It’s no secret that a good night’s rest is critical to your health and well-being. The proper mattress can put you on the path to better sleep. Tailor your choice based on your sleep habits. Consider factors like size, material type, firmness, and thickness.
The decision can feel overwhelming, but we’ve made it a little easier with this guide to finding the perfect mattress.
The first step in choosing a mattress is to determine what size you need. The size of your mattress is dependent on personal preference and room size. The various mattress options are available in the following sizes:
Twin: 39” W x 75” L
Twin mattresses are ideal for tight quarters. They are long enough to sleep one adult and are a good option for kids’ rooms .
A California King has less width than a regular King but an increased length. They are a great option when sharing a bed with someone over six feet tall.
Modern mattress technology has come a long way in the last few decades. Many of the options you’ll find are constructed with multiple layers of foam, springs, and other padding to create an ideal blend for restorative sleep. Let’s explore the most common choices.
Innerspring
Considered the most “traditional” style of mattress, an innerspring variety consists of metal coils layered with cushion. This style of mattress offers bounce and a variety of firmness levels, which allows the sleeper increased mobility and less sinkage.
Memory Foam
Memory Foam's ability to mold to your body and maintain cushion makes it a popular choice. Choose from a variety of heights and firmness levels to enjoy that “sinking-in” feel. A memory foam mattress is ideal for couples, as it absorbs motion and minimizes sleep disruption.
Latex
Made from all-natural materials, latex mattresses are lauded for their durability and tend to last slightly longer than other types. Latex provides light body-contouring support with a bouncier feel than memory foam.
Hybrid
As the name implies, hybrid mattresses combine components like foams, gels, and spring cores to create a bouncy, responsive sleep experience while conforming to your body shape. A hybrid mattress also regulates temperature and sleeps cooler than foam-only styles.
Mattress Firmness
Firmness pertains to how much “give” a mattress has. When assessing which level of firmness you prefer, consider your typical sleep position and any ergonomic support you need.
Perceived firmness varies by sleeper and does not equate to support. Explore the options below:
Soft
Soft mattresses have cushiony top layers with padding or foam that accentuate the feeling of sinkage. These mattresses offer little to no pushback and are preferred by side sleepers who want to relieve pressure in hips, shoulders, and lower back.
Medium Firm
Medium-firm mattresses have top layers of foam or cushion. They’re designed with sturdier elements like dense foam or coils to give the sensation of feeling lifted without sacrificing comfort. Medium-firm mattresses are preferred by combination sleepers who move around and want the added mobility of a firmer mattress.
Firm
Firm mattresses have a thin top layer of cushion atop a dense material. These mattresses create the sensation of resting on top of the bed rather than sinking into its layers. Firm mattresses are preferred by stomach sleepers who require a constant lift to keep their back from bowing and causing pain.
Mattress Thickness
Choosing the proper thickness for a mattress helps increase its longevity and prolongs degradation. Like firmness, your individual preference is influenced by your sleep habits and environment.
Keep in mind other sleep accessories that impact the final height of the mattress, such as a bed frame or box spring. Let’s consider the various choices:
Low profile: 2 – 5 inches
Low profile beds are usually found in stowaway beds and cots that fold up and are easily stored. Add a top layer to enhance comfort.
Slim Profile: 5 – 8 inches
Slim profile beds are typically used for children’s beds and individuals who prefer sleeping lower to the ground. Dense foam is used to maximize comfort without adding extra height.
Standard Profile: 8 – 12 inches
Standard profile beds allow for a stacked mix of foundation layers and cushion layers.
Deep or Thick Profile: 12 – 20 inches
Deep profile beds are ideal for weight distribution, especially for couples sharing a bed or side sleepers.
Extra Thick Profile: 20+ inches
Extra thick profiles have room for added comfort layers. These mattresses are durable.
Choose Better Sleep
A comfortable mattress is vital to your health. Choose an option that feels perfect for you. Find an array of mattresses available at a store near you by searching our mattress shopping page.