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Last Updated March 13, 2024
When it comes to getting a good night's sleep, the quality of your mattress is more important than anything else. A good mattress can mean the difference between a quality night's sleep and tossing and turning all night. If a good mattress can make an impact so big, then imagine what the best mattress can do for you each night!
But with so many options on the market, it can be difficult to choose the best mattress for you. The "best mattress" is, after all, a very broad statement. How is a mattress decided to be the "best"? Would it be the "best" for everyone buying it? If not, then how do you find yourself the best mattress?
In this blog, we'll answer all these questions as well as discuss the different types of mattresses available, the factors to consider when making a purchase, and the best mattresses of 2023.
The "best mattress" is a term that will yield a different perspective from every single individual reading this article. It's a matter that involves many different aspects of an individual's life and surroundings. For instance, the best mattress for side sleepers may not necessarily be perfect for stomach sleepers. Similarly, a person that loves a cool climate when sleeping will be put off by a mattress that retains heat.
So, deciding what the best mattress is for you will come down to the many attributes, including the materials, construction, and the different types of mattresses available today.
To start out with, let us consider all the important factors you should consider when choosing a mattress. No matter what mattress you end up choosing, there are some factors about it that decide its effectiveness. These factors vary for different mattress types, and each sleeper type will tend to prefer some of these factors while not minding much about others. Either way, when researching to find the best mattress for you, take into mind these defining factors of a mattress.
Let's start out with your budget. You can spend anywhere from $100 to $5000 or more for a mattress.
Between $100 and $500, you will find low to mid-quality mattresses that are unreliable for the long term.
Between $600 and $2000, you can find above mid to high-quality mattresses that last long and provide way better performance than the ones priced below them.
Anything above $1500 can be considered luxury-quality mattresses, but they are often a hefty investment for the average person.
Side sleeping, back sleeping, and stomach sleeping are the three most practiced sleeping positions. Combine them all together, and you have combination sleepers. Your sleeping position is directly connected to many other factors that decide whether your mattress is comfortable or uncomfortable. The quality of sleep you get is further determined by whether your sleep position is ideally executed.
Side sleepers typically benefit from a softer mattress. While they need enough support to hold up their hip and spine, they also need a soft surface that doesn't put too much pressure on the sides and shoulders.
Back and stomach sleepers need something firmer as there are significant external factors, like gravity, pushing their body and spine down, putting them in the way of being misaligned.
The five prominent types of mattresses are latex, memory foam, innerspring, hybrid, and airbed. There are a few more besides these types, but they are less sought out by consumers and tend to be outclassed by the prominent mattress types in a lot of aspects.
Different materials offer different levels of support and comfort. Memory foam mattresses are known for their pressure relief, while innerspring mattresses provide a firmer feel. Latex mattresses provide a balance between comfort and support, while hybrid mattresses are perfect for those looking for the benefit of two or more materials.
As many benefits a material has, there are also drawbacks that each one tends to come with. Memory foam uses heat retention to provide you with pressure relief, leading to a hotter sleeping experience. It can also off-gas harmful chemicals, as it is synthetic. Natural latex is hard to obtain and, as such, can be more expensive. Hybrid mattresses also require more materials to make, not to mention the higher level of quality it comes with, leading to an increased price in its case as well.
Your preferred mattress material should be primarily determined by what features you expect to be present in it and whether it's compatible with your sleep setup and style.
The construction of your mattress is the other important factor to take into consideration. Mattresses usually come in two designs. They're either All-foam or spring.
All-foam mattresses are plusher than spring. They're composed of different foam layers, with the density and/or material of each foam varying. Latex, polyfoam, and memory foam mattresses are the ones that are typically all-foam.
Spring, on the other hand, tends to be much more bouncy. These mattress types will have a spring base for support and a foam layer above and/or beneath for comfort. Hybrids and innersprings are the two well-known spring types. These typically use Bonnell coils, Pocketed coils, continuous coils, or offset coils for the spring layer. For the foam layer above, they alternate between latex, memory foam, and polyfoam.
It's crucial to consider the size of the mattress, as it determines two things - the price you pay and the space you get.
Mattresses come in a variety of sizes, with the most common ones being twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king. The bigger your mattress is, the more space you have, but you'll also have to pay more.
