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How To Select A New Mattress

Dont Go Broke Buying One

Mattress Buying Guide: How to Choose the Perfect Mattress

No matter who you are, mattress buying is an investment, but theres no reason to break your finances and gouge your savings to buy a new bed. There are fantastic sleep solutions out there that should match what you need, regardless of your budget, so sit down ahead of time and decide what money you are willing to spend before you begin looking.

Choose A Mattress Size

You may be asking yourself, What kind of mattress do I need? If you live in a particularly small space it may be best to opt for a smaller size, such as a twin or full mattress. Although, if you have room to stretch, a queen or king-size mattress may be more suitable for your needs.

Lets run through a quick breakdown of the six mattress sizes available from most manufacturers:

Buying A Mattress Online Vs Visiting A Mattress Store

Until recently, most mattress shoppers needed to visit a brick-and-mortar store to make their purchase. Buying at a mattress store has certain advantages. You can personally test out mattresses by lying down on them for several minutes and speak to experienced customer service personnel if you have questions.

However, many have found buying a mattress online is cheaper and more convenient. Online mattress brands face lower overhead costs, allowing them to charge less for mattresses and other sleep products. Delivery is typically free within the contiguous U.S., and your order will come with a sleep trial that enables you to test out the mattress for a few months before deciding whether to keep it or return it for a refund.

In addition to where you buy a new mattress, when you buy the mattress is also important. Most online and brick-and-mortar mattress sellers offer large discounts during sales that typically coincide with federal holidays such as Presidents Day, Memorial Day, July Fourth, and Labor Day. Sales may also occur around popular shopping holidays like Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

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Do You Really Need A New Mattress

Many people change their beds after just a few years, and thats perfectly fine if you can afford it. Buying a bed is not a small investment, so youll need to assess if nows the right time to get one.

Generally, after seven years you will most likely need a new mattress. Of course, this will depend on the quality of the beds materials and how youve maintained it over the years. Good maintenance and high-quality materials could extend the products lifespan a few years more. That being said, if you feel back or neck pain after waking up, then then you should start shopping around.

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Here is the average mattress lifespan based on material and type:

Innerspring / Hybrid Mattresses

How to Choose the Perfect Mattress  Aratari At Home

Most mattresses youre likely to run into are the innerspring type. They have metal coils inside of the mattress with foams and fibers on the top.

The lower priced mattresses tend to use the older style coil in which theyre all tied together. The hourglass-shaped ones are called Bonnell coils, but other manufacturers have stronger variations on that type . These are generally a little less expensive than the individually wrapped coil, but dont contour as well and transfer more motion.

The better innerspring mattresses will use individually wrapped coils. This type of coil allows the mattress to contour to your body from the coil level, which gives better support and causes less pressure. Additionally, wrapped coils are better at separating motion from side to side on the bed. So if one person bounces around or changes positions, the partner will not feel it as much. The downside? Theyre usually more expensive.

The foams above the coils will have varying densities. You can get a mattress with firmer foams on the top or softer foams on the top. Some will be in the style of a pillowtop .

Dont pay too much attention to the exact title of the mattress. One companys cushion firm might be similar to another companys luxury firm or even a plush. Just spend some time on each mattress and check for comfort and support, regardless of what the mattress is called or whether or not its technically a pillowtop.

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What You Need To Know Before Picking Your Mattress

If you’ve had more sleepless nights than you can count, have been waking up with a sore back, and can never get comfortable in your bed, it may be time for a new mattress. As a general rule of thumb, a mattress lasts for five to ten years, so if yours is approaching that age, start thinking about replacing your mattress with a new one.

Buying a new mattress may seem like a daunting and overwhelming task, and a big investment, but we’ve done the work for you with this ultimate mattress buying guide. From figuring out what mattress type and size of mattress you need to how and where to shop for one, this guide will help you determine the right mattress for you for the good night’s rest you deserve!

Are The Foams In The Mattresses Certipur

Yes! All Puffy mattress foams are CertiPUR-US® certified and independently tested for quality. CertiPUR-US® approved foams give consumers peace of mind that they are made without ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP or TCEP flame retardants, mercury, lead, and other heavy metals, formaldehyde, and phthalates. Puffy mattress foams also have low VOC emissions for indoor air quality .

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Our 10 Hybrid Mattresses Reviewed

Editors Choice

Layla Hybrid is a versatile mattress that should appeal to couples with different sleeping preferences. The bed has thicker coils around the perimeter, allowing the sleepers to use the entire surface of the mattress. Layla Hybrid has good motion isolation, which is another thing couples should benefit from.

