Choosing the Right Type of Mattress

How to Buy the Best Mattress for You

A comfortable mattress is essential for getting consistent and restful sleep. Choosing a mattress based on its size, structure and softness is a great way to find the right fit for your space and sleep style.

Learning about the different types of mattresses can help you make an informed decision on which brand will keep you cozy and give you quality slumber every night.

This guide takes a look at:

How to Choose a Mattress: What to Look For

To select the right mattress, you should first decide which size will suit your needs and fit in your bedroom. Try taking a sleep quiz to find out what mattress would suit your sleep style. Next, research the different types of mattress materials and how soft or firm they are. From there, you can choose the model, build and brand that will be most comfortable for you.

Standard Mattress Sizes

When selecting the right size mattress, both the sleeper and the sleep space need to be taken into account. Choose a mattress that offers plenty of elbow room for stretching out and getting comfortable. At the same time, your choice should fit well in the bedroom and leave enough space for the bed frame, nightstands, dressers and other furniture.

Twin

You can also try 38 x 80 twin XL mattresses for a tall child or a teen in a dorm room.
Twin Mattress Dimensions

A 39″ x 75″ twin mattress is a space-saving choice for a child’s bed. You can also try 38 x 80 twin XL mattresses for a tall child or a teen in a dorm room.

These mattresses work in daybeds, bunks and trundles, making them great for shared kids’ rooms as well.

You can also try 38 x 80 twin XL mattresses for a tall child or a teen in a dorm room.
Twin Upholstered Bed
Twin Upholstered Bed

Available twin mattress types include: memory foam, gel foam, plush, and firm.

Full

Since they are slightly wider than a twin, sleepers can spread out in a full bed and still have room to spare.
Full Mattress Dimensions

Another smart option for kids and teens, full mattresses are 54 inches wide and 75 inches long.

They are a fitting and economical choice for smaller rooms, especially if you choose a low-profile mattress set that comes with a foundation.

Since they are slightly wider than a twin, sleepers can spread out in a full bed and still have room to spare.
Full Upholstered Bed
Full Upholstered Bed

Full mattress options include: firm,gel foam, plush, full set, memory foam.

Queen

With 60
Queen Mattress Dimensions

Their surface area makes queen mattresses a good fit for couples.

For solo sleepers in an apartment or guest bedroom, an adjustable queen bed can offer extra comfy and spacious slumber.

With 60" x 80" measurements, these beds provide plenty of space to avoid crowding.
Queen Panel Bed
Queen Panel Bed

Queen mattress options include:

King

Couples with different comfort preferences may prefer a split king mattress. These allow each sleeper to customize the comfort level on their side of the bed.
King Mattress Dimensions

A 76″ x 80″ king mattress gives couples ample room to sprawl out. Adjustable beds also allow each person the ability to sit read or watch television comfortably without disturbing their partner.

Longer California king mattresses can be the best king-size mattress for taller people since their 72″ x 84″ dimensions provide a generous amount of space to accommodate their height.

Couples with different comfort preferences may prefer a split king mattress. These allow each sleeper to customize the comfort level on their side of the bed.
King Panel Bed
King Panel Bed

King mattress options:

Types of Mattresses

The Best Options for Your Budget and Sleep Style

Sleep Position

Your preferred sleeping position is a key factor in determining which type of mattress is best for you. Certain mattresses suit those who lie on their sides, while others may be more comfortable for people who sleep on their backs or stomachs. Depending on whether you tend to run hot or cold, some materials may be a better choice than others as well.

Price

Price is another important aspect of choosing a mattress. Models that come with accessories and features like adjustable bases, mattress protectors, toppers and specialty pillows can offer luxurious, long-lasting comfort for your sleep space. There are also budget-friendly mattresses that promote quality sleep for under $1000.

Mattresses below $1000
Mattresses below $1000

Innerspring

Bouncy innerspring mattresses are among the most affordable and common options. These beds are the best choice for stomach sleepers due to their level base of strong coils. The springy surface can allow restless sleepers to shift positions with ease. These mattresses also circulate air to help keep you cool through the night.

Wrapped coils help distribute body weight and provide support, ensuring comfortable sleep.
Wrapped coils help distribute body weight and provide support, ensuring comfortable sleep.

Innerspring is also available in a Mattress in a box option.

Memory Foam

Many people consider memory foam to be the best mattresses to help with back pain. Regardless of your sleep position, the material conforms to your shape to provide customized comfort.

Sizes include twin memory foam, full memory foam, queen memory foam and king memory foam. Sets include king memory foam sets and queen memory foam sets.

Natural Latex

Latex mattresses are another option that may help alleviate pressure in the body. Soft cotton or wool covers allow the sleeper’s hips and shoulders to sink into the mattress while the natural buoyancy can help support the neck and spine.

Latex options include latex queen or latex queen set. Latex king or latex king set and adjustable latex sets.

Latex mattresses contain fast-response foam that returns to its natural form quickly, making it easier to climb in and out of bed than with softer foam mattresses.
Latex mattresses contain fast-response foam that returns to its natural form quickly, making it easier to climb in and out of bed than with softer foam mattresses.

Gel Memory Foam

The increasingly popular gel memory foam mattress offers exceptionally comfortable rest for most people. Like latex mattresses, these beds have several layers of soft material that adjust to a sleeper’s body. This cooling mattress is a breathable alternative to traditional memory foam, which may hold on to heat.