Twin, twin XL, and full are ideal for single individuals. Queen, king, and cal king are ideal for couples and families. Full and queen are the usual budget choices for singles and couples. They also fit more easily into rooms. Speaking of which, make sure to measure your bedroom and your bed frame before finalizing your mattress size.
Mattresses come in a variety of firmness levels, ranging from ultra-plush to extra-firm. The firmness alters the feel of the mattress as well as the level of support it provides you. It's important to choose a mattress that provides the right amount of support for your body. Without it, you can be sure to encounter issues like spinal misalignment or something similar.
Soft and medium-firm mattresses are recommended for individuals who are under 230 pounds. Those above this weight should opt for a firmer mattress. Studies conducted have shown that for an average sleeper, medium-firm is ideal. It not only provides you with adequate support but also ensures your body is comfortable and relieved of pain to a great degree. In short, it offers the qualities of both soft and firm mattresses in one package.
The height of your mattress, from the ground up, is the factor that decides how thick it will feel underneath you. This is not to be confused with firmness, which changes the feel of the mattress to either soft or hard rather than changing its composition.
The average mattress height that many prefer lies between 8 to 12 inches, where there is a support layer of at least 5-8 inches and a comfort layer of 2-4 inches. As a general rule, the thicker the mattress, the more expensive it is.
Higher/thicker mattresses are recommended for plus-sized sleepers to prevent misalignment and discomfort. Taller individuals may also choose a thicker mattress, as it makes sitting on the edges much more comfortable. If you're a thin or average-sized person, then an 8 or 10-inch thick mattress should suffice. Going any higher might prove uncomfortable.
A supportive mattress is worthy enough -While it's a saying that has yet to take the world by storm, it's something that the mattress world explorers must certainly keep in mind. A mattress that supports well improves your posture, reduces aches, and prevents spinal misalignments.
But how can a mattress be deemed "supportive"? By taking into consideration four aspects of your mattress - firmness, height, material, and construction - as well as factoring in your body weight and sleep posture, is how you can find a proper supportive mattress. Getting all of these things right should give you a credible mattress that can put up with you for many nights without a hassle.
Pressure relief is determined by how well a mattress can conform to your body contours and alleviate tension from pressure points. Different mattress types provide different levels of pressure relief.
Memory foam mattresses are the most well-known for their pressure relief, as they conform to the body for added comfort. Hybrid mattresses are also great for pressure relief, as they combine the support of spring with the comfort of foam. Latex mattresses provide a balance between support and pressure relief. Innersprings, however, aren't that great at relieving pressure as they are better known to be much more firm in their support.
Some like to sleep in hot and cozy environments, while many others prefer a cool and chill environment. The temperature that you prefer to sleep in has as much say in the quality of sleep you get as the design of the mattress does. Studies have indicated that a cooler temperature may be better for sleepers than a hotter temperature.
When it comes to temperature regulation, it's important to consider the materials used in the mattress. Memory foam mattresses are more known for their heat retention, which means they provide a hotter sleep environment. Hybrid and innerspring mattresses are cooler than memory foam, thanks to the free airflow offered through their spring systems. Latex is a naturally cooling material due to its breathable foam surface and is the ideal option for those who love to sleep cooler.
We've all shared a bed at least once in our lifetime. Doesn't matter whether it's our parents, siblings, significant others, or even pets; there have been instances where their movement has woken us up (unless you're a deep sleeper). Motion is to be expected when sleeping with someone else. It's just a matter of who moves first during the night.
So, when you're a light sleeper yourself or someone who sleeps next to a restless sleeper, chances are, you don't want motion transfer present within your bed. This is where motion-isolating beds come into play. Memory foam is the most well-known in this regard. Latex does provide an adequate amount of motion isolation in comparison, while innerspring and hybrid mattresses need individually wrapped coils to be able to provide motion isolation.
The next factor to consider is edge support. When you're a child, you have cribs with railings around them to keep you safe. The edge of the bed acts as the railing when you're an adult, securing and reinforcing the perimeter of the bed for your safety, both when you're sitting on it and sleeping near it. Couples and families sleeping in one bed will require this most, as there are often two people who are pushed to the sides of the bed.
Mid- to high-quality mattresses, with either reinforced edges or zoning mentioned in their construction, are reliable to provide healthy edge support.
