How to choose a Mattress in 2022 - Let's Deal With The Challenge!

Researchers and sleep scientists agree that sleeping peacefully at night is the most significant way to enhance the quality of health and well-being. A mattress plays a huge role in helping us sleep well but many people negate its significance and continue sleeping on a bed that is unable to deliver the required level of comfort and support.
A suitable mattress can be a hefty investment but it will be worth the money in the long run. Choosing a mattress that best suits your personal needs can help you sleep better and improve your overall quality of life.
If you ponder over the question of how to choose a mattress, then our comprehensive shopping guide will undoubtedly help you make a smart choice. Our team of experts has dissected the information step-wise after researching the topic online. Our guide will equip you with the knowledge to determine the right firmness level, thickness, mattress type, and other related features referring to your body weight and sleep style.

Let’s hop on to the details to learn more about how to buy a mattress that will reshape the way you sleep and rejuvenate.

How to Choose a Mattress That Fits You the Best

When it comes to shopping for a mattress, we come across the question: How to select the right mattress in 2022? It is not easy to answer the query unless and until we learn about the criterion or different mattress types. Apart from the buying criteria, we should consider our sleep styles and our physical needs including our body weight, joint pain, and other body aches.

Mattress Types

If you have just begun your search for a suitable mattress, you must have noticed that the number of choices available in the market is limitless. A suitable way to start your search is to research the types of mattresses.

Generally, all mattresses can be classified into five major types.

Hybrid
Innerspring
Foam
Latex
Airbed

Coil/spring mattresses or innerspring mattresses are the most widely known mattresses. Traditionally, every household used to have an innerspring mattress, but in present times, other types of mattresses have made their way into the limelight too.

Hybrid Mattress

Hybrid mattresses generally have a support core made up of a coil mechanism and a comfort system. The soft cushioning part, in some models, can also be made up of latex or Memory Foam. Sometimes, micro-coils can also be included in the comfort layer.

Hybrid mattresses, overall, offer a perfect mix of cushioning and responsiveness that provide your body with immense comfort and desired support. These types of mattresses can be a suitable option for almost all types of sleepers.

Innerspring Mattress

An innerspring mattress has layers of coils or springs that keep your neck, spine, and hips aligned. Also, they are strong enough to support your body and you may rest your body on them without any worries. The best part is that they have soft top layers that give your body the desired softness and comfort. So, you don’t feel as if you have compromised the comfort part of a spring mattress.

The coil mechanism in an innerspring mattress provides sufficient support but they might not be able to relieve pressure like memory foam mattresses. Such mattresses have a responsive surface and can isolate motion to a limited extent. Innerspring mattresses are affordable, and thus, are a popular choice among people on a budget

Memory Foam Mattress

Memory Foam mattresses are primarily made up of Memory Foam. This type of foam is widely known for its deep body hug to feel and slow responsiveness when body pressure is applied on the surface.

Memory foam mattresses offer relief from pressure point pains, especially around sensitive areas such as hips, shoulders, lower back, and neck.

One notable downside of these mattresses is that they trap heat and are not suitable for people who sleep hot. A lot of brands and bed shops nowadays are trying to counter this problem by infusing their foams with cooling technologies and natural particles like mint, graphite, copper, and gel.

Latex Mattress

Latex mattresses are made up of high-density materials to support your body weight. These mattresses provide increased responsiveness and are highly durable. Since they are manufactured using pure and natural materials, they have become a suitable option for eco-conscious people. Alongside, these eco-friendly mattresses provide cushion to the body. So, it is a win-win situation with a combination of comfort and support.

However, these mattresses are not good for sleeping couples who are concerned about movement transfer.

Airbeds

Airbeds or air mattresses are made with air chambers. These chambers make up the core of the mattress. Depending on their construction and design, an air mattress can have single or multiple air chambers. A manual or electric pump can be used to inflate the mattress. Users can increase or decrease the amount of air to alter the firmness level.

Sleeping Positions Matter

Considering how to pick the perfect mattress that uplifts sleep quality depends greatly on how we sleep. The type of sleeping position determines the kind of sleeping surface that is best suitable for a peaceful night’s sleep.

When we talk about sleeping positions, all humans are categorized into 4 groups:

Back Sleepers
Stomach Sleepers
Side Sleepers
Combinations Sleepers

According to WebMD, 63% of Americans are side-sleepers, 14% are back sleepers and 16% are stomach sleepers.

Back Sleepers

They sleep on their back. They need a perfect shoulders-spine-hip alignment. A soft foam bed is not good for them because it would not provide them the desired support for neck-shoulders-spine-hip alignment. Rather, in their specific situation, they need a medium-firm mattress that can be 6.5-7/10 on the firmness scale.

