10 Tips for Choosing the Perfect Mattress for a Good Night’s Sleep

Sleep is one of the most important factors for our health and well-being. A good night’s sleep can improve our mood, memory, immunity, and overall quality of life. But how do we ensure that we get the best sleep possible? One of the key elements is choosing the right mattress for our needs and preferences.

A mattress is not a one-size-fits-all product. There are many types, materials, features, and prices to consider when shopping for a new bed. And since we spend about a third of our lives on our mattresses, it’s worth investing some time and money to find the perfect one.

But how do we choose a mattress that suits us? Here are 10 tips to help you make an informed decision and sleep better.

1. Know your sleeping position

Your sleeping position affects how your body weight is distributed on the mattress and how much pressure relief you need for your joints and pressure points. Different types of mattresses offer different levels of support and contouring for different sleeping positions.

• Side sleepers  tend to need more cushioning for their hips and shoulders, which can sink into the mattress and cause discomfort or misalignment. They may benefit from memory foam or latex mattresses, which conform to the body shape and relieve pressure points. They may also prefer a medium to soft firmness level, which can provide more comfort and spinal alignment .
• Back sleepers tend to need more support for their lower back, which can arch or sag on a too soft or too firm mattress. They may benefit from hybrid or innerspring mattresses, which have coils that provide bounce and support for the spine. They may also prefer a medium to firm firmness level, which can prevent excessive sinking and maintain proper posture.
• Stomach sleepers tend to need more support for their abdomen, which can cause strain on the spine and neck if the mattress is too soft or too saggy. They may benefit from hybrid or innerspring mattresses, which have coils that provide stability and prevent sagging. They may also prefer a firm firmness level, which can keep the hips and pelvis from sinking too much and causing spinal curvature.
• Combination sleepers tend to change positions throughout the night and need a balance of support and comfort for all sleeping positions. They may benefit from hybrid mattresses , which combine coils and foam or latex layers to offer both support and contouring. They may also prefer a medium firmness level, which can accommodate different sleeping preferences and body types.

2. Know your body type

Your body type affects how much you sink into the mattress and how much support you need for your spine. Different types of mattresses have different weight limits and durability levels for different body types.

• Lightweight sleepers (less than 130 pounds) tend to sink less into the mattress and feel more of the surface firmness. They may benefit from softer mattresses, which can provide more cushioning and pressure relief for their lighter frames. They may also prefer foam or latex mattresses, which are more responsive and adaptable to their movements.
• Average weight sleepers (130 to 230 pounds) tend to sink moderately into the mattress and feel a balance of support and comfort. They may benefit from medium mattresses, which can provide enough support and contouring for their average weight. They may also prefer hybrid or innerspring mattresses, which are more durable and supportive for their weight range.
• Heavyweight sleepers (more than 230 pounds) tend to sink more into the mattress and feel more of the core support. They may benefit from firmer mattresses, which can provide more stability and prevent sagging or bottoming out for their heavier frames. They may also prefer hybrid or innerspring mattresses, which have thicker coils and stronger edges to withstand their weight.

3. Know your preferred firmness

The firmness of a mattress is how hard or soft it feels when you lie on it. It is usually rated on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being very soft and 10 being very firm. The firmness level that suits you best depends on your personal preference, sleeping position, body type, and comfort needs.

• Soft mattresses (3 or lower) are best for lightweight side sleepers who need more cushioning and pressure relief for their joints and pressure points. They are also good for people who like to feel hugged by their mattress and enjoy a plush feel.
• Medium mattresses (4 to 6) are best for average weight sleepers who need a balance of support and comfort for their spine and body shape. They are also good for people who switch positions throughout the night and need a versatile mattress that can accommodate different sleeping preferences.
• Firm mattresses (7 or higher) are best for heavyweight back or stomach sleepers who need more support and stability for their spine and abdomen. They are also good for people who like to feel more on top of their mattress and enjoy a firmer feel.

4. Know your budget

The price of a mattress can vary widely depending on the type, quality, size, features, brand, warranty, shipping costs, discounts, etc. A good mattress can cost anywhere from $300 to $3000 or more depending on these factors.

While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option available, it’s important to remember that you get what you pay for when it comes to mattresses. A cheap mattress may save you money upfront but cost you more in the long run in terms of comfort, durability, health issues, etc.

A good rule of thumb is to spend at least 10% of your annual income on a new mattress. This way you can ensure that you invest in a quality product that will last you for years and provide you with optimal sleep quality.