Innersprings, hybrids, and latex mattresses are the mattress types that have better edge support over memory foam.
Off-gassing is the phenomenon where trapped chemicals are released from a substance, usually in the form of gas particles, into the surrounding air. Exposure to these chemical particles, usually called volatile organic compounds (VOCs), is known to lead to health complications such as irritation, nausea, internal organ damage, and even cancer in some cases.
The off-gassing phenomenon is something that mattress manufacturers have been suffering from for a long time. It is usually an occurrence with synthetic mattresses like memory foam and polyfoam, where the user is hit with VOCs during the initial stages of unpacking and usage. To mitigate this issue, you'll have to air out your mattress occasionally.
To avoid off-gassing entirely, only choose organic mattress options like natural latex.
Before the internet came into existence, mattress shopping revolved heavily around brick-and-mortar stores. You had to go to the store and physically inspect the mattresses before you either decided to make a purchase then and there or decided to check out another store because you couldn't find what you were looking for.
For some, it's a great experience. Jumping from store to store, getting to try out new things, and maybe even bringing family or friends with them. For others, it's plain annoying.
Whereas in-store shopping had been the most preferred by shoppers for a long time, online shopping has picked up pace recently, setting its sights on surpassing traditional retail thanks to the boost it got from the recent events of 2020.
Choosing either one affects the variety and prices of the mattress presented to you. In-store shopping doesn't offer as much variety as online shopping does. However, it does surpass online shopping in the fact that you get to touch and feel what you're purchasing. Prices also differ between online and offline shopping. Markups on mattress prices are often higher in traditional stores, as they have more overhead costs to cover.
Maintaining your mattress properly can effectively enhance its performance as well as increase its lifespan considerably. Mattress maintenance includes having a reliable warranty, first of all. A mattress usually comes with at least 2 years of warranty, and you might have to pay more for an additional few years of warranty coverage.
Some mattress types need little maintenance than others. Latex and memory foam mattresses are hypoallergenic in nature and are easier to clean, making them much easier to maintain than hybrids, innersprings, or airbeds. They also tend to last longer and come with a warranty mimicking their longer lifespans.
The maintenance cost should be factored into your final budget, and your willingness to look after the mattress as much as required should be considered before finalizing your mattress purchase.
A mattress is only a part of a whole. You might have the best mattress, but it would be near worthless without the accompanying accessories that make it a whole. These include pillows, bed sheets, mattress protectors/covers, and foundations. All of these together make a "bed" setup that sets you up for a proper night's sleep, as well as a mattress that is protected for the long run.
These additional bedding accessories come at an extra cost. Some of you might think it unnecessary but trust us, it's the best way to maximize your mattress's performance.
Accessories like mattress protectors and foundations are important in increasing the longevity of the mattress. Other accessories, like pillows, bed sheets, and blankets, are mostly for your own convenience. Pillows, however, can be considered an exception here, as they impact sleep quality.
The hallmarks of the best quality mattress are present within three categories. When all of these three categories are sufficiently fulfilled, then it can be seen as the best in quality.
Some things you need to consider about yourself to be able to best relate to your mattress.
These attributes are for your own consideration. How you like to sleep will be unique to you alone, and the mattress should reflect this very well.
Spacious surface - If you want a spacious sleeping surface, then opt for a full or queen mattress.
Ideal material - Choose from latex, memory foam, or spring (with pocketed coils) for their unique qualities. (Personal choice)
Ideal construction - All foam is plusher and on the other hand the spring type is more supportive. (Personal choice)
High-density foam - High-density foam should be present in at least one layer as they last longer and provide better support.
Multiple layers of foam - The mattress should be at least 10 inches thick, with multiple high-quality foam layers.
Cooling - The mattress should have an open-cell or perforated surface that allows airflow and breathability.
Contouring - Your body contours should be conformed to very well and relieved of pressure and pain.
Supportive - There mustn't be any risk of misalignment on the spine and neck.
Hypoallergenic - Hypoallergenic material for less risk of allergies acting up and dust mites from infesting.
Easy maintenance - The mattress shouldn't be hard to clean and shouldn't be too heavy to move.
Resilience - The mattress must last for at least 6 to 8 years and shouldn't start sagging.
Motion Isolation - The mattress houldn't transfer motion from one end to the other.
