You’ll spend a third of your life on a mattress, which means it’s important to choose the right one. Start with your preferred sleeping position and how much support you need. Here are some tips.
Should you buy a firm or soft mattress? In general, heavier people and back or stomach sleepers will do better with firmer mattresses, while lighter people and side sleepers will enjoy softer mattresses. Temperature is also an issue: softer mattresses make you sleep warmer as your body sinks into a layer of fabric and foam. Please note that all mattresses have an adjustment period and the feel of the mattress on the first night will not be the same after a week or two.
Do you want a hybrid or foam mattress? The next big question is whether you want an all-foam mattress or a hybrid model with layers of foam and springs built in. We tend to recommend hybrids because they are more stable, more supportive, and generally stay cooler. Hybrids are usually a little more expensive. Foam mattresses tend to be softer, lighter, and cheaper.
What size mattress do you need? The prices below are based on the queen size, but almost all mattresses come in the standard sizes of Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, and California King. You will want to purchase a mattress based on the size of your bed frame.
How easy is it to assemble a bed in a box? Most of these mattresses are delivered in a box, vacuum sealed and rolled. Some are quite heavy (up to 150 pounds), so make sure you have someone to help you. After you unroll the bed mattress into a box and open the vacuum bag, it will immediately begin to inflate, so unpack it on or near the bed frame. We have a helpful guide on how to set up the mattress you bought online with more tips. Mattresses are usually ready to go within a few hours, but most manufacturers recommend giving them two days to reach their normal state.
Should I wait for sales to buy a mattress? Mattresses go on sale frequently. If you see one at full price, there’s a good chance you could save hundreds of dollars by waiting for the next big sale event (every few months).
What if you don’t like the mattress you bought online? Most of the mattresses we’ve tested and recommend have at least a 100-night trial period and a 10-year warranty. You may want to check the company’s policy as you may be required to pay a nominal return fee.
