Mattress Buying Guide - Choosing the Best Mattress for You
Many customers come to us with questions regarding how to choose a mattress. There are seemingly endless options on the market, many of which can seem identical without knowing their key features and differences. At Mor Furniture for Less, we understand what a large and significant purchase is when buying a new mattress. After all, this is what you're going to sleep on for years to come.
When it comes to mattresses, comfort is king. However, mattress comfort is also subjective. From the level of firmness to internal material and function, everyone prefers a mattress that meets their unique needs. People with lower back pain find that certain pieces help more than others, while those who sleep on their side may prefer something else. These differences in mattress preference are expected.
Our SleepMor experts help you find the mattress that's right for you. Not just that, but we have everything else you need to complete your sleep space too. Our associates will guide you every step, from looking at entire bedroom sets to mattress foundations to mattress protectors to pillows, sheets, and bedroom decor, so you walk away knowing that you got the best products at the best price in town.
Keep reading to learn more about how to choose a mattress, the different types of mattress construction, and which mattress may be right for you. Additionally, shop our mattresses for sale, either online or in-store
What to Consider When Choosing a Mattress
It's essential to go into the mattress buying process with a few things in mind. It can help to make some notes beforehand so you know the ballpark of what you're looking at when you begin shopping. What are your gripes with your current mattress? Does it lack support, cause pain points, or keep you too hot at night? These are some of the most common things we hear from customers asking how to choose the right mattress.
Mattress Composition
At Mor Furniture for Less, you'll find mattresses with several compositions. We carry everything from gel foam mattresses to memory foam, pillow tops to ultra-plush, and hybrid mattress types. Everyone can find their perfect match at Mor Furniture for Less with the help of our on-staff sleep experts.
Gel Foam Mattresses
Gel foam mattresses may not be the first composition that comes to mind, but they're one that many people enjoy. They're very similar to memory foam in terms of style and feel but have additional gel pods in the mattress's top layer.
They're perfect for supporting your neck and lower back, and they maintain their firmness for longer than your typical memory foam option. They have an additional spring, which helps them hold their form better and longer.
Inner Spring Mattresses
One of the most common and well-known mattress types is the innerspring mattress. They're the traditional mattress and the oldest type on the market. People have been using innerspring mattresses for generations, frequently making them a go-to.
While they may be one of the oldest types of mattresses on the market, it's for a good reason. An innerspring mattress can be just as supportive and comfortable as other types when purchasing one that suits your unique needs.
They come in various depths and firmness levels, featuring multi-layer construction that provides support, softness, and durability all at once. An innerspring mattress consists of a metal wire system with springs that create a support frame. Then, the springs are covered in fabric with plenty of cushioning on top, which provides extra support.
A tell-tale sign that you need to replace your innerspring mattress is if you start to feel the springs poking through or if they begin to make noise when moving around in bed. Most innerspring mattresses have a lifespan of about ten years, though, so frequent replacement isn't an issue.
Latex Mattresses
A latex mattress is a hybrid mattress comprised of latex foam and the more classic memory foam. A latex mattress may also include inner springs, which is an important question when determining how to choose a mattress. Many people love latex mattresses as latex is a naturally occurring material coming from the sap of rubber trees.
Benefits of having a latex mattress include that they're generally low maintenance, eco-friendly, durable, breathable, and hypoallergenic. If you suffer from allergies, this is the mattress type for you. Many people with back and joint pain also report a significant improvement in symptoms and sleep quality once switching to a latex mattress.
Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrid mattresses incorporate elements of several classic mattress types. Usually, they feature both innerspring coils and several layers of memory foam. Some may also include latex and gel, making hybrid mattresses incredibly versatile. They can accommodate various body types and comfortably support many different sleeping positions without breaking the bank.
Benefits of having a hybrid mattress include having ample airflow through the combination of springs and other materials, making this an excellent option if you're prone to overheating as you sleep.
Adjustable Mattresses
Mattresses that come with an adjustable base are ideal for many. You can move the head and back support portion and the footrest. Some models allow you to change the mattress's temperature and firmness level. Additionally, some adjustable beds allow each side to have different settings, making them ideal for couples with varying sleep styles.
The best mattress types to use with an adjustable bed frame are classic memory foam or a memory foam/gel hybrid model. An innerspring mattress won't work with this base type as the movement will warp the metal inside.
Choosing Your Mattress Firmness
Another one of the most important aspects to consider when determining how to choose a mattress is the level of firmness you prefer and require. There are generally three options: soft, medium, and firm. Each option is suitable for different needs.
First, you may prefer the luxurious feel of sinking deep into your mattress after a long day. If this is the case, a soft mattress may be right for you. Additionally, those with hip and joint pain prefer softer mattresses to relieve stress in those areas. Memory foam mattresses are one of the softest types. However, even an innerspring mattress can be pretty soft if enough plush layers are on top of the springs.
Medium-firm mattresses are excellent for those who move around a lot in their sleep, as they provide many options for support. Side sleepers also tend to prefer medium-firm mattresses, and they're an excellent compromise for couples with different comfort levels.
A firm mattress usually has 1- to 2-inches of plush or foam material on top, as opposed to softer mattresses which typically have about 4-inches of extra layering. If you suffer from frequent back pain, particularly upon waking, a firm mattress is the most likely to alleviate your symptoms. They help reduce pressure points in the shoulders and hips and promote healthy spine alignment. If you sleep on your back, consider a firm mattress for the ultimate support and better mornings.
Of course, sometimes, the level of firmness in a mattress simply comes down to comfort. While some people prefer that sink-in, surrounded-by-cushion feeling, others prefer a firm surface for a better night's sleep.
Mattress's firmness has a universal industry rating. The industry rates firms on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 the most firm. Anything above a rating of 6.5 is considered more firm, while anything under that number will be softer.
Mattresses Based On Body Type & Sleep Position
Just as not all mattresses are the same, no two people are the same — particularly when it comes to sleep habits. We have stomach sleepers, back sleepers, those who lay on their side, and those who turn throughout the night. You may not know it, but some mattresses are best for each scenario and different body types.
Sleep Positions
- If you're a back sleeper: Get a firm mattress to promote a healthy and aligned spine.
- If you're a side sleeper: Get a medium-soft to medium-firm mattress for hip and shoulder support.
- If you're a stomach sleeper: Get a medium-to-firm mattress to avoid sinking in and misaligning your spine. You may want to avoid memory foam mattresses as they are often too soft.
- If you switch it up: Consider a latex mattress. Latex mattresses better conform to your body shape as you switch positions, reducing motion and pain points. This can be especially important if you sleep with a partner and your tossing and turning frequently wakes them, too.
Body Type and Age
- If you're underweight: Consider a traditional innerspring mattress with a thin upper-support layer like a pillow top. You won't sink into a soft bed, and if you choose one that's too firm, you won't receive adequate support.
- If you're average weight: Most mattresses are built to suit average-weight individuals. If you're an average weight for your height, the type of mattress you buy will depend on other factors, like personal preference, sleep position, and unique pain points.
- If you're overweight: Consider a hybrid mattress that combines stability with comfort. Look for a medium-firm to firm mattress for the proper support.
- For children: Baby and toddler beds have safety specifications for AAP-approved safe sleep. Never place a baby or toddler on a mattress that is not suitable for their age. For questions about infant and toddler mattresses, consult with your pediatrician and current AAP guidelines.
- For seniors: Look for a medium-firm to firm mattress that supports back and joint health. Hybrid mattresses with springs for support and foam for comfort are excellent.
There are other factors to consider, too, aside from sleep position and age. Different body shapes may require certain mattress specifications as well.
- If you're curvy: Get a mattress that offers support in all positions so that it can give your body what it needs no matter what. Look for a firmer mattress with more padding on top if you're going with innerspring or a thicker, more moldable material like latex.
- If you have a straight body type: You may not require as much padding on top, as your body won't sink into the mattress at pressure points as much as others. You can look for a bed with less pillow topping that's softer.
- Other body types: If you're unsure of your body type, are pear-shaped or apple-shaped, a medium-firm mattress may be best for you. How much cushion you'll need on top of the mattress is entirely up to you and what feels best.
Mattresses for Hot and Cold Sleepers
Waking up too cold or too hot can be uncomfortable and disruptive throughout the night. Without a good night's sleep, you'll likely feel foggy the next day, have difficulty concentrating, experience more frequent headaches and aches & pains, and may have a chronic feeling of fatigue.
These things can all go away if you select the right mattress. Many people don't know that the construction of a mattress can affect sleep temperature, but with our SleepMor experts here to guide you on how to choose a mattress, these issues can be problems of the past.
- If you're a hot sleeper: The most significant cause of overheating while you sleep, aside from blanket thickness and your home temperature, is the material of the mattress you're using. Some materials circulate air better than others, helping your body to regulate your temperature. If you wake up too hot throughout the night, look for a latex mattress. Avoid memory foam or memory foam toppers, as they're known to trap body heat, making you feel warmer than you are. Additionally, there are mattresses with built-in cooling technology, which are also an excellent option.
- If you're a cold sleeper: Alternately, if you wake up in the night shivering, you want a mattress material that's a little less breathable to trap your body heat. Avoid latex mattresses and opt for material like memory foam or a hybrid mattress with memory foam on top. Memory foam toppers can range in thickness, from just 2-inches to 4-inches and above. The denser the layer of memory foam, the more heat it will trap from your body.
Mattresses for Back Pain
Back pain is, well, a pain, and it can impact your quality of life quite a bit if you suffer frequently. Whether you have an old sports injury, a chronic condition such as arthritis, or a bad back, your mattress should be your number one support.
Often, our customers come to us saying that they experience pain immediately upon waking. Or that they wake in the night tossing and turning due to back, shoulder, hip, and joint pain. After so many years, many people think there's nothing they can do. Getting the right mattress is crucial in solving the problem.
- If you have back pain: Memory foam, latex, innerspring, and hybrid mattresses are still available to you, so don't feel limited. What's important here is that you find a mattress that provides support just where you need it most. You'll need to make sure your mattress evenly distributes your weight and keeps your spine aligned as your sleep. Opt for a medium-firm to firm mattress.
- If you have joint pain: If you're experiencing pain in your hips, shoulders, or knees, then a medium-soft mattress is best, as it allows your pressure points to sink in while providing support. Get one that's too firm, and it can exacerbate the pain, putting additional pressure on your more tender or stiff areas.