The Ultimate Mattress Buying Guide: How to Choose a Mattress

Waking up in pain is the worst! Nobody should start their day feeling stiff or sore. Also, no one wants to wake up sweating buckets or kicking the blankets off because their mattress isn’t breathing right. Of course, it’s normal to need a little time to get used to a new mattress. Take advantage of trial periods and swap it out if it doesn’t feel right.

It feels best when your head, neck, and spine are lined up properly, no matter how you sleep. If this alignment’s off, you might wake up with aches and stiffness.

For most people, buying a mattress is a pretty big deal. That means it’s worth thinking about how long you want your new bed to last. Mattresses made with better materials and solid construction tend to last a lot longer than cheaper ones, meaning you won’t have to buy a new mattress every few years.

For couples, motion transfer is key. A mattress that handles motion well means you won’t disturb each other when moving around during the night. If you want minimal movement, consider a memory foam mattress—this stuff is great at cutting down on motion transfer.

Different mattresses offer different levels of edge support. A mattress with solid edge support lets you sleep near the edge without feeling like you’re going to fall off. Poor edge support, on the other hand, can leave you feeling like you’re about to roll off the bed if you get too close to the side.

No one wants to break the bank on a new mattress. There are tons of options out there, so you can find something that works for your needs without draining your savings, whether you’re after a budget-friendly mattress or something on the fancy side.

Before buying a mattress, it’s smart to check out the company’s reputation and see how open they are about where their materials come from. (This is especially important for things like fire retardants. It’s super important to do your homework before buying a crib mattress for a new baby.) And remember, always make sure the mattress still has its tag on when you buy it.

Dimensions: 39” x 74” (sometimes 75”)

The size of a Twin bed is 39” x 74” (sometimes 75”). Other than a toddler bed or crib, the Twin is the smallest mattress size you’ll find. It’s perfect for kids, teens, or adults who aren’t too tall or who need to save space. If you're sharing a bed with someone, though, this size isn’t the best choice.

Dimensions: 39” x 80”

A Twin XL is 39” x 80”. It’s six inches longer than a regular Twin, but the width stays the same. This makes it ideal for taller kids or teens, or adults who need a narrow bed for a tight space. Finding Twin XL sheets isn’t tough since a lot of college dorms use Twin XL beds.

Dimensions: 54” x 74” (sometimes 75”)

A Full or Double mattress is 54” x 74” (sometimes 75”). It’s the same length as a Twin but 15” wider. A Full works well for someone who likes a little extra space when they sleep alone or for couples who are on the smaller side or just don’t have room for a bigger bed.

Dimensions: 60” x 80”

A Queen mattress measures 60” x 80”. This is a great pick for someone who wants a little more room to stretch out but still has the space in their bedroom. It’s also big enough for most couples to sleep comfortably together.

Dimensions: 76” x 80”

A standard King mattress is 76” x 80”. It’s the same length as a Queen but 16” wider. A King bed is perfect for couples or people who share a bed with their kids (if they’ve got the space—and are cool with all that extra room). For a single person, though, it’s probably overkill unless they have a giant master bedroom they want to fill.

A Split King has the same dimensions as a regular King, but it’s divided either halfway down the length or right down the middle—basically two Twin XL mattresses joined together.

Dimensions: 72” x 84”

A California King is 72” x 84”. It’s about four inches longer than a regular King but four inches narrower. The CA King is all about getting that extra length for taller people, though it does sacrifice some width in the process. Taller folks might love this option.

When people think of “mattress,” they usually picture a classic innerspring mattress. According to Consumer Reports, over 60% of mattress sales these days are innerspring beds. This popular mattress style uses a coil system for support, and it's typically topped with a softer upholstery material like foam, fiber, or even another layer of coils.

There’s no single “standard” innerspring mattress. To figure out which one’s right for you, take a look at the type of coils, how thick they are, and how many there are.

Types of Coils

• Bonnell coils. These are the oldest and most common type of coil. They have an hourglass shape, with their ends wrapped around a circular top and bottom for comfort. The tighter center makes them less bouncy, which helps with stability. These coils are linked together in a continuous system, offering balanced body support.
• Offset coils. You’ll usually find these in higher-end mattresses. They don’t look much different from Bonnell coils, but they have squared ends that make them more durable and quieter.
• Marshall/Pocketed coils. These coils are shaped like barrels and wrapped in fabric. (Sometimes they’re grouped together, sometimes each coil is individually wrapped.) They’re great for minimizing motion transfer and letting your body mold into the mattress.
• Continuous Wire System. Picture a big network of coils that weave all the way through the mattress. These systems offer solid support in the middle third of the mattress, so if you need extra back support, this might be a good option.