Of course, you don’t have to break the bank either when buying a new bed. There are many affordable options available online that offer great value for money without compromising on quality or performance.

Some tips to save money when buying a new mattress include:

• Shopping online: Online mattress brands often offer lower prices than brick-and-mortar stores because they have lower overhead costs and pass on the savings to customers. They also offer free shipping, free returns, free trials, and generous warranties that make buying online risk-free and convenient.
• Shopping during sales: You can find great deals on mattresses during major holidays such as Memorial Day, Labor Day, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, etc. You can also look out for seasonal discounts, clearance sales, coupons, and promo codes that can help you save money on your purchase.
• Comparing prices: You can use online tools such as price trackers, price comparison websites, and price alerts that can help you find the best price and time to buy your desired mattress. You can also negotiate with sellers or ask for price match guarantees if you find a better deal elsewhere.
• Choosing the right size: You can save money by choosing the right size of mattress for your needs and space. You don’t need to buy a king-size bed if you sleep alone or have a small bedroom. You can opt for a twin, full, or queen size instead and save hundreds of dollars on your purchase.

5. Know your material preferences

The material of a mattress affects its feel, performance, durability, and health benefits. Different types of materials have different pros and cons that suit different needs and preferences.

Some of the most common materials used in mattresses include:

• Memory foam: Memory foam is a type of polyurethane foam that conforms to the body shape and relieves pressure points. It is known for its excellent motion isolation, noise reduction, and durability. However, it can also trap heat, emit odors, and cause sinking or sagging over time. Some memory foam mattresses use gel-infused foam, open-cell foam, or plant-based foam to address these issues and improve breathability, cooling, and eco-friendliness.
• Latex: Latex is a natural material derived from rubber trees that offers a bouncy, responsive, and durable feel. It is known for its natural hypoallergenic, antimicrobial, and eco-friendly properties. However, it can also be expensive, heavy, and prone to allergies or off-gassing depending on the type and quality of latex used. Some latex mattresses use synthetic latex, blended latex, or organic latex to vary the price, feel, and environmental impact of the product.
• Hybrid: Hybrid mattresses combine coils with foam or latex layers to offer a balanced feel of support and comfort. They are known for their versatility, edge support, airflow, and bounce. However, they can also be expensive, heavy, noisy, and prone to sagging or motion transfer depending on the quality and construction of the components used. Some hybrid mattresses use pocketed coils, memory foam, latex, or other materials to enhance their performance and durability.
• Innerspring: Innerspring mattresses use coils as their main support system with minimal layers of foam or fiber as comfort layers. They are known for their affordability, firmness, support, and cooling. However, they can also be noisy, prone to motion transfer, sagging, or edge collapse depending on the type and quality of the coils used. Some innerspring mattresses use bonnell coils, offset coils, continuous coils, or pocketed coils to vary the support, motion isolation, and durability of the product.
• Airbed: Airbed mattresses use air chambers as their main support system with adjustable firmness levels controlled by a pump. They are known for their customizability, pressure relief, and dual firmness options. However, they can also be expensive, noisy, prone to leaks or malfunctions, and require regular maintenance depending on the quality and complexity of the pump and air chambers. Some airbed mattresses use foam or latex layers, digital or remote controls, or smart features to enhance their comfort, convenience, and performance.

6. Know your comfort preferences

The comfort of a mattress is not only determined by its firmness level but also by its comfort layers. These are the layers that lie on top of the support core and provide cushioning, contouring, and temperature regulation for the sleeper.

Different types of comfort layers have different pros and cons that suit different comfort preferences.

Some of the most common comfort layer materials include:

• Polyfoam: Polyfoam is a type of synthetic foam that is widely used in mattresses because of its low cost and versatility. It can have different densities and firmness levels to create different feels and functions. However, it can also degrade quickly, lose its shape, and trap heat depending on its quality and thickness. Some polyfoam mattresses use convoluted foam, gel-infused foam, or copper-infused foam to improve airflow, cooling, and antimicrobial properties.
• Memory foam: Memory foam is a type of polyfoam that has a slow response to pressure and a high degree of conforming. It can provide excellent pressure relief, motion isolation, and noise reduction for sleepers. However, it can also retain heat, emit odors, and cause a stuck feeling depending on its density and thickness. Some memory foam mattresses use gel-infused foam, open-cell foam, or plant-based foam to address these issues and improve breathability, cooling, and eco-friendliness.
• Latex: Latex is a natural material derived from rubber trees that offers a bouncy, responsive, and durable feel. It can provide moderate pressure relief, motion isolation, and noise reduction for sleepers. However, it can also be expensive, heavy, and prone to allergies or off-gassing depending on the type and quality of latex used. Some latex mattresses use synthetic latex, blended latex, or organic latex to vary the price, feel, and environmental impact of the product.
• Wool: Wool is a natural material derived from sheep that offers a soft, cozy, and breathable feel. It can provide natural temperature regulation, moisture-wicking, and odor-resistance for sleepers. However, it can also be expensive, hard to clean, and prone to clumping or flattening depending on the quality and thickness of wool used. Some wool mattresses use organic wool, alpaca wool, or cashmere wool to vary the softness, warmth, and luxury of the product.
• Cotton: Cotton is a natural material derived from plants that offers a light, airy, and comfortable feel. It can provide natural breathability, softness, and hypoallergenic properties for sleepers. However, it can also be expensive, absorbent, and prone to sagging or shrinking depending on the quality and weave of cotton used. Some cotton mattresses use organic cotton, Egyptian cotton, or bamboo cotton to vary the durability, smoothness, and eco-friendliness of the product.

7. Know your sleeping environment

The sleeping environment refers to the external factors that affect your sleep quality such as temperature, humidity, light, noise, etc. Different types of mattresses have different effects on your sleeping environment and vice versa.

Some of the factors to consider when choosing a mattress based on your sleeping environment include:

• Temperature: If you tend to sleep hot or live in a warm climate, you may want to choose a mattress that has good cooling properties such as innerspring, hybrid, or latex mattresses. These mattresses have more airflow and less heat retention than foam mattresses. You may also want to look for mattresses that have cooling features such as gel-infused foam, phase-change materials, or breathable covers. If you tend to sleep cold or live in a cold climate, you may want to choose a mattress that has good insulation properties such as memory foam, wool, or cotton mattresses. These mattresses have more heat retention and less airflow than coil-based mattresses. You may also want to look for mattresses that have warming features such as heated pads, electric blankets, or flannel sheets.

• Humidity: If you tend to sleep in a humid environment, you may want to choose a mattress that has good moisture-wicking properties such as wool, cotton, or latex mattresses. These mattresses have more absorbency and less mold growth than synthetic materials. You may also want to look for mattresses that have antimicrobial features such as copper-infused foam, silver-infused covers, or bamboo fibers. If you tend to sleep in a dry environment, you may want to choose a mattress that has good moisture-retaining properties such as memory foam, polyfoam, or hybrid mattresses. These mattresses have more elasticity and less cracking than natural materials. You may also want to look for mattresses that have humidifying features such as waterbeds, airbeds,or humidifiers.

• Light: If you tend to sleep in a bright environment, you may want to choose a mattress that has good light-blocking properties such as memory foam, latex, or hybrid mattresses. These mattresses have more density and less light penetration than innerspring mattresses. You may also want to look for mattresses that have light-reducing features such as blackout curtains, eye masks, or dimmer switches. If you tend to sleep in a dark environment, you may want to choose a mattress that has good light-enhancing properties such as innerspring, airbed, or wool mattresses. These mattresses have more bounce and less light absorption than foam-based mattresses. You may also want to look for mattresses that have light-increasing features such as lamps, nightlights, or glow-in-the-dark stickers.
• Noise: If you tend to sleep in a noisy environment, you may want to choose a mattress that has good noise-reducing properties such as memory foam, latex, or wool mattresses. These mattresses have more sound absorption and less sound transmission than coil-based mattresses. You may also want to look for mattresses that have noise-canceling features such as earplugs, white noise machines, or soundproofing materials. If you tend to sleep in a quiet environment, you may want to choose a mattress that has good noise-enhancing properties such as innerspring, hybrid, or airbed mattresses. These mattresses have more sound production and less sound isolation than foam-based mattresses. You may also want to look for mattresses that have noise-generating features such as alarm clocks, radio stations, or music players.

8. Know your trial period and warranty options

Buying a new mattress is a big decision that requires some time and testing to make sure you are happy with your choice. That’s why most online mattress brands offer generous trial periods and warranties that allow you to try out their products risk-free and protect your investment for years to come.