Edge support - The perimeters of the mattress must hold you from falling off them.
The best quality mattress will have all of these attributes in one manner or another. Natural latex mattresses, for instance, are a good example of this, as they can provide a balance between all of the above-mentioned attributes.
How the retailer is and what they provide along with the mattress is crucial to the quality of the mattress you get.
Let's now delve a bit deeper into this topic by pondering over the different types of mattresses available to you. The five prominent one's dominating the online and brick-and-mortar spaces are - latex, memory foam, innersprings, hybrids, and airbeds. They are highly customizable in many aspects and have many different companies with varying models that cater to every type of customer.
A little summary of each of these types goes as follows -
Latex mattresses provide a balance between comfort and support and are renowned for their responsive and bouncy surface. They're great for hot sleepers, as they are naturally cooler and more breathable. Moreover, they're natural and organic, meaning no off-gassing, and they are environmentally healthy.
Memory foam mattresses are another popular type of mattress on the market. They are most known for the level of pressure relief they provide by conforming to the body. Traditional memory foam, however, retains a lot of heat. However, these days there are gel and copper infused memory foam mattresses that help you sleep cool at night.
Innerspring mattresses are one of the oldest types of mattresses to exist and provide a firmer feel. They have a spring core that provides reinforced support and bounce to the sleeper.
Hybrid mattresses are a combination of foam and spring. They provide the best of both worlds, with the comfort of foam and the support of spring. The spring layer allows free airflow, providing a cooling mattress that can be better cooled through the choice of foam employed.
Airbeds are the least popular of the most popular mattress types, the main reason for it being that it isn't a permanent bedding solution, but more so a temporary one. It can be inflated and deflated with air, making it portable. It can be customized in many ways and are available for cheaper than its counterparts.
Latex is essentially liquid rubber obtained from the saps of rubber trees. Its origin dates back far beyond modern society, into the early civilizations of the Mayas and Aztecs, where they used it to make waterproof shoes and rubber balls.
Natural latex is bouncy, responsive, and naturally cooling. The material is available in two variants - Dunlop and Talalay.
Dunlop latex is much firmer than Talalay and also tends to be one that lasts longer. Latex foam that is synthetic can either be purely made of chemicals or a blend between natural and synthetic rubber. These are cheaper but do not hold up to pure natural latex foam in terms of quality.
Latex mattresses can either be all-foam or hybrids. When referring to a latex mattress, the all-foam construction is the one that is usually talked about. They are made of different layers of latex foam, each layer consisting of varying foam types.
Depending on the height of the mattress you purchase, there could be an additional layer of latex topper above the mattress as well. In the hybrid construction, Talalay latex is often used as the comfort layer, beneath which comes the spring base for support. Perforated latex is something you should seek out, as they offer better breathability than non-perforated latex foam.
Latex mattresses are known for the high level of bounce and response they provide to the sleeper. When you're lying atop a latex mattress, you can move around without feeling "stuck" like you do in memory foam.
One interesting feature of a latex mattress is that the elastic properties of the material help it respond very well to your body and further provide an equal distribution to the body weight. Latex is also very durable, with a lifespan of around 15-25 years when properly looked after.
A natural latex mattress is an all-rounder in the ideal aspects that a mattress should have. It is balanced in the aspects of support, contour, and pressure relief. No matter if you are a side sleeper, back sleeper, or stomach sleeper, this mattress could provide support in ways you've never imagined.
Latex material can naturally cool the sleeper with its highly breathable surface. Mattresses of this kind are easy to maintain, thanks to their hypoallergenic properties. They are also safe to use, both for you and the environment, thanks to their being organically sourced.
Natural latex, being organically sourced, is a very beneficial mattress material, but it can be expensive for the average buyer at the same time. A latex mattress of medium quality starts at a price of $800 to $1000 and only goes up from there.
Natural latex mattresses use high-quality materials most of the time, making the average price range for them between $900 and $3000. The factors that affect the price most are the mattress size, height, and anything else that increases the use of latex material.
Buying a latex mattress at a budget price below $800 is only possible during mattress sales or through coupons.
The best type of latex mattress is one that claims to be natural and organic in composition. The materials used in these latex mattresses will be environmentally friendly and safer for you as well. They also have every benefit that a latex mattress should have, unlike synthetic latex, which will lack a lot of the benefits of its natural counterpart.
