the world of mattress buying, consider our guide below. Key Features of the Perfect Mattress Knowing what to look for in a new mattress is important when it comes to simplifying the buying process. Below are some of the major features to keep in mind: Firmness: How dense or soft the mattress is Material: Can affect the softness, texture, contour, temperature regulation, and breathability of the mattress Edge support: Keeps the mattress stable and prevents sagging Motion isolation: How well the mattress prevents movement from being felt on the other side of the bed Price: The overall cost of the mattress. Consider the expected longevity of the mattress and compare prices to ensure you’re getting a fair price. Types of Mattresses Different types of mattresses are equipped with different features and benefits for various sleepers. For firm support on a budget, consider an inner-spring mattress. Memory foam mattresses, on the other hand, are soft yet supportive. Hybrid mattresses offer a combination of the latter two. Extra comfort and pressure relief can be found with a pillow top or waterbed mattress. Hot sleepers needing a mattress with temperature regulation would benefit from a gel mattress. Picking a Mattress Based on Your Go-To Sleeping Position The best mattress for you will also depend on your usual sleeping position. Medium soft to medium firm mattresses, like ones made of memory foam, are ideal for side sleepers to ensure a comfortable contour against their body. Back sleepers would benefit from a medium firm to firm mattress for proper back support while stomach sleepers would find a firm mattress most suitable. Do you consider yourself a combination sleeper? Combination sleepers will typically want a mattress that offers a balance between comfort and support. As for partners or co-sleepers who sleep in different positions, consider a mattress with dual adjustability to change the angle and/or level of comfort on each half of the bed according to the sleepers’ preferences. Mattress Sizes Once you decide on a type of mattress, the specific features you want, and consider which mattress might benefit your sleeping habits, it’s time to select a size. The size of mattress right for you will depend on multiple factors, such as the amount of space you have in your bedroom and how many people will be sleeping on the bed. Your height and overall size will also be an important consideration. Of course, preference also plays a partial role when picking a mattress size. Kids and other solo sleepers under 5’9’ may find a twin or full-sized bed suitable. Twin XL mattresses are recommended for single sleepers under 6’2”. Meanwhile, queen sized and king sized are most popular among couples and co-sleepers. Lastly, consider a California King or a custom-sized mattress for those 6’6” or taller. Conclusion Shopping for a mattress might seem like a difficult process. However, when you stop to think about what you want in a mattress, it will be easier to choose the right one. From considering the different types of mattresses to picking a mattress based on the position you normally sleep in, you’ll find the process less stressful. SHARE THIS POST