Some of the factors to consider when choosing a mattress based on trial period and warranty options include:

• Trial period: A trial period is the amount of time you have to test out your new mattress at home before deciding whether to keep it or return it for a full refund. Most online mattress brands offer trial periods ranging from 30 days to 365 days. The longer the trial period, the more time you have to adjust to your new bed and make sure it suits your needs and preferences. However, some trial periods may come with certain conditions or fees such as shipping costs, restocking fees, or donation requirements. Make sure you read the fine print before buying your mattress online and understand how their return policy works.
• Warranty: A warranty is the amount of time you are covered by the manufacturer against defects or damages in your mattress. Most online mattress brands offer warranties ranging from 10 years to lifetime. The longer the warranty, the more protection you have against potential issues with your bed such as sagging, indentations, or broken components. However, some warranties may come with certain limitations or exclusions such as prorated coverage, repair costs, or transportation fees. Make sure you read the fine print before buying your mattress online and understand how their warranty policy works.

9. Know your customer reviews and ratings

One of the best ways to choose a mattress online is by reading customer reviews and ratings from verified buyers who have tried out their products first-hand. Customer reviews and ratings can give you valuable insights into how different types of mattresses perform in real-life scenarios such as comfort level, durability level, temperature regulation level, etc.

Customer reviews and ratings can also help you identify any potential issues or drawbacks with certain types of mattresses such as off-gassing odors, heat retention problems, sagging issues, etc. You can also learn from other customers’ experiences how different types of mattresses suit different needs and preferences such as sleeping position, body type, firmness preference, etc.

However, customer reviews and ratings should not be taken at face value. They may be biased, inaccurate, or outdated depending on the source, date, and quality of the review or rating. They may also be influenced by personal factors such as expectations, preferences, or emotions that may not apply to you. Therefore, you should always read customer reviews and ratings with a critical eye and compare them with other sources of information such as product descriptions, specifications, and expert opinions.

10. Know your personal factors

Last but not least, you should always consider your personal factors when choosing a mattress online. These are the factors that are unique to you and your situation such as your health conditions, lifestyle habits, sleeping preferences, etc.

Some of the personal factors to consider when choosing a mattress online include:

• Health conditions: If you have any health conditions that affect your sleep quality or comfort such as allergies, asthma, arthritis , back pain , snoring, insomnia , etc., you may want to choose a mattress that can address or alleviate your symptoms. For example, if you have allergies or asthma , you may want to choose a mattress that is hypoallergenic, antimicrobial, and dust mite resistant such as latex or wool mattresses. If you have back pain or arthritis, you may want to choose a mattress that can provide adequate support and pressure relief for your spine and joints such as memory foam or hybrid mattresses. If you snore or have insomnia, you may want to choose a mattress that can reduce noise and motion transfer for a quieter and more peaceful sleep such as memory foam or latex mattresses.
• Lifestyle habits: If you have any lifestyle habits that affect your sleep quality or comfort such as smoking, drinking, eating, exercising, etc., you may want to choose a mattress that can accommodate or improve your habits. For example, if you smoke or drink regularly, you may want to choose a mattress that is easy to clean and maintain such as innerspring or airbed mattresses. If you eat or drink in bed often, you may want to choose a mattress that is stain-resistant and waterproof such as hybrid or latex mattresses. If you exercise frequently or sweat a lot at night, you may want to choose a mattress that is breathable and cooling such as innerspring or hybrid mattresses.
• Sleeping preferences: If you have any sleeping preferences that affect your sleep quality or comfort such as sleeping position, body type, firmness preference, temperature preference, etc., you may want to choose a mattress that can match or enhance your preferences. For example, if you sleep on your side, you may want to choose a mattress that can provide more cushioning and pressure relief for your hips and shoulders such as memory foam or latex mattresses. If you have a heavier body type, you may want to choose a mattress that can provide more support and durability for your weight such as hybrid or innerspring mattresses. If you prefer a firmer feel, you may want to choose a mattress that can provide more stability and resistance for your body such as innerspring or airbed mattresses. If you prefer a cooler feel, you may want to choose a mattress that can provide more airflow and heat dissipation for your body such as innerspring or hybrid mattresses.

Choosing a mattress online can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. By following these 10 tips, you can narrow down your options and find the perfect mattress for your needs and preferences.

Remember, the best mattress is the one that suits you best. So don’t be afraid to try out different types, materials, features, and brands until you find the one that makes you sleep better and happier.

Happy shopping and sweet dreams!