The Range of Gauges

The gauge number refers to the thickness of the coils. For mattresses, a typical range is between 12 and 15. The higher the number, the thinner the coil. Thinner coils give the mattress a softer feel overall. A lower number means thicker coils, which give the mattress more firmness and support. The softness or firmness of the mattress also depends on the coil system and what type of coils are used.

Coil Count

Generally, the more coils, the better the mattress. Coil counts can range from about 250 to over 1,000 depending on the mattress size. But even if a mattress has a lot of coils, they might be thinner (have a higher gauge) compared to another mattress with fewer but thicker coils — so it’s important to consider both the gauge and the type of coils, not just the number.

Flipping vs Rotating Coil Systems

Some innerspring or hybrid mattresses are double-sided and can be flipped, while others can’t and should just be rotated. The coil systems in these mattresses are supported in different ways. In a two-sided, flip-able mattress, comfort layers are placed on both the top and bottom of the coil system. In a one-sided, no-flip mattress, the comfort layers are only on top of the base coil system.

These mattress types may need different kinds of support, so always check with the manufacturer to see if you need a box spring or foundation for a specific innerspring mattress. (We’ll dive into box springs and foundations a bit later in this guide.)

Foam mattresses are getting more and more popular. They give people great support and pressure relief without that “bouncy” feeling that comes with coil systems.

There are a bunch of different types of foam to pick from, each offering its own set of features. Here are some of the most common foam mattress options.

Memory Foam

Memory foam is made from something called viscoelastic polyurethane foam. Mattress stores like to say memory foam beds come with health benefits. The way memory foam molds to your body, for example, might help with better spinal alignment, which is a big win for folks dealing with back pain.

When shopping for a memory foam mattress, make sure to check out the foam density. This is measured in pounds per cubic foot. Most mattresses are between 2 to 5 pounds per cubic foot. Memory foam density usually falls into one of these three categories:

• Low-Density: 3.5 lb/cubic ft and under
• Medium Density: above 3.5 lb and below 5 lb/cubic ft
• High-Density: 5 lb/cubic ft or more

In many mattresses, the base layer is the thickest foam layer (in terms of height). The denser the base layer, the more overall support the mattress will offer.

A higher density means there’s more foam packed into each cubic foot, which means it’s more durable and higher quality. (Yeah, the mattress is probably gonna cost more.) Higher-end mattresses usually have more memory foam compared to other types of foam.

Remember, density doesn’t equal firmness. But, typically, the higher the density, the more support and durability you’ll get.

Latex Foam

Latex foam has some of the benefits of memory foam, but without some of the less desirable traits. It’s comfy and supportive, but it usually breathes better (so it won’t get hot) and bounces back faster than memory foam. That means you won’t get that deep “sinking” feeling that you often get with memory foam. Plus, latex foam is really durable.

There are two main ways to turn latex (whether natural or synthetic) into foam: the Dunlop method or the Talalay method. Both methods clean the latex foam to get rid of impurities and additives. There are a few differences between the two, which you can check out in our guide to natural latex. To sum it up, Dunlop feels more stable and supportive, while Talalay can be made with different levels of softness.

If you’re curious about latex allergies, we’ve got an article on that too, which explains how these allergies work.

Gel

A lot of foam mattresses today have gel infused into them. The idea is that the gel helps cool down the mattress and makes it more breathable. Mattress stores use different technologies to create gel memory foam. There’s not a ton of scientific proof that adding gel actually keeps things cooler, but it doesn’t hurt to ask the brand what kind of technology they use and how they make it work.

Proprietary Blends and Mixes

You might see some mattress brands offering special foam options with names that are unique to them. That’s because foam manufacturers can create special blends or mixes of foam just for those retailers.

These “exclusive” foams get layered into mattresses, each with its own feel and density. It’s a good idea to ask the salesperson or customer service for more info on how the foam feels and how it sleeps (especially how breathable it is!).

A hybrid mattress combines a coil system with another major material — whether it’s foam, a mix of different foams, or natural fibers. People usually go for hybrid mattresses when they want the best of both worlds — the comfort and support that both coils and foam bring to the table. Basically, they’re after a mattress that gives them a bit of spring and support, but also delivers on the pressure relief and body-conforming benefits that foam can offer.

Some mattresses are made with more eco-friendly and sustainable materials. Makers of natural mattresses often use things like sheep’s wool, organic cotton, and natural latex instead of steel coils or synthetic foams. These kinds of mattresses tend to cost a bit more since the materials are usually pricier.