Seek an all-foam natural latex mattress that is perforated (for better cooling). These natural latex mattresses can be found in the price range of around $800 and $1500. Some things you should take a peek at in these quality latex mattresses are the foam density used in different layers, certifications earned by the retailer, and mattress thickness. You'll be able to get a latex mattress that is at least 8 to 10 inches thick for this price range.
Certifications from GOLS, eco-INSTITUT, and OEKO-TEX stand to ensure that the mattress you're getting is organic and safe.
Memory foam is a viscous, dense, and elastic version of polyurethane, which is a type of plastic. Polyurethane, which itself is used as foam in polyfoam mattresses, is enhanced into memory foam by infusing it with certain chemical compounds. For this reason, memory foam is also known as "viscoelastic" or low-resistance polyurethane foam.
Memory foam can be all-foam as well as hybrids. All-foam memory foams are the most used construction type out of the two. They use different layers of foam, each with its own thickness and density.
Usually, the base layer will be made of 5 to 7 inches of high-density foam, as it provides better support. The layers above it will be of lower density for comforting purposes. These can be anywhere from 2 to 4 inches depending on the overall height.
There could be different types of foam as well, such as latex, jammed within the memory foam layers. As hybrids, memory foam is only used in the top layer for comfort, while the layer beneath will be made of spring.
Another type of memory foam that has been on the rise is the infused kind. These memory foam mattresses will have an infusion of other materials, like gel, copper, or soybeans, for additional properties like better cooling and bounce.
Memory foam is known for its pressure-relieving qualities and its ability to conform to the body. The material is great for side sleepers, as it provides a softer feel and plenty of pressure relief. Memory foam mattresses are also a good option for those with back pain, as they provide the right amount of support and contour to the body.
When you sleep on a memory foam mattress, your body weight will be distributed evenly, and your pressure points will be caressed well. After you get up, the mattress slowly returns back to its shape. Over time, it will remember your body shape and conform even better, which is why it is called 'memory' foam.
Memory foams are one of the mattress types that alter between high and low price points. The higher-priced memory foam mattresses come in between $1000 to $3000. These are made of high-quality materials, will last longer, and provide you with a better experience than memory foam which comes at lower prices.
Memory foams at the lower price range come in between $300 and $700. These will not be as luxurious as those of higher quality and may even be a risky investment in terms of safety and longevity.
The biggest factors that determine the price of a memory foam mattress are its size, height, foam density, infusions (if any), retailers, material quality, and manufacturing quality.
The best type of memory foam will be one that comes at a mid to high price range of around $800 and $1500. These will offer all the important customizable aspects, such as firmness, size, and height. Memory foam at this price range will also be made of certified materials that are safe and resilient. Make sure you have at least one or two layers of high-density memory foam, with one preferably as the base layer for support.
Though traditional memory foam is still used, it isn't the best material for making an entire mattress in today's market. For the budget mentioned above, you'll be able to get memory foam mattresses that are infused with materials like gel and copper. These, while costing more, will keep you cooler than traditional memory foam and will combat the "stuck" feeling you get as well by being more bouncy and responsive.
The prime ingredient of an innerspring mattress is the springs within it. These springs are usually made of steel and vary based on their type.
Bonnell coils were traditionally the most widely used type you could find within an innerspring. These are cheap and have a shape akin to an hourglass.
Offset coils and continuous coils are other types similar to Bonnell coils. Offset coils offer more contouring and motion isolation.
Nowadays, innerspring manufacturers have adapted more to individually wrapped coils, also known as pocketed coils or Marshall coils, which offer individualized support, over equal support, to each and every part of the body. Besides the springs, a thin layer of memory foam, latex, or polyfoam is used as the comfort layer.
The spring layer takes center stage within an innerspring. It is placed there to offer the maximum support to the sleeper. These springs vary based on type, count, and gauge. The different types of springs include - Bonnell coils, pocketed coils, offset coils, and continuous coils. The coil count is the total number of coils present within the spring layer. The coil gauge refers to the thickness of the coils present.
Above and beneath the spring layer, different types of foam can be used to provide contour and pressure relief. These can be anything from latex, memory foam, polyfoam, and gel foam.
