Mattress Buying Guide

I don’t think that I have to tell you what is the importance of the mattress, we all spent almost one-third of our life on mattresses so it becomes very important that we pay attention to what mattress buying guide we are choosing. All the doctors recommend 7-8 hours per day sleep for a healthy mind. 

However, purchasing a mattress is not so simple. Almost every mattress claims to be the best or the most comfortable. And, on the outside, every mattress looks the same—a big rectangle concealing the materials inside that may (or may not) support those claims.

Furthermore, just because one mattress buying guide is ideal (or soft or firm) for one person does not imply that it is the same for another. To truly determine whether a mattress is right for you, you must lie on it. The term “electronic commerce” refers to the sale of electronic goods.

This is where Consumer Reports’ in-depth ratings come in. We’ve put more than 270 mattresses (and counting) through rigorous lab testing so that you know which models are most likely to support your weight and sleep position, as well as which offer the firmness level you prefer, and much, much more.

Are you unsure of your preferences? This buying guide is a good place to start. Read on to learn about various mattress types, the marketing myths to ignore, and the strategies you need for buying a mattress that offers quality and comfort at the right price.

When Do You Need a New Mattress?

Generally speaking, you should replace your mattress every 7 to 10 years. A mattress loses its shape after being used frequently from being slept on every night and is no longer a surface for restful sleep.

Different types of mattresses offer different benefits. For example, memory foam mattresses are known for their ability to contour the body, providing support and pressure relief. Innerspring mattresses, on the other hand, are known for their durability and ability to provide a firm sleeping surface.

Choosing the right type of mattress is important, as it can make a big difference in terms of comfort and support. In this article, we’ll take a look at the benefits of each type of mattress, so you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you.

For Example

Spring Mattresses:

– Spring mattresses have been around for centuries and are the most traditional type of mattress.

– Spring mattresses are very supportive and can be used with any type of bed frame.

– They are also very affordable and widely available.

Memory Foam Mattresses:

– Memory foam mattresses are made from a material that contours to your body, providing support and pressure relief.

– They are ideal for people with back pain or other medical conditions that require a softer surface to sleep.

How Consumer Reports Tests Mattresses

Buy the queen-size mattresses because queen-size mattresses (60 inches wide x 80 inches long) are the most commonly purchased size, we test them.

We measure the spinal alignment of small-stature sleepers (taller than 5-foot-3 and weighing less than 130 pounds) and large-stature sleepers (taller than 6-foot-2 and weighing more than 220 pounds) on their side and back to check for support (the most common sleep positions). We also perform calculations to provide data for average-sized sleepers. 

We don’t take a manufacturer’s word for firmness level. Instead, we assess it ourselves, using an objective industry test standard that entails applying a load of up to 1,000 newtons (4.4 newtons equal a pound) to each mattress. The results are then plotted on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 representing the softest and 10 representing the firmest.

We use a machine that pushes and pulls a 300-pound wood roller across the surface of the mattress 30,000 times because a mattress, no matter how wonderful it appears at first, is only worth it if it lasts. This simulates someone tossing and turning for eight to ten years on it.

Finally, even though buying a mattress that’s right for you is a completely individual endeavor, it’s helpful to get a gauge on how others fared. As a result, we provide ratings for comfort and owner satisfaction for each brand and type of mattress. These scores are based on recent surveys of CR members’ experiences with nearly 67,000 mattresses purchased in the last decade.

Types of mattress

The three most common types of mattresses are available in the market. Each type appeals to different sleepers looking for a specific feel, ranging from bouncy to huggy. Some foam and innerspring mattresses are two-sided, with slightly different firmness levels, allowing you to flip it to your liking. The vast majority, however, is biased. Here’s what differentiates the common mattress types from each other:

Foam Mattress: Many manufacturers create their layers with polyurethane foam (a type of synthetic foam that includes memory foam); others use latex. Some might combine these different foams. The material is noted in the features-and-specifications tab on each model page.

As you lie on memory foam, it softens with your body heat, and, depending on the mattress, you may sink slightly or significantly. Some people prefer the “sleep on the mattress” feel, but others may find it difficult to change sleeping positions. Polyurethane foam with no memory provides a similarly cushioned experience without the quicksand sensation. Latex, a foam made from the milky liquid of the rubber tree plant, also cushions but has a springy feel to it.

Innerspring and Hybrid Mattress: Traditional innerspring mattresses are composed of a layer of steel coils topped with fiber padding (such as cotton or wool), foam, or both. Hybrid mattresses are made up of innerspring and thick layers of foam. Pillow tops or Euro tops have an additional fluffy layer of foam or padding-right at the surface, whereas tight tops do not.

The number, thickness, and placement of coils can all affect how the mattress feels. Innerspring mattresses may have individually wrapped (pocketed) coils that help limit motion transfer, or they may not (in which case, you’ll feel more vibration when a sleep partner tosses or turns). Innerspring mattresses are more resilient than foam mattresses, so unless it’s a hybrid with thick foam, choose an innerspring mattress.

Adjustable air Mattress: An inflatable layer is topped with foam on adjustable air mattresses. They enable sleepers to adjust the firmness of their mattress using an electric pump attached to the bed, a remote, or a smartphone app. Most also allow you to individually inflate each half of the bed, so if you and your sleeping partner prefer different firmness levels, these mattresses could be a good option.

Mattress Sizes

Mattresses are available in a variety of sizes. Generally speaking, if you sleep with a partner, the larger the mattress size, the more comfortable you’ll feel. However, note that a larger mattress will require larger-sized bedding (including sheets and pillows)—and the additional costs associated with it as you maintain your bed going forward. The following are typical mattress sizes:

• King, 76×80 inches
• California King, 72×84 inches
• Queen, 60×80 inches
• Full (or double), 53×75 inches
• Twin, 38×75 inches
• Twin XL, 38×80 inches

Support

To ensure a healthy back, healthy joints, and a long-lasting bed, support in a mattress is essential. A few of the most crucial considerations for support include durability, edge support, pressure relief, and spine alignment.

Spine Alignment

How well the mattress keeps your spine in its natural alignment.

When comparing mattresses, you should search for one that will support your body and keep your spine in a neutral position. Your muscles can rest when your spine is in a healthy position, so you’ll wake up feeling more rested.

If you sleep on your side, the line connecting your tailbone and neck should be straight. If you lie on your back while sleeping on a supportive mattress, your spine should maintain its natural curve. By virtue of the way they sleep, stomach sleepers will have a little more difficulty maintaining the natural curve.

A good mattress will generally conform to the shape of your spine while also supporting your weight so that your back takes up the shape of your spine.

Pressure Relief

The best mattress for your body is one that evenly distributes your weight so that the heavier parts, like your hips and shoulders, don’t sink in too much. If they do, your pressure points might be under stress from your mattress.

A mattress that pushes back when you apply pressure is what you should seek out (but not too much). If you’re a lighter weight, you won’t need as much pushback, but if you’re a heavier weight, you’ll want to make sure the mattress is proving proper support and you’re not sinking in too much. Different mattresses will offer better pressure relief for different body types.

Edge Support

You can’t roll off the mattress in the middle of the night without edge support. In contrast to foam mattresses, innerspring mattresses typically have a separate edge support layer that helps keep you on the mattress. A foam mattress makes it more difficult to “roll off,” though.

If you have a history of bed falls or are a particularly restless sleeper, or if you use the end of your bed to put on your socks and shoes in the morning, this factor is crucial.

Frequently Asked Question