Stomach Sleepers

These people sleep on their stomachs while having their faces turned to their left or right side. This is a harmful position from the medical viewpoint because it strains your lower back and neck. However, the people who prefer this sleeping position should go for firm mattresses that may range from 7-9/10 on the firmness scale. Some people may find this kind of bed too hard and can opt for a spring or hybrid bed that can offer soft layers along with the firm bed.

Side Sleepers

These folks sleep on their left or right-hand side. From a health viewpoint, it is the best position that comes up with spine-pelvis alignment. Plus, it reduces the chances of acid reflux and heartburn. Also, it can prevent diseases such as Parkinson’s & Alzheimer’s. Similarly, it is good for general health.

However, this position needs a lot of pressure relief for the hips and shoulders. A firm or hard mattress is not good for them. Instead, they should use a soft or medium mattress that can be 4-6/10 on the firmness scale. They need a bed where their body can sink a bit in to release its pressure.

Combination Sleepers

These sleepers neither sleep on their back nor stomachs nor do they rest on their sides. They keep turning and tossing throughout their sleep hours. At one moment they are side-sleepers, and at the other moment, they are stomach or back sleepers. With every changing position, their body requirements change (that are already mentioned above). It makes the case a little complicated because they need a bed that is a combination of both soft-medium-hard. They should go for Hybrid and Latex bed mattresses.

Technically, most of the sleepers are combo sleepers because no matter which sleeping position group they belong to, they turn their sides during their sleep.

Body Weight Matters

Finding a suitable mattress to help you sleep well also depends on the structure and weight of your body. Generally, mattress shoppers are not aware that body weight is a decisive factor in mattress selection. Most of the mattresses are tailored for people who weigh between 200-250 pounds.

The shape, structure, and weight of the sleeper matter the most when choosing a mattress.

Light Weight Sleepers

People who weigh under 130 pounds can sleep well on a low-profile mattress. Such people can enjoy sufficient cushioning when sleeping on a soft surface. Light-weight sleepers who prefer sleeping on their sides can help relieve their pressure point pains when choosing to sleep on a softer mattress. Foam and hybrid mattresses can be suitable options for such sleepers.

Sleepers with Moderate Body Weights

Sleepers who weigh between 130 and 230 pounds can enjoy a restful night’s sleep on almost all types of mattresses. Foam mattresses, hybrid beds, and latex mattresses are popular choices among people with moderate body weights. Such people can choose a mattress depending on their personal sleep preferences and body needs.

Heavy Sleepers

People who weigh over 230 pounds are classified as heavy sleepers and tend to sink into a soft mattress. Such people often suffer from pain surrounding the hip, lower back, and spine when they sleep on soft sleeping surfaces. Heavy sleepers generally feel comfortable over a firmer surface as such beds provide greater support for sensitive body areas.

Bouncier mattresses with increased responsiveness allow heavy-weight sleepers to move across the mattress more easily. Also. they prevent the users from sinking into the bed. Hybrid and latex mattresses are responsive and considered a good choice for such types of sleepers.

Body Shape and Structure

Not only weight but the shape and structure of the body also influence how to choose a suitable mattress. Sleepers who have broad hips and shoulders generally feel comfortable when lying down on a soft surface with enhanced cushioning.

Taller people also should keep in mind the size and dimensions of the mattress before making a purchase.

Durability

Mattress durability is a significant feature for all types of people regardless of weight, shape, and structure. But people who weigh heavy require sturdier options that can withstand increased pressure for longer periods.

Heavyweight sleepers are thus advised to sleep on high-profile mattresses with denser comfort layers to get the required level of comfort.

Some Significant Factors to Be Considered

There are some factors that directly influence the selection process of a suitable mattress. keeping these things in mind will create a clear picture in your mind about the kind of mattress you want for you and your family.

The significant factors that you should consider at the time of mattress shopping are as follows:

Size of a Mattress
Thickness Level of a Mattress
Firmness Level of a Mattress
Quality of Mattress Materials
Edge Support
Mattress Temperature
Motion Transfer

Size of a Mattress

As a well-informed shopper, you should be aware of different mattress sizes so that you may choose the right mattress for you as a single person or as a couple.

Here are different mattress sizes with reference to how many people can use them. This is another consideration when you decide How to select the right mattress that elevates the overall quality of sleep.

Bed Type	Bed Measurement	No. of in-bed sleepers
Twin	39″ X 75″	1 single person
Twin XL	39″ X 80″	1 single person
Full	54″ X 75″	2 persons
Queen	60″ X 80″	2 persons
King	76″ X 80″	2 heavy persons

Now, if you are a single heavy sleeper, a queen-sized or a full-sized bed is good for you as it will give you enough space to change your sleeping positions. You will feel it is not only spacious enough but also comfortable enough for a peaceful sleep. However, if you are a plus-sized couple, you should opt for a king-sized mattress because it will offer sufficient room for the tossing and turning of both of you. Moreover, none of you will get disturbed because of the movements of the other partner.