The first layer of the Layla Hybrid mattress is the 2.5-inch copper-gel memory foam layer. Cooper is good for hot sleepers because it improves breathability and maintains a comfortable temperature. The second layer is the Max Airflow support foam with zoned surface modification technology. The coil unit contains 6-inch 14-gauge individually-pocketed coils, followed by a 1.5-inch transitional layer and another copper-infused memory foam layer.

Why we picked it:

  • Layla Hybrid mattress is designed for couples who sleep in different sleeping positions. The bed has excellent edge support thanks to the double row of 16-gauge coils in the perimeter. Sleepers can also choose between two firmness options.

Looking for more info? Read our overview on the Layla Hybrid mattress.

How To Negotiate For Mattresses

How to Choose a Mattress

I have a mattress negotiation guide, so read that for an in-depth treatment of this topic. I will just summarize here.

The prices of mattresses are negotiable at most retailers and on most brands. In mattress shopping, the general strategy is to play one retailer off of another. Most places have a price guarantee. So if you get a quote from one place, you can take it to a competitor and have them beat the price. Take that price to another competitor and get an even lower price. You can also look up the mattress online and get the retailer to match the online price. This is the easiest, least painful way to negotiate on mattresses.

If you dont have time to go back and forth between retailers, online prices are usually the best as long as you are good at comparison shopping. So you can find the mattress that works best for you, and then just buy the comparable model online.

Comparing mattresses can sometimes be tough, though, since the exact model name will differ between stores. Dont let that scare you off, though, because the lineup is usually the same from retailer to retailer. For example, Simmons Beautyrest currently has its recharge lineup. They have 3 major levels of Beautyrests: the entry-level ones, , the Platinum models , and a luxury level above that which may differ from retailer to retailer .

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Top 12 Tips For Buying A New Mattress

With so many mattress options to choose from, buying a new one can be overwhelming. This is especially true if you have back or neck painthe right or wrong mattress can make the difference between spending the day feeling good or in pain.

While choosing a mattress is ultimately a matter of personal preference, here are some tips to keep in mind:

When To Replace Your Old Mattress

Even a perfect mattress will need replacing someday. There are a few signs you can watch for, so you know when its time to replace your mattress.

  • Your mattress is sagging or lumpy.
  • Your mattress is ripped or stained.
  • You wake up with back pain, hip pain, or headaches.
  • Your allergy symptoms are worse in the morning, from the allergens that accumulated in your mattress.
  • You sleep a full eight hours and still wake up tired.

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How To Choose A Mattress The Basics

Certain types of mattresses work better for some sleepers than others. Before you start shopping, familiarize yourself with the main types on the market.

Innerspring: The most common option on the market, innerspring mattresses feature a comfort layer, such as foam or latex, over steel coils. Because of their natural bounce, they make it easier to change positions and for people with mobility issues to get out of bed. However, couples will often feel their partner move. To avoid that, some have individually-wrapped, pocketed coils to minimize movement.

Memory foam: These mattresses conform to your body and give you a cradled, sinking in feeling. Usually softer, they work well for people with pain. They can also be a good choice for couples who dont want to feel their partner move. On the downside, memory foam can trap body heat, so if you sleep hot, you may want to consider a different type of mattress. Also, foam mattresses that are not CertiPUR-US certified may release odors and/or chemicals.

Latex: Similar to memory foam in that it contours to the body, latex tends to sleep cooler and is exceptionally durable. It is also more responsive than a memory foam mattress, meaning you should be able to easily change positions at night. But latex mattresses are usually more expensive than other options. And, they can contain harmful chemicals if they are not organic.

How To Shop For A Mattress

Select Comfort Sleep Number Luxurious Bed  High Chic

So you are interested in buying a new mattress? Perhaps your current mattress is hurting you, or you wake up tired. Maybe you just want a bigger size. Maybe youre moving and dont want to lug your old mattress from place to place. Whichever is the case, my goal is to help you select the right mattress so you dont make a mistake and so you dont pay a penny more than you have to.

A mattress is perhaps the most important piece of furniture in your home. If you get the recommended 8 hours of sleep per night, you will spend at least 1/3rd of your life in that mattress . That means if you keep that mattress for 9 years , 3 of those years will be spent on it. However, many of us dont think about our mattresses and how it impacts our lives every day.

In this guide, I will go over the basics of selecting the correct mattress. Elsewhere on the site, I will go into more detail on each of these topics and more, but this will be enough to get you started. If you just want a recommendation, check out some of our top picks below.

But if youd rather watch than read, we put together this comprehensive video guide on how to shop for the best mattress for you.

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Best Mattress For Combination Sleepers

Combination sleeping can be a tricky business. If youve never heard the phrase before, it basically just refers to a person who sleeps in multiple positions throughout the night. It can be difficult for these folks to find the best mattress for combination sleepers i.e. one that supports them across all of these different positions.

Luckily, Im here to introduce you to the best mattresses for combination sleepers on the market today! Though they differ in terms of style, construction, and price, theyre all designed to sleep comfortably across multiple positions.

What Type Of Mattress Is Best

Some of our favorite types of mattresses include memory foam, latex, and hybrid beds. Memory foam mattresses are excellent for relieving pressure points and pain, while latex mattresses are cool, durable, and responsive. Hybrid mattresses are pressure-relieving and, despite containing coils, are quiet and dont cause much motion transfer.

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How To Choose A Mattress: Our Conclusion

As you can see, there is a lot more that goes into picking a mattress than you might have initially thought!

While cost is always going to be a big factor here, you truly need to get in tune with your body and work out what it needs for the ideal nights sleep. There’s no definitive explanation of how to choose a mattress: you need to adapt your choice to your needs to find the best mattress to meet them.

There are going to be things that work in your favour, like the material you choose, and others that might not be for you, such as the firmness of the mattress. Rest assured, there are many different types of mattresses, so there is going to be something out there that suits you and the way that you rest. This guide to how to choose a mattress should help you understand the factors that you need to consider.

What Is The Best Mattress Topper For A Side Sleeper

How to choose the right mattress

If your bed is too soft or firm for you, you can add a mattress topper to adjust the beds feel. Look for a mattress topper with a medium firmness, providing pressure relief and contouring that your mattress lacks. Youll also need to consider the thickness and density of the topper. A thicker topper can provide more cushioning, and a denser material will deliver more support and longevity.

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Decide What You Want From A Mattress

When looking for a new mattress, its worth making a list of what you want and dont want from your next mattress. This will help you narrow down your options so you dont get overwhelmed by the countless mattress options on the market today.

Try asking yourself the following questions:

  • What do I like about my current mattress?
  • What do I dislike about my current mattress?
  • Is the mattress for me or someone else?
  • What must my next mattress have?
  • Do I need to buy any accessories for my mattress?

How To Test For Comfort In A Mattress:

The second most important criteria for selecting the right mattress are comfort . If a mattress is too hard, it can cause pressure to your body. This cuts off circulation and pinches nerves , and will cause you to change positions frequently.

If youre frequently changing positions, your sleep is fragmented and you dont get into the deeper stages of sleep . This means youll wake up tired, even if you thought you got 8 hours of sleep. When youre trying out the mattress, you should be able to lie in one position without moving around for at least a few minutes. If you can do that, youve found a good mattress.

Those are the two main criteria. If you find a mattress that keeps you in proper alignment which doesnt cause pressure to your body, youve found a great mattress for you. To help fine-tune it from there, there are a few other things to consider.

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What Is The Difference Between Puffy Mattresses

Puffy Mattress is cooling and comfortable with a medium-firm feel. It’s got 5 layers and is 10 thick.

Puffy Lux Hybrid Mattress is highly breathable and airy with targeted spinal alignment and a luxurious medium-plush feel. It’s got 6 layers and is 12 thick.

Puffy Royal Hybrid Mattress is infused with cooling gel to reduce heat retention and has premium zoned full-body support that adapts as you move. Plus an ultra-plush feel with a deluxe cover. It’s got 7 layers and is 14 thick.

Determine Your Ideal Sleeping Position And Firmness

Style Curator

Most of us have a unique way of sleeping every night. No matter if you sleep on your side, stomach, or back, or even if you switch throughout the night, you must consider your sleep style when selecting a mattress. The reason for this is that your favorite sleeping position will determine the ideal firmness of your new bed.

Need help? Visit our complete mattress firmness guide.

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How To Choose The Right Mattress For Your Sleep Position

If your body isnt properly supported while you sleep, you can start experiencing weird aches and pains. As we mentioned above, neck and shoulder pain could indicate that your pillows arent doing their job. But back pain or other types of discomfort might mean that you need a more supportive mattress. Regardless of your preferred sleep position, the goal is to get to a place where spinal support and pressure-point relief intersect.

As is the case when youre standing, proper spinal alignment is important when youre lying down. Your spine should more or less be straight, except for that subtle curve inward toward the belly, in your lower back.

Pressure points are the bony or heavier parts of your bodysuch as the shoulders, hips, or kneesthat press against the surface of the bed. They vary depending on your sleep position. Pressure-point relief is helpful from a musculoskeletal standpoint if you have muscle or joint issues. For instance, if youre a side-sleeper with hip pain or rotator-cuff tendinitis , youll want a mattress that isnt too firm, so it doesnt put excessive pressure on these painful areas.

In general, here are the features you should look for based on your sleep position, as well as tips on how to check for good alignment:

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