If you don’t know what you’re looking for, you won’t know when you’ve found it! In today’s mattress blog, our sleep experts discuss what to look for in a mattress.
Mattress Size
When it comes to buying a mattress, one of the first things you’ll need to consider is mattress size. Make sure that the mattress will comfortably fit in your bedroom and that the people sleeping in it will comfortably fit on the mattress. Additionally, if you already have a bed you’d like to use, you’ll want to make sure the mattress fits the base.
Twin & Twin XL Mattresses
While twin beds are often comfortable for children, teenagers over 5’ 5” may need a twin XL mattress, which is five inches longer and can help prevent their feet from hanging over the edge.
Full Mattresses
Full mattresses tend to be crowded for two people, and because of their length, they’re best for people 5’5” or shorter.
Queen Mattresses
Because of their narrower width, many people with small bedrooms opt for queen mattresses over king mattresses.
King and California King Mattresses
Many couples are at their most comfortable in a king bed, and if you’re over 6-feet tall, you’ll likely prefer a California king mattress, which is 4 inches longer.
Mattress Comfort
At Star Furniture, we believe that comfort is the most important factor when choosing a mattress. While comfort is ultimately dictated by many factors including firmness, materials, motion isolation, and temperature neutrality, the best way to determine how comfortable you’ll find a mattress is to actually test it out.
Not only should you be trying out any positions you regularly sleep in and remaining there for a few minutes, but if you sleep with a partner, you should both try out the same mattress at the same time. That way, you can get a proper feel for how the bed moves and sounds when your partner moves.
Mattress Type
There are three types of mattresses sold at Star Furniture: innerspring mattresses, memory foam mattresses, and hybrid mattresses.
Innerspring Mattresses
Otherwise known as coil mattresses, innerspring mattresses are named for their coiled support system. Newer innerspring mattresses tend to have flexible coils, as opposed to steel springs, and these coils are surrounded by various foams and fibers for added comfort. Generally speaking, innerspring mattresses tend to be firmer, while also offering more support than their memory foam counterparts.
Memory Foam Mattresses
Brands like Tempur-Pedic and Nectar have popularized the memory foam mattress, which is constructed from a malleable foam that conforms to the shape of your body. While memory foam mattresses are available at every firmness, they’re naturally softer than an innerspring or hybrid mattress. They also transfer less movement, making them a great option for couples who are light sleepers. Memory foam mattresses work particularly well on adjustable base beds, as the foam is flexible enough to be used at any angle.
Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrid mattresses feature a combination of a coil system, like you’d find in an innerspring mattress, and memory foam. Some also come with gel layers for temperature control. For many people, hybrid mattresses offer the best of both worlds: the support of an innerspring mattress combined with the enveloping comfort of memory foam.
Mattress Firmness
Mattress firmness is described as either plush (soft), medium, or firm. While these terms are typically considered universal, a firm mattress from one manufacturer might be softer or firmer than that of another. Some manufacturers even offer additional categorizations, like “extra firm.” That’s why it’s so important to test out mattresses before you purchase them.
When it comes to your preferred firmness, a person’s preference is often in direct relationship with their most common sleep position and their weight. Side sleepers, for example, might prefer a softer mattress, as they conform more to the body to relieve pressure points. Similarly, someone who weighs less than 130 pounds may prefer a softer mattress that will be more responsive to their light body. Alternatively, people with back problems, as well as people who are heavier, may prefer a firmer mattress that will offer more support and help prevent sagging and indentations.
Motion Isolation
Motion isolation refers to how well a mattress absorbs motion. If a mattress has good motion isolation, your partner is less likely to feel you changing sleep positions or tossing and turning during the night.
Mattress Durability
Mattress durability refers to how long the mattress maintain its quality. While different types of mattresses have different lifespans, within those different types, there can be further discrepancies. Innerspring Aireloom mattresses, for example, belong to the mattress type with the shortest lifespan. That said, because of their handmade construction and natural materials, they tend to be more durable than other mattresses. Keep in mind that mattress care has a huge impact on mattress durability.
Mattress Temperature Neutrality
Different types of mattresses can affect your temperature. While memory foam generally tends to make people run hot, there are bedding and gel solutions to help combat this. When choosing a mattress, you’ll want to consider your tendencies and plan to either adjust which mattress you choose or look into alternative solutions for temperature regulation.
Mattress Price
The reality is that mattress price is an important factor when choosing a mattress. While you want to choose something in your price range, it’s important to think about longevity. A more expensive mattress that doesn’t need to be replaced for longer might be more cost effective than choosing a less expensive option. Plus, it’s hard to put a value on a good night’s sleep.
Thinking of redoing the whole bedroom? In addition to our huge selection of new mattresses, we offer plenty of bedroom furniture for every style and every budget. Plus, our furniture blog features helpful mattress information, including everything from how Star Furniture revolutionized the mattress buying experience to what you need to know about adjustable base beds.