Thickness Level of a Mattress

Mattress thickness is directly related to body weight. When choosing a mattress for your household, keep in mind the body weight of the sleepers and corresponding thickness levels so that you can harness the product to the best of its abilities.

A table is constructed so that a picture should emerge in your mind.

Body Weight (lb)	Suitable Mattress Thickness (Inches)
200-250 lb	10” or 10″ plus
250-300 lb	12” or 12″ plus
300-350 lb	14” or 14″ plus

If you are above 250 lb, it means you need a thicker mattress that provides extra body support. Moreover, if you follow the given chart your mattress will stay longer and will give you the desired feel.

At least, a 12” or thicker mattress is required for you. If you keep these details in mind, it will be easier for you to pick the right thick mattress for you.

Firmness Level of a Mattress

On a mattress firmness scale, there are four levels of firmness that you can select when buying a new mattress.

Mattress Firmness Type	Firmness scale (Level)
Soft/Plush	1-2
Medium Soft	3-4
Medium Firm	5-7
Firm/Hard	8-10

For a 250-300 lb sleeper or more, a soft and medium soft mattress will never be recommended because these mattresses are not strong enough to support your neck, shoulders, spine, and hips. Rather, they will cause discomfort and you will feel as if you are sinking in the bed. In some cases, you might end up developing some health issues such as backache.

However, medium-firm and firm mattresses are great choices for you. You will find them comfortable and supportive. Alongside, they will keep your entire body aligned.

Quality of Mattress Materials

The plus-sized sleepers should go for the mattress that may stay durable over the years. If the mattress is not strong enough to support the body it will sag over a few years. The saggy condition may further result in health problems such as developing body aches.

Therefore, soft and medium-soft mattresses can never be your choice. You should go for mattresses that are made with layers of spring, coils, and high-density materials.

Edge Support of a Mattress

Edge support means how well a mattress holds you when you sleep on its edges. Unfortunately, all kinds of mattresses don’t provide this feature, whereas it is a crucial spec to consider for any sleeper up to 250 lb or above.

Especially, a plus-sized or heavier person needs more space to move on the bed during sleep time, and obviously, there are moments when we sleep on the bed edges. So, if there is no support on the mattress edges, you may fall done the bed while sleeping. This worry will not let you enjoy a peaceful sleep.

In general, Hybrid and Innerspring mattresses provide good edge support. For Memory Foam mattresses, some bed types offer support and some don’t. Therefore, you will have to discuss this feature with mattress retailers and manufacturers while shopping.

Mattress Temperature

When you look for a perfect mattress, always consider your temperature preference: whether you like cool sleeping or hot sleeping.

Hot or cool sleeping depends on the material that a mattress is made up of. Usually, foam mattresses are known for their hot sleeping feature; nevertheless, they use airflow technology for some of their product lines so that they may cater to cool sleepers too.

If you are a hot sleeper, you will get various options in Memory Foam Mattress, though they may customize the mattress for your cool sleeping, too.

Generally, innerspring mattresses and Hybrid mattresses provide cool sleeping options.

Motion Transfer

Whenever you buy a mattress, always look at the feature of motion transfer. It means that if you and your sleeping partner turn your sides in the bed, the other partner will get disturbed by the movements. If you are a sensitive sleeper who gets affected by the motion transfer, you should ensure that your mattress should transfer zero motion. For that purpose, you should consult the customer service of the mattress store you are purchasing from.

Joint Pain & Back Ache Matter

When thinking about ways how to choose a mattress, an important factor that often gets sidelined is our health condition. Some people suffer from severe body aches and joint pains and cannot just sleep on any mattress. A wrong mattress not only ruins their sleep time but also can make their bad back even worse.

Unfortunately, 80% of people face this health problem at some age point. They require not only an extra comfortable mattress but also an extra supportive mattress. A conscious and well-informed mattress shopping is required in this case because a too soft mattress will not provide the desired spinal support, and a too firm mattress will cause more pain in body pressure points.

Fortunately, there is a huge product line for people with back pain when it comes to buying a mattress. Therefore, if you fall in the ‘body ache category’, you must consider the pain-relieving-mattress that are specially and purposefully designed.

Memory foam mattresses are considered a good option for relieving pressure point pains. However, people suffering from severe joint aches and body pains may require firmer surfaces and elevated support to target sensitive body areas. Hybrid mattresses are generally deemed a good option for people who require specialized support for their painful symptoms.

General Mattress Buying Guide for You

If you are thinking about how to buy a mattress online and are confused about choices, refer to our comprehensive shopping guide to make a smart and wise purchase.

Analyze Different Mattress Types

You have to choose among different types of mattresses concerning your personality type, your sleeping habits, your body requirements, and your partner’s needs. If you go through the list of mattress types, it will lead you towards making the correct decision.

Consider Warranty

Usually, different mattress companies offer warranties from 10 to 25 years. They cover all manufacturing faults such as broken or loosened coils and sagging of the mattress. It’s a great feature that should be kept into account at the time of mattress selection.

Test the Mattress before Selection

It is not wise to depend on the mattress pros and cons that are written by the company or which are available online. You should also lie down on the mattress for almost 10 minutes and turn your sides. Try out your sleeping position that you carry most of the bedtime. Here, figure out if it is too comfortable, if it is too hard, if it is smelly, if it is too bouncy, if it is too hot or cool, etc.

Make sure the brand is offering a sleep trial so that you can test the product before making the payment. If the mattress fails to cater to your personal needs, you should be able to return it and get a refund/exchange in a hassle-free way.

No Delivery without Inspection

I would recommend that you shouldn’t accept a mattress delivery until and unless you inspect it to your satisfaction. Do watch out if there are any stains, dirt, or any other flaw. Just check if it is labeled as ‘all-new material’. Similarly, if it is a mattress in the box, even then don’t delay its inspection.

If the delivery service leaves and you notice something that is not up to your expectations or the company’s claims, take photographs of it with your smartphone. Then, do call customer service immediately and send them the pictures as proof. Hopefully, you will get immediate help from your seller.

However, if you delay the inspection, you will be in a weaker position to complain about something or register a claim.

Be Vigilant With Return Policies

First of all, read the ‘Return Policy’ of the mattress you intend to buy in detail and with care.

Make sure that you get a full refund in case of a return. Also, you should have an equivalent exchange option.

Usually, they offer a ‘comfort guarantee, which means you have a trial period of up to 120 days. Read the duration of this period carefully.

Some mattress retailers make you responsible for the delivery or ask for delivery charges.

So, you should read all these details carefully so that you may claim your right, just in case there is something wrong with your mattress.

Enjoy Customization Feature

Your requirements might be different from what a mattress retailer may offer you. Here, you have to be very clear-minded about what exactly you want to find in your mattress.

You should be vocal about your needs and expectations.

In addition to it, you should be aware of the body specifications and sleeping needs of your partner, too. If you don’t know how to make your mattress a win-win thing for you and your partner both, many mattress companies may provide you consultancy on that. Also, they can provide you with specialized services that accommodate all the needs of you both.

Buy a Mattress on a Budget

There is no harm in exploring different types of mattress brands and outlets to finalize the right mattress for you. Even if you find your chosen mattress expensive, never compromise on it just because of the high price.

However, if you don’t have a pocket to buy it, you may look for SALES, where you may buy your favorite mattress at much-discounted rates.

The great news is that many retailer chains respond to price negotiations positively just because of their high markups. So, do negotiate prices with them and mention the sale price of the same mattress that is available somewhere else. You may end up getting up a good discount.

Conclusion

Choosing the right mattress for a restful night’s sleep is not as easy as it may sound. It can be quite challenging to find answers to the question of how to choose a mattress that helps in getting us a long, undisturbed, and comfortable sleep.

You have to follow certain criteria and bear in mind your preferred sleep style, body shape, weight, and other factors to buy a mattress that suits your budget and personal choices.

We hope our comprehensive guide will equip you with sufficient knowledge to purchase a suitable mattress for your household.

FAQs

Q: What mattress should I buy?

Ans: There is no single answer to the question. The article gives you a complete buying guide. We hope it will help you.

Q: What is the most important factor to consider when buying a mattress?

Ans: Your sleep preferences & body weight are the deal-breakers. It means which body position you sleep on: whether it is stomach sleeping, back sleeping, or side sleeping. Similarly, the mattress should be made according to your weight.

Q: How do you know what mattress is right for me?

Ans: The body weight and structure determine the type of mattress that is right for you. A lightweight sleeper gets the most comfort from a softer mattress; a person with a moderate body weight feels comfortable on a medium firm mattress, and a heavy-weight sleeper finds the required support and comfort from firmer mattresses.

Q: What are the qualities of a good mattress?

Ans: Durability, quality of materials, price, firmness, and accurate dimensions are the notable qualities found in all good mattresses.

Q: Which side sleeping position is the best for your health?

Ans: Sleeping on either side of the body depends greatly on the health issues you encounter. Generally, sleeping on the left side is recommended for pregnant ladies and those who suffer from gastrointestinal issues. Sleeping on the right side is generally recommended for people who have cardiovascular and heart-related issues. Softer sleeping surfaces are ideal for people who sleep on their sides.

Q: How long does it take your body to adjust to a new mattress?

Ans: It typically takes a month on average in getting used to a new mattress. No matter what type of mattress you buy and what sleeping position you sleep in, it takes 3 to 4 weeks for your body to adjust to a new sleeping surface.