Your Body Weight And The Right Firmness For You
Like sleep positions, your body weight is an important factor when choosing a new mattress. People who weigh less than 130 pounds often prefer softer mattresses because they dont receive enough cushioning or body contouring from firmer models. Those who weigh 130 to 230 pounds tend to prefer mid-range firmness levels that provide a balance of conforming and support. Sleepers who weigh more than 230 pounds need more support to prevent them from sinking too deeply into their sleep surface, so a firmer feel is usually most suitable.
How To Choose The Best Mattress
The only way to truly know whether a mattress is right for you is to sleep on it. That’s why all the options in our best mattress guide come with a long risk-free trial – if you don’t like one, you can send it back and try another. However, there are some key things to know that will help you choose the right mattress.
Here, we’ll answer some common questions people ask when buying a new mattress, and explain some key considerations to make. We’ll also share our pro tips and tricks for choosing the best mattress for your budget, and recap the best-rated mattresses at the moment.
Hot Or Constrictive Memory Foam
Memory foam can vary considerably by density and formula. As a whole, memory foam mattresses tend to earn the highest ratings, but those that dislike these beds tend to either have an issue with the heat or difficulty moving on the mattress.
Both issues are most closely linked with beds that use thick layers of foam that are highly temperature-sensitive.
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Which Is The Best Type Of Mattress
The short answer is that there isn’t a single best type of mattress. Why? Because everyone is different, so the right type for you depends on your body, your health and your sleep style. Secondly, it’s because the differences between each type of mattress are increasingly negligible. Materials have advanced so much over the last five years alone that it can be difficult to notice any perceptible difference when you’re sleeping on them.
That’s good news for you: it means you should be able to pick any of the options in our best mattress guide and be extremely happy with your choice – regardless of whether it’s made from copper-infused memory foam, coils, cooling latex, or a cutting edge combination of all-natural materials.
However, it can be helpful to know what each mattress type is before you make your final choice. With that in mind, here we walk you though the main options, highlighting the key differences between each…
What Makes The Saatva Stand Out
- The Saatvas balance of comfort and support should make it an excellent option for all three sleeping positions.
- The mattress features a traditional innerspring feel with a softer pillow top.
- The duals sets of coils should promote airflow through the mattress, keeping it from sleeping too hot.
Read the full Saatva mattress review
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Should You Wait For A Black Friday Mattress Deal
In past years, there have been incredible Black Friday deals for mattresses. With ongoing supply chain issues, there is no guarantee that the mattresses will be in stock to be shipped. If youre looking for a great deal on a mattress, your best bet will be to shop the early Black Friday sales which is happening now. Most early Black Friday sales are being extended all the way through Cyber Monday, so you won’t have to wait to get incredible prices.
How Often Should You Replace Your Mattress
According to the Sleep Council, you should change your mattress once every seven years, when you start to notice that you sleep better in other beds or when you wake up with aches and pains. Particularly if it didn’t cost you very much. Luxury mattresses like those crafted by Simba or Brook and Wilde might last you longer – up to a decade. And you can help them last for longer with a mattress protector.
Had your mattress for longer than you can remember? It might be doing more hard than good.
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The Best Mattresses For Achy Backs
The tester: Katy Schneider, New York Magazine features editor
How I sleep: I change positions a lot during the night, and have happily slept on soft beds all my life. The beds at my parents house are so soft I have to actually roll out of them. My boyfriend, on the other hand, would gladly sleep on a mattress fashioned out of a block of cement. Our mattress, which used to be my mattress, is soft, with a pillow topper on it, and tortures him nightly with back pain. Needless to say, he was thrilled when I told him wed be testing Winks most popular mattress: the luxury firm.
What to know: Wink is an interesting company. Its mattresses are handmade to order in Wisconsin, and many of the people working at its factory have been building beds by hand for most of their careers. Wink CEO Dan Adler says certain techniques like hand-sewing the mattress quilt and tape edge, and laying the innersprings by hand ensure the quality of construction on every mattress. From top to bottom, these have a thin layer of foam , air springs , a support pad , andtempered steel coils . Wink beds come in soft, luxury firm, and firm.
The fine print: Wink ships free, but offers room of choice delivery for a fee, and old-mattress removal for an additional fee. Customers get 120 days to decide if they like it. If not, theyll pick it up for free and give a full refund.
The tl dr: Winks middle-ground hybrid option was firm and supportive enough to rid one sleeper of nightly backaches.
How Long Do Mattresses Last
Mattresses tend to last anywhere from 5-10 years, but the average mattress lasts 6-8.