Gel memory foam mattresses and fluffy bedding offer cloud-like comfort.
Gel memory foam mattresses and fluffy bedding offer cloud-like comfort.

Available sizes include twin gel foam, full gel foam, queen gel foam, and king gel foam. Adjustable gel foam and gel foam mattress in a box also available.

Hybrid

Combining the durability of innerspring mattresses with the coziness of latex and memory foam, hybrid mattresses provide both luxury and longevity. These beds tend to have a higher price tag because of their different features. Even so, the blending of soft and supportive elements helps create a more consistent sleep experience over time.

The high quality and longevity of hybrid mattresses make them an excellent choice for growing kids and teens.
The high quality and longevity of hybrid mattresses make them an excellent choice for growing kids and teens.

Comfort Levels

Comfort is key when it comes to getting the rest you need. A good mattress should have the right level of softness and strength to help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. However, what’s cozy and soothing for one person may mean a sleepless night for another. Get familiar with the mattress firmness scale and explore both snuggly and sturdy options to find the right sleep surface for you.

Plush Mattresses

Those who like an extra soft sleep experience should consider a soft mattress for their bedroom. The material contours to the body help support and relieve pressure points. As such, these are good mattresses for side sleepers and people who deal with tension and pain in their backs, shoulders, necks and knees.

Green King Bed with Soft Plush Mattress and Pillows
Green King Bed with Soft Plush Mattress and Pillows

Firm Mattresses

If you prefer a stable and supportive sleep surface, a firm mattress may be a more comfortable option. They distribute your weight evenly to help reduce stress on the muscles, making them a great choice for people who sleep on their backs and stomachs.

Simple and Chic Queen Post Bed with Firm Mattress
Simple and Chic Queen Post Bed with Firm Mattress

Shop for firm mattresses in twin, full, queen and king sizes. Also available in sets: firm full set, firm twin set, firm queen set, firm king set
and firm adjustable set.

Mattress Brands for Superior Slumber

Customers looking for exceptional quality and deluxe comfort should consider some of the top specialty mattress brands. These companies offer high-end mattresses with the latest materials and technologies, often setting trends for other manufacturers. Take a look at these brands of mattresses to learn about their comfy and luxurious features.

A premium mattress helps ensure high-quality sleep, transforming your bedroom into a luxurious retreat.

Tempur-Pedic

With patented materials providing therapeutic relief to your pressure points, Tempur-Pedic mattresses offer exceptional softness and support. Signature models like the PROBreeze and LUXEBreeze beds have built-in ventilators for maximum airflow. The TEMPUR-Adapt series has a premium cover and layered construction for personalized support.

Tempur-Pedic
Tempur-Pedic

Tempur-Pedic sizes include, king, queen, queen sets, and king sets.

Sealy

Sealy is another lavish choice. If you’re looking for maximum comfort, consider a model from their selection of premium cooling pillow-top mattresses.

Sealy
Sealy

Sealy size options:

Stearns and Foster

Sterns and Foster offers quality sleep in a luxury package. These king and queen-size mattresses combine foam layers with strong bedspring coils for maximum support.

Stearns & Foster
Stearns & Foster

Product lines include:

Stearns and Foster sets can be purchased in king and queen.

Kingsdown

Sleepers can experience a refreshing night’s rest with a handcrafted Kingsdown brand mattress. Available in twin and full sets, these beds deliver sumptuous comfort to sleepers of all ages. Their strong springs and high-density foam cores prevent sagging to help relieve aches and support healthy slumber.

Kingsdown
Kingsdown

Twin sets and full sets also for sale.

Beautyrest

As the name suggests, a top-rated Beautyrest mattress offers a deep and invigorating sleep experience. Thick layers of plush memory foam provide cloud-like cushioning and hold body heat to help keep you warm and cozy. Shoppers can browse Pacific Blue models, as well as adjustable beds and models from their Beautyrest Black collection.

Beautyrest
Beautyrest

Beautyrest sizes from Rooms To Go: king, queen and split king. Beautyrest sets available in adjustable, king and queen.

Shopping and Delivery Methods

When it comes to bringing your ideal mattress home, choosing a shopping method can be as important as picking the right size, type and brand. Some shoppers may prefer ordering online, while others may wish to test out different beds in person before making a purchase. Weighing the pros and cons of each option can help you decide how to shop for your mattress.

Buying a Mattress In-Store

Many mattress shoppers still prefer taking the time to test their options in the store. Brick and mortar shopping can help avoid the hassle of a return or exchange. Spending a few minutes on a variety of models allows you to assess comfort level and motion transfer, and you can even take measurements to double-check the fit.

For couples, trying out a mattress in person is a good way to ensure that the model you choose meets both your needs.
For couples, trying out a mattress in person is a good way to ensure that the model you choose meets both your needs.

Buying a Mattress Online

Online shopping is a convenient way to find the right mattress for you. Websites make it easier to browse a large assortment of items.

Boxed Mattresses vs. Traditional Mattresses

Selecting between a traditional mattress or a bed-in-a-box requires a bit of consideration as well. The traditional route often includes sales professionals to help you pick a bed and delivery drivers to set up your new mattress. As such, buying a traditional mattress tends to be a bit pricier in the long run.

Buying a boxed mattress can be a faster, more convenient and lower-cost option. These compressed and packaged beds arrive at your doorstep in a small box that is easier to maneuver through your home than a large traditional mattress. After unboxing, the mattress reshapes itself into a plush and comfy sleep surface.