You don't buy a mattress often, so it may be difficult to know what to look for. However, finding the right mattress doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're a side sleeper or someone with back pain, this step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know about mattresses, including sizes, firmness levels, mattress types, and special features.
Choose the Size You Need
The first step in choosing a mattress is finding the ideal size. If you buy a mattress that's too small, you'll feel cramped. On the other hand, if you choose one that's too big, it may not fit into your room. Here are some mattress sizes to consider.
King-Size Mattress
A king-size mattress measures 76 x 80 inches, making it ideal for those who love to spread out or share their bed with a partner and still have plenty of space. King-size mattresses are also a great choice if you have a large pet who sleeps next to you. If you choose a king-size mattress, make sure that your room is at least 12 feet by 12 feet so that the bed doesn't overwhelm your space.
Queen-Size Mattress
A queen mattress measures 60 inches by 80 inches and is the most popular size because it balances comfort with space efficiency. It's perfect for couples as well as single sleepers. If your room is 10 x 10 feet or larger, a queen mattress should fit comfortably.
Full-Size Mattress
A full-size mattress measures 54 inches by 75 inches and is ideal for solo sleepers or those who live in smaller spaces. You'll get more room than a twin mattress but less room than a queen. If you're a solo sleeper who shares your bed with a pet, a full-size mattress provides a comfortable balance. Tall sleepers may prefer the Full XL, which measures 80 inches in length.
Twin-Size Mattress
A twin-size mattress measures 38 inches by 75 inches and is perfect for teenagers or those in compact spaces. It can also be a great choice if you're outfitting a guest room or purchasing a bed for a dorm room. If you're tall, select the Twin XL, which gives you an extra 5 inches of length.
Decide on the Mattress Type
After you pick your preferred size, the next step is to decide the type of mattress you'd like. This is where your personal preferences start coming into play. Here are the different types of mattresses we offer at City Mattress.
Memory Foam
Memory foam mattresses contour to your body, providing both support and comfort while alleviating pain in areas like your shoulders, hips and back. These durable mattresses also help with spinal alignment, which can be beneficial for improving posture. Finally, memory foam absorbs movement. So, if your partner moves a lot during the night, the mattress will prevent their movements from interfering with your sleep.
Innerspring
Innerspring mattresses use an open coil design to create a "springy" effect. They're a great choice if you don't want to "sink" into your bed too much. Plus, they're more budget-friendly than memory foam mattresses. If you're a hot sleeper, their open coil design promotes airflow, helping you stay cool throughout the night. You'll also get edge support, which means you can sit on the edge of the bed without sinking into the mattress.
Latex
Known for their durability, latex mattresses are an alternative to memory foam. Like memory foam mattresses, they contour to your body, helping to alleviate any aches or pains you may have. However, they're a better choice for hot sleepers because of their open-cell structure, which promotes airflow and prevents overheating. Furthermore, latex mattresses stand out because of their hypoallergenic sleeping surface, which resists bacteria, dust mites and mold.
Hybrid
If you're undecided, opt for a hybrid. A hybrid mattress offers the best of both worlds. You'll get the contouring support of memory foam, combined with the breathability that comes with the open coil design.
Pick the Level of Firmness
The next step is how firm you want your mattress to be. This section is all about your personal comfort, and your choice can make the difference between waking up feeling refreshed or waking up feeling sore. Here are some choices City Mattress offers.
Plush
If you love the idea of sinking into a cozy mattress, then a plush mattress is for you. You'll also experience pressure-relieving sleep, as these mattresses contour to your body. Plush mattresses are particularly beneficial for side sleepers, too, and are gentle on joints. Plus, their motion-isolation feature makes them great for couples.
Firm
Prefer not to sink into your mattress? Opt for a firm one. Firm mattresses are ideal for back and stomach sleepers since they help keep your spine aligned and prevent the sinking "hammock" effect. Firm mattresses are also a better choice for heavier individuals.
Pillow Top
Pillow-top mattresses offer a plush surface stitched to the top of a firm mattress, providing a soft surface and a firm middle that keeps your spine aligned.
Do You Have Back Pain?
If you have back pain, this should be one of your first concerns when picking a mattress. The right mattress can make your back feel supported, while the wrong one can leave you with more aches in the morning. Select a mattress based on where you experience back pain.
Lower Back Pain
If you have lower back pain, it's important to alleviate the stress on that area when you sleep. Select a mattress that maintains proper spinal alignment and supports the lower back, specifically the lumbar area. For firmness, choose a medium to firm mattress. As for mattress type, opt for a memory foam or hybrid option. Avoid plush or pillow-top mattresses as you may sink into them too much, aggravating your lower back problems.
Upper Back Pain
For pain in your upper back and shoulders, choose a plush mattress that will cushion those areas. Select a memory foam or latex mattress that will contour to your body, relieving pressure points. If you tend to get hot at night, consider opting for a hybrid mattress, which combines memory foam with breathable open coils.
Full Back Pain
If you suffer from full back pain, choose a medium to firm mattress so that you get the support your back needs. You may also want a hybrid mattress, which provides the contouring effects of memory foam and the coil design of innerspring mattresses.
Preferred Sleeping Position
Another important consideration is your sleeping position, as it greatly influences the type of mattress that will provide the best support. Here are the best mattresses based on your preferred sleeping position.
Side Sleeper
When you sleep on your side, your shoulders and hips press into the mattress more than any other part of your body. This means you need a mattress that contours to your shape. A plush to medium memory foam or latex mattress is probably the best choice. Try to avoid a firm mattress as you may end up with sore hips and shoulders in the morning.
Back Sleeper
If you sleep on your back, you'll need a medium to firm mattress to support your spine and maintain a neutral position. Look for memory foam or latex mattresses that support your lower back without allowing your hips to sink.
Stomach Sleeper
Stomach sleepers, like back sleepers, need a firm mattress to support their spine and prevent their hips from sinking too much. A firm hybrid or innerspring mattress is a good choice. Avoid plush mattresses, as you may develop back pain over time.
Combination Sleeper
If you switch positions during the night, choose a medium to firm mattress for better support and pressure relief. Combine this with a hybrid mattress to benefit from both the innerspring and memory foam features.
Special Add-Ons
Now that you're aware of the basics when it comes to mattresses, you may want some add-ons. Here are some of the additional features you can find at City Mattress.
Adjustable Beds
If you like the idea of adjusting your bed to reduce snoring, for back relief or simply for comfort, we offer a variety of adjustable beds. Our memory foam, latex and hybrid mattresses usually work best with the adjustable feature.
Cooling
If you're a hot sleeper, choosing a mattress with cooling features, such as an open coil design, should be one of your priorities. Our hybrid and innerspring mattresses are great choices.
Motion Absorption
Motion-absorbing mattresses are perfect for people who sweat a lot when they sleep. Opt for natural materials, such as cotton, and select innerspring or hybrid mattresses that promote airflow and keep you cool while you sleep.
Hand-Made
If you're searching for handmade or eco-friendly materials, our organic latex mattress is an excellent choice. Besides being hypoallergenic, its open-cell structure promotes airflow, allowing for a cooler and more comfortable sleep.
Anti-Microbial
An anti-microbial mattress prevents the growth of bacteria, dust mites, fungi and mold. For people with allergies, anti-microbial mattresses, like latex and memory foam, are excellent choices. Don't forget to pair your mattress with anti-microbial pillows.
Pricing
Once you've made a list of everything you'd like to have in a mattress, it's time to consider your budget. At City Mattress, our "Price" slider makes it easy to set a spending limit while ensuring you prioritize your needs.
Finding the Perfect Mattress
While there are many factors to consider when buying a mattress, it doesn't have to be a complicated process. Simply write down your preferences using this guide, and then utilize the filters on our City Mattress page to refine your options. From there, finding the right mattress is simple!
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