Mattress durability largely depends on type and quality of materials used to make a mattress. The most common reasons for mattress deterioration is sagging, body impressions and general softening. The all result in a lack of support that can cause aches and pains upon waking up.
The least durable mattresses tend to be low-quality innerspring and all-foam mattresses, as the former is susceptible to sagging and the latter tends to form body impressions over time. Hybrid mattresses are a combination of both foam and springs, meaning theyre susceptible to the same forms of deterioration. That being said, hybrid beds are often sold as high-end options and made with higher-quality materials, so they tend to be more durable.
Natural latex mattresses are known as the most durable mattresses. While they do develop impressions and soften over time, it takes a lot longer than foam mattresses.
The best to ensure durability when you purchase mattresses is to look for low-gauge coils, high-density foam , and natural latex instead of synthetic.
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What Can Affect The Price Of A Mattress
Certain mattress features and characteristics can drive up the price-point by a considerable margin. These include the following:
This list is not exhaustive. If a mattress has a relatively high price-point, be sure to read the specs to see why. The cost may reflect special features like those described above but in some cases, the bed might be overpriced.
The Puffy Lux: Most Versatile Luxury Mattress
If you tend to sleep on your stomach but your partner always sleeps on their back, then you need a mattress that meets both your needs. That mattress is The Puffy Lux, designed for all sleeper types so you dont need to compromise. Its also designed to work on any kind of bed frame or surface.
The Puffy Lux features dual cloud foam that adapts to your body to minimise strain, a firm core support layer to keep your spine aligned and a ClimateComfort layer that reduces temperature swings, keeping you a pleasant level of warmth in any season.
Its not as dense as some memory foam mattresses so you can easily switch positions. Andthe Puffy Lux comes with a stain-resistant cover. Less work for you and a mattress that always looks as good as new.
Best for: Support that hits that sweet spot between soft and firm.
Sleeping position: All sleeping positionsType: Memory foamFirmness: Medium FirmSizes: Single, EU Single, Small Double, Double, EU Double, King, EU King, and Super KingTrial period: 101 nights
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What If Im Still Not Sure What Firmness I Need
Most online mattress brands offer sleep trials that give you at least 3 months to make a decision, so you can return the mattress for a refund if you are not satisfied with the firmness level. If you are still unsure about which firmness is right for you after testing several mattresses, consider investing in a mattress with more than one firmness level. These options include flippable mattresses with a distinct feel on the top and bottom surfaces, a dual firmness model with a different feel on the left and right sides of the bed, or an airbed with adjustable firmness levels.
Best Mattress Of 2021
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Logan Foley
If youre shopping for a mattress online, you may be struggling to decide which is the best one for you. There are a ton of options to choose from, and its not always easy to know which mattresses are truly the cream of the crop.
Weve done the research and testing on thousands of mattresses, whittling them down to our favorites to simplify the process for you. Our team of mattress experts has years of experience directly testing these beds, and draws upon thorough background in different mattress construction, materials, and innovations. We also incorporate the experiences of a diverse group of sleepers on our testing team as well as a battery of tests and technologies to evaluate how different mattresses feel and perform for all different types of people.
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Faqs On Best Mattresses:
What is a forever warranty?
Nectar Sleep, according to their T& Cs, claim that theyll guarantee your mattress for as long as you own it. Most similar mattresses offer only a 10 year product warranty, although high-end Vispring offer a 30 year warranty.
Which company has the longest mattress trial period?
At the time of writing, the longest trial period for a mattress is 365 days or a full year. Actually, most of these mattress companies refer to them as night trials rather than day trials, so that should really say 365 nights.
There are companies in the USA that offer longer periods but so far the limit is one year, in the UK. Thats still a very long time!
How do I get the cheapest mattress in the UK?
Make sure to use a voucher code, is the short answer. All of the main UK mattress sellers dish out discounts very easily, as its hugely competitive. I try to list as many active ones as I can on this website.
What Is The Best Mattress For Side Sleepers
One of our favorite mattresses for side sleeping is the AS5 Hybrid, which has a luxuriously plush feel yet maintains full-body support. A good mattress for side sleeping should have a soft to medium feel, ensuring that the mattress will cradle the hips and joints for pressure relief. A too-firm mattress can leave a side sleeper waking up in pain.
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How Can I Figure Out What My Firmness Preferences Are
One way to figure out your firmness preferences is to evaluate how your current mattress feels. Research the firmness level if you are unsure, then determine if the mattress feels too soft, too firm, or just right. Once you have decided on an ideal firmness level or range, focus on other mattress models with comparable feels. Your preferences may not align with the general consensus in terms of body type and sleep position, so do not feel bound to the recommendations listed above.
Best Mattresses For Specific Needs
Sleep is a fundamental pillar of health. Quality sleep impacts your day-to-day activities, physical and mental well-being, and overall health. While a mattress isnt usually a one-stop solution for bad sleep, it is a factor worth considering.
Best Mattress for Arthritis
Arthritis is the swelling of joints and can lead to significant pain, at night, and during the day. Depending on the severity and location of your arthritis, a new mattress and foundation can be a huge benefit.
The best mattress for arthritis takes the pressure off your body, reducing aches and pains.
Best Mattress for Snoring
There are several ways to reduce your chances of snoring. First, it is more common for back sleepers to snore than side sleepers. Because of this, finding a mattress is great for side sleeping is a good place to start. Second, snoring can decrease if you elevate your head and chest. Finding an adjustable bed, which allows you to articulate your head and chest up, will open your airways and reduce snoring.
Best Mattress for Hip Pain
Hip pain is a common sleep disruptor. If your bed is too firm, it can lead to increased pressure on your hips, which leads to tossing and turning. If your bed is too soft, your hip sinks into the mattress and puts pressure on your lower back pain.
The best mattress for hip pain helps alleviate that pressure while still supporting your hips and the natural curve of your spine.
Best Mattress for Athletes
Best Mattress for Adjustable Beds
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The Best Firm And Springy Mattresses
The tester: Steven John, Strategist contributor
How I sleep: Chest down, with one arm under a pillow thats under my head and one leg bent 90 degrees at the knee .
What to know: What sets the Bear Hybrid Mattress apart from Bears OG mattress is alayer of dozens of individually wrapped coils or springs in addition to its four layers of foam. These coils, which comprise the Bear Hybrids thickest layer, compress to accommodate thicker parts of your body, like your shoulders and hips, and allow for ideal spinal alignment and reduction of pressure points. The coils also allow for superior heat transfer away from your body because they create pockets of empty space. Because the coil layer allows the Bear Hybrid to effectively map to any body, it is a great mattress for people who prefer different levels of firmness to share. Like the Bear Original Mattress, the hybrid has a top layer made with Celliant fibers woven into the quilting . Many studies support the stuff, but Im still on the fence.
The tl dr: If you want to fall asleep fast, this mattress is worth the price. Its multiple foam layers provide custom comfort, while the coils offer support contoured to various body types and create space for excess body heat to flow into. The jury may still be out on whether the Celliant topper actually helps restore muscle and joint health, but its definitely soft and inviting.
The tester: Louis
The tester: Anthony Rotunno, Strategist senior editor
The tester: Margaret
How Much Should You Spend On A Mattress
We outlined picks at a variety of price points, but time and again experts have told us to think of a mattress as an investment in your health and well-being. You spend about a third of your life on your mattress and should expect to spend at least $1,000 on a quality mattress. While the upfront cost may seem high, a good mattress should last you about 10 years. Below, you’ll find a chart outlining the average costs of a mattress. For more in-depth information, see our guide on mattress pricing.
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How To Shop For A Mattress
Buying a mattress no longer requires heading to a showroom and having a salesperson lurk over you as you lay on a mattress for 10 minutes to decide if it will suit you for the next decade. In fact, we put together a handy guide of what to expect if you’re shopping for a mattress online at nine popular brands.
To help you shop for a mattress, we spoke with Dr. Luis Javier Peña-Hernández, a lung and sleep health specialist at PCSI.
Helix Dusk Luxe: Best Luxury Mattress For Couples
Sometimes sharing a bed sucks. You cant get the temperature right. When they move, you move. And they like their mattresses firm while you like them soft. Here to save your relationship and your sleep, its the Helix Dusk Luxe.
The Helix Dynamic Foam delivers thatperfect medium-firm feel to keep everyone happy while the polyfoam transition layer provides further ergonomic support. Then theres zoned lumbar support from spring coils to cradle your body and align your spine.
The Helix Dusk Luxe is the best mattress to buy for couples with different sleep schedulesor if one of you suffers from insomniathanks to its motion absorbing qualities. As the mattress reviews confirm, the DuraDense base layer helps dampen movement so you can sleep soundly even while your partner tosses and turns.
Best for: A two-person slumber party where you actually get to sleep.
Sleeping position: Stomach or back sleepersType: Hybrid Firmness: Medium FirmSizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, King, and CA KingTrial period: 100 nights
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