You will spend a third of your life on a mattress, which means choosing the right one is important. Start with your preferred sleeping position and the level of support you need. Here are a few tips.
Should I buy a hard or soft mattress? In general, heavier people and those who sleep on their back or stomach will sleep better with firmer mattresses, while lighter people and side sleepers will prefer softer mattresses. Temperature also matters: A softer mattress will help you sleep warmer because your body is submerged in a layer of fabric and foam. Remember that all mattresses have a cooling off period, and how the mattress feels the first night won’t be the same after a week or two.
Do you want a hybrid or foam mattress? The next big question is whether you want a foam mattress or a model that combines multiple layers of foam with built-in springs. We tend to recommend hybrids because they’re more stable and supportive, and they’re usually cooler. Hybrid cars are usually a bit more expensive. Foam mattresses tend to be softer, lighter, and cheaper.
What size mattress do you need? Prices below are based on Queen size, but almost all mattresses come in standard sizes of Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King and California King. You will want to purchase a mattress-based mattress the size of your bed frame.
How easy is it to install a bed in a box? Most of these mattresses are delivered in a box, vacuum-sealed and rolled up. Some are quite heavy—up to 150 pounds—so make sure you have help. After you unroll the mattress in the box and cut open the vacuum bag, it will immediately inflate, so open the box on your bed frame or near it. We have a helpful guide on how to arrange the mattress you buy online with more tips. Mattresses are usually ready to use after a few hours, but most manufacturers recommend giving the mattress two days to reach its normal state.
Should I wait for a discount to buy a mattress? Mattresses are regularly discounted. If you see one at full price, chances are you can 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 recommended come with at least a 100-night test period and a 10-year warranty. You may want to review the company’s policy as you may have to pay a nominal return fee.