Because latex is naturally occurring, it’s easier to find plant-based, all-natural versions in mattresses. Fans of natural latex products love that it’s resistant to mildew, mold, dust mites, and bacteria. If having natural latex in your mattress is a must for you, make sure to do some extra digging to see if it’s 100% natural or a mix of natural and synthetic latex.

You’ve probably slept on an inflatable air mattress or bed at some point. These compact beds are super affordable and easy to find. But there are also mattresses with built-in air chambers that are a bit different. While they still work on the same basic idea as an air mattress, their design is more complex and durable.

Take Sleep Number beds, for example. These aren’t like your typical inflatable mattress; they look just like a regular bed. Inside, there are air chambers connected to a remote control that lets you add or remove air to adjust how soft or firm the mattress feels. These mattresses often have other layers, like foam or natural fibers, for added support and comfort.

Instead of using coils or foam, waterbeds rely on a water chamber as the main support system. There are two main types: hard-sided or soft-sided beds. According to the Better Sleep Council, a hard-sided waterbed has a water chamber inside a wooden frame, while a soft-sided waterbed has a water chamber inside a foam frame that’s zipped into a fabric cover. You don’t sleep directly on the water chamber; there’s a layer of foam and/or fibers on top, usually resting on a platform. Waterbeds tend to look just like traditional bedroom furniture.

Back in the mid-1980s, waterbeds made up about 20% of the mattress market. These days, they’re not as popular, but they’re still around. There are retailers and showrooms all over that still offer these nostalgic beds.

Smart mattresses are a newer trend in the mattress world. They look and feel pretty much like a standard foam, innerspring, air, or hybrid mattress, but they come with added features designed to improve your sleep.

Smart mattresses come in different shapes and sizes, with various technologies built in. Some have sensors that track things like your vitals, while others sync up with apps on your phone to monitor your sleep quality every night. The idea is that, with the help of a smart mattress, you can pinpoint any sleep issues and tweak your habits to sleep longer, sleep better, and wake up feeling more rested. At least, that’s the plan!

This one’s gonna give your mattress a softer feel on top. There’s usually an extra layer of fiber or foam sewn right into the top.

This style also adds extra material on top, but it’s thicker and denser than a Pillow-top. It’s sewn to be flush with the mattress’s edge, so it doesn’t add extra height. These can also be called “Box-tops.”

This type doesn’t have any extra padding or upholstery on top of the mattress. Tight-tops are still soft but firmer than other Pillow-top mattresses.

Back sleepers usually do best with an average firmness (around 6.5 or 7 on a 10-point scale). They’ll likely do well with a variety of comfort levels as long as the mattress is close to the middle on the firmness scale.

Stomach sleepers need a bit more support under their stomachs at night, so they’ll do better with a firmer mattress than average.

When you sleep on your side, a lot of pressure ends up on your shoulders, hips, and knees. Side sleepers usually do better with softer, plusher mattresses that offer extra relief and contouring support.

This is where personal preference really comes into play. If you wake up mainly in one position, use that as your guide. But you might need to test out a few different comfort levels before finding the mattress that works best for a combo sleeper.

You’re a hot sleeper. Look for mattresses designed to keep things cool. Coil systems are great for airflow, while some gel-infused foams with phase change materials (PCMs) can pull heat away from your body as you sleep. If you’re into the details, PCMs are materials that change form based on temperature. They can absorb and release a lot of energy, which helps keep the temperature steady, making them perfect for bedding like mattresses. On the flip side, all-foam beds tend to trap heat, so be on the lookout for options that specifically advertise coolness or breathability.

You’re healing from an injury or dealing with a chronic one. You’ll most likely need a mattress that’s supportive — but that doesn’t always mean a super firm one. Look for mattresses with foam layers that mold to your body and relieve pressure, which should help with any aches and pains.

You’re expecting a baby. At some point in pregnancy, sleeping becomes a real struggle. Pregnant people are often told to sleep on their sides, but that can put pressure on your shoulders, hips, knees, back, and your growing bump. To make things easier, you might want to add a soft foam topper (if your mattress is already firm) or pick out a new mattress that’s ideal for side sleepers. You could also take a look at our latest list of the best mattresses for pregnancy!

You’ve got specific medical needs. If you've got serious health issues, you might want to consider specialized hospital beds and mattresses. These can be found online or in stores from various retailers. Adjustable or hospital-grade beds and mattresses can let you raise or lower your bed to find the most comfortable position.

A box spring is usually a rectangular wooden box filled with wire coils in a grid pattern. It typically has a skid-resistant fabric on top. The coils come in different shapes, like cone-shaped or square coils, depending on the box spring.

Box springs are used for a few reasons:

• To give you a flat, firm spot to rest the mattress on the bed frame.
• To flex with the mattress coils, helping absorb some of the shock and pressure from the sleeper’s weight while giving overall support.
• To lift the mattress off the floor to a more comfortable height (low-profile box springs are also available if you don’t want a super high bed).

Which Mattresses Need a Box Spring?

So, do you actually need a box spring for your mattress? Generally speaking, a double-sided innerspring mattress could benefit from one. If you’re buying a mattress with coils, check to see if the manufacturer has an accompanying box spring. That’s usually your best bet, and it’ll help your mattress last longer while keeping it in good shape.

It’s also a good idea to read through the mattress warranty, as some manufacturers specify what kind of box spring or foundation your mattress should sit on to keep the warranty valid. Always double-check the warranty for any support recommendations.

A foundation for a bed is basically a simple rectangular box, made out of wood, steel, or a mix of both. It either has wooden slats crisscrossing over it, or a solid wood top with a cover on it.

Its main job is to hold up the mattress and stop it from sagging. This is different from a box spring, which is more like a shock absorber than a foundation.

Which Mattresses Need a Foundation?

Foam, latex, or non-flip coil mattresses are usually a good match for a foundation. They need a solid, flat base, and that's exactly what a foundation’s there for.

Some foam mattresses can also work on a box spring. For example, a hybrid mattress that’s part coil and part foam should be fine on a box spring. If you’ve already got a box spring, you might not even need to buy a foundation.

It’s always a good idea to double-check with the mattress maker to find out which foundations will work with a particular mattress.

A platform bed is a piece of furniture that has a frame, a headboard, and a footboard, with wooden slats running across the bottom. This can be a solid choice for some mattresses since it provides a stable, flat surface for the mattress to sit on.

But when it comes to bigger or heavier mattresses, a platform bed might not be enough to support them. It could even void your warranty, so it’s a smart idea to check with the company before buying a platform bed (or a new mattress).

An adjustable bed, also called an adjustable base or foundation, is a flat, supportive type of bed with hinges that lets you change positions. Think of it like a hospital bed, where you can raise and lower the head and feet (and more), but made for home use.

Not all mattresses are compatible with adjustable beds. "Make sure you pair an adjustable frame with a quality adjustable mattress because the flexing motion causes extra wear," says The Better Sleep Council. "You shouldn’t put mattresses and foundations not designed for adjustable beds on an adjustable bed frame. Adjustable mattresses can be innerspring, foam, or a mix of both."

These are the most basic options, with not a lot of bells and whistles. You might find innerspring, foam, and maybe a few hybrid mattresses in this range. The brand names probably won’t be super well-known, so it’s a good idea to do a little homework first. You’ll probably see fewer coils and thinner foam layers, meaning they won’t last as long as pricier ones. But hey, it’s totally possible to score a new bed in this range.

If you’re shopping in this range, check out the best affordable mattresses.

In this price range, you’ll find a good variety of mattress types, including hybrids, adjustable air beds, and even some basic smart mattresses. They might not be the fanciest options, but they’ll be made with solid materials and usually come with a decent trial and warranty period.

If you’re shopping in this range, check out the best mattresses under $1,000.

At this price point, you’ll start seeing premium materials like gel-infused foams, natural latex, and even organic options. Big-name brands and bed-in-a-box companies will have several models in this range, giving you lots of options to compare.

If you’re shopping in this range, check out the best mattresses under $2,000.

Mattresses in this range will feature the latest and greatest materials, built with quality craftsmanship that’s made to last. You’ll find more natural options, and even smart beds with top-tier tech. There are tons of places to shop here, from luxury stores to well-known online brands.

This is where you’ll find the absolute crème de la crème of mattresses. These are the luxury, hand-crafted mattresses, made with incredible attention to detail. For $5,000 and up, expect superb quality, with mattresses that take days to make by hand. They’ll use only the finest natural materials from all over the world. Coil count? Think 4,000 and beyond.

If you’re after the best of the best, check out the best luxury mattresses.

When it comes to buying a mattress, a trial period means you get some time to test it out at home, totally risk-free, before deciding if it’s worth keeping. This has become a pretty popular option, especially with bed-in-a-box companies and online mattress stores. Since you can’t actually feel the mattress in person before buying, a trial period gives you a chance to see if it really works for you before fully committing.

As we mentioned earlier, a lot of mattress companies will take the mattress back, but they won’t reuse it. This can be a bit of a waste from an environmental perspective. So, do your best to choose a mattress that feels like it’s going to be the right one for you, so you don’t have to return too many mattresses.

In general, a mattress warranty is pretty important. It’s there to cover you in case there’s a problem with the mattress—like a manufacturing defect or something like that. The Federal Trade Commission actually says that stores have to make warranties available to customers before buying, whether you’re shopping in person, by catalog, or online.

Always check to make sure your mattress has a tag on it that says, “do not remove under penalty of law.” That’s a sign that the mattress hasn’t been tampered with.

Here are some things to keep an eye out for when you’re reading the warranty:

• Length of the warranty: Mattress warranties can vary in length. You’ll often see them listed in years, but sometimes you might come across things like “Lifetime” or “Limited Lifetime” warranties. Make sure you read the fine print to figure out exactly how many years that covers.
• Prorated vs. non-prorated: Sometimes, the manufacturer will give you back the full price of the mattress, but only for the first few years. After that, if something goes wrong, you could be stuck covering part of the cost.
• Sagging: If your mattress is made of foam, sagging is a pretty common issue. It’s worth checking if the warranty covers sagging up to a certain depth. That way, if the mattress starts to sink too much and you think it might be a defect, you can measure and see if it’s covered by the warranty.

Keep in mind, there are a few things that could void your warranty:

• Stains or liquid damage: If you spill anything on the mattress, it could totally void your warranty. The easiest way to avoid this is to slap a waterproof protector on it as soon as you get it.
• Not having the right support: If the mattress doesn’t have the right support, your warranty could be invalid. The warranty should tell you what kind of support is needed, which can depend on how the mattress is built. (Check out our section above on box springs, foundations, platform beds, and adjustable beds for more details.)
• Flipping or rotating: Some mattresses need to be rotated or flipped regularly to wear evenly. If you don’t do this, you might end up voiding the warranty.
• Removing the tag: If you cut off the tag, your warranty could be gone. So, keep that tag on the mattress.
• Not being the original owner: If you didn’t buy the mattress yourself, the warranty won’t apply.
• Personal preferences: The warranty won’t cover it if you just don’t like the mattress. If you’ve decided it’s not for you based on how it feels, you won’t get a refund (unless you’re still within that risk-free trial period).

Vacuuming your mattress at least twice a year can help stop sweat, dust, and allergens from building up, says Bob Vila, the home maintenance expert. It’s even better if you can remember to do it when you rotate your mattress seasonally.

Before you vacuum, strip the bed of all linens. Vila suggests using the upholstery attachment on your vacuum and focusing a little extra time on the seams where most stuff tends to collect.

Stains happen. Instead of just ignoring them and covering them back up with sheets, you should clean them right away to keep your mattress lasting longer.

Home Revolution suggests using lemon juice and salt to fight stains:

Mix the lemon juice and salt to make a rough paste. Gently rub it on the stain and let it sit for about 30-60 minutes. Wipe it off with a clean towel, and the stain should fade. The bleaching power of lemon and the moisture-absorbing salt are a great combo for getting rid of stains. But if you’ve got a dark or dyed mattress, don’t use lemon because it could bleach and mess with the color.

Another option is to mix some natural dish soap, baking soda, a little hydrogen peroxide, and water in a spray bottle. Spray it on the stain, then blot it with a clean rag. It’s a bit of work, but it works wonders for old stains.

As part of your mattress cleaning routine, think about using baking soda to freshen it up. Here’s what Consumer Reports suggests:

Sprinkle baking soda all over the mattress—don’t be shy, especially if this is your first cleaning. You might want to use a whole 1-pound box. For the best results, let it sit for 24 hours. That means you might need to plan the cleaning around an overnight trip or be okay with sleeping somewhere else for a night.

If you can, try putting the mattress near a window so the sunlight can help with the cleaning.

Flipping or rotating your mattress helps it wear more evenly, so it lasts as long as possible. Depending on what kind of mattress you have, flipping it might not be necessary. Older mattresses might still need to be flipped, but the newer ones are designed with specific layers that don’t need flipping or rotating. Some mattresses might only need an occasional rotation instead.

To figure out what’s best for your mattress, check with the brand or manufacturer. They should give you instructions on whether or not it needs flipping or rotating. You might also find this info in the warranty details.

In general, memory foam, latex foam, hybrid, and innerspring mattresses benefit from rotating every three months. And don’t forget to rotate the mattress 180 degrees when the seasons change.