Innersprings, at the budget level, can last anywhere from 5-7 years. Higher quality ones can last up to 10 years.
Innerspring mattresses are more of a traditional type of mattress and are known to provide a firmer feel than their counterparts. The spring core ensures that the sleeper has proper support. They are great for back pain and for those who prefer a more supportive mattress. Sleeping position-wise, back and stomach sleepers will find it to be ideal.
Innersprings have been around for a long time, and you can easily find models at every price range above $300. The affordable innerspring models, constructed with basic materials, are available for between $300 and $600. These will use basic spring systems, such as Bonnell or offset, and basic foam materials, such as polyfoam or traditional memory foam. For a bit higher price, around $700 to $1500, you can find medium to high-quality innersprings that implement the pocket coils systems for support, and quality foams, like latex, for comfort.
The spring type and the foam type are two main things that affect the price of an innerspring mattress. The higher the quality, the higher the price gets. Within this, the thickness of the foam used as well as the coil count and coil gauge, further play a role in the price hike. As each of these attributes increases, be it through the size or the thickness of the mattress, the price increases accordingly.
To consider the best type of innerspring, one has to consider the spring type, the foam type, the coil count, and the coil gauge. For the spring, pocketed coils are the best as of today. They offer individualized support to the body, offer greater motion isolation than other springs, and excel in almost every other aspect offered by their counterparts. Foam-wise, try latex or memory foam. These dominate the world of comfort as well as support.
The coil count increases the support of your innerspring mattress. The higher the coil count, the better the support. Prefer an innerspring that has at least 800 coils within.
As for the coil gauge, it defines the thickness of your mattress. Opt for a coil gauge that ranges between 12 and 15. The lower the coil gauge, the firmer the mattress will be. A higher coil gauge results in thinner coils, meaning a softer mattress. You'll be able to find an ideal innerspring mattress for between $800 and $1500.
Hybrids are a newer addition to the mattress world. It carries within it similar materials as an innerspring, i.e., a spring layer for support and a foam layer for comfort. But where a hybrid mattress differs from traditional innerspring is in the sense that they are a more balanced version of the spring and foam combination, thus providing the sleeper with the best of both worlds.
For the spring layer, hybrids typically use pocket coils for their excellent personalized support and motion-isolating comfort.
For the foam layer, which tends to be of higher quality and denser composition, latex and memory foam are the most preferred.
The core layer of a hybrid mattress consists of springs, which'll be thicker than the rest of the layers. This is to provide support, primarily, but also functions to provide comfort through breathability and bounce. Pocket coils are the ones usually preferred for this, as they are much better than traditional spring types like Bonnell and offset.
Above the spring layer comes the comfort layer. As the name suggests, it primarily aids with comfort for the user. Memory foam and latex are the ones preferred for their contouring, pressure-relieving, and pain-relieving. These layers tend to be thicker than the comfort layers found in innersprings, coming in at around 2 to 4 inches at least.
Hybrids are known for providing the best of two mattress types - all foam and spring. It provides the perfect balance between comfort and support, plush and firm.
Hybrid mattresses are also great in terms of temperature regulation. This is mostly thanks to the free airflow allowed within the spring system, but it can be further enhanced through the type of foam used. Latex and gel are better at cooling than memory foam.
Hybrid mattresses are costlier for the average buyer, unlike their cousin, the innerspring. This is in part due to the expensive materials used in its construction and in part due to the extra materials used (like extra foam thickness). The average hybrid mattress comes in between $1000 and $3000.
The price increases as the mattress size and height increase. The coil count and coil gauge play a part in the price as well. The higher the coil count, the more the support, but the higher the price as well. The lower the coil gauge, the firmer the mattress, but at a higher cost. And yeah, don't forget about the type of foam used, as latex and memory foam are pricier than polyfoam.
A hybrid mattress consisting of pocketed coils is where you should start in this regard. Pocket coils provide individual support over general support, meaning each and every part of your body will get proper support and response. Go for a coil count of at least 800 and a coil gauge that is between 12 to 15.
For the comfort layer, we'd recommend seeking natural latex, as it is more cooling and can provide adequate pressure relief and support to every sleeper type, regardless of their weight and sleeping posture. Go for a thickness of at least 2 to 3 inches and a firmness level of medium-firm for the right amount of comfort.
Air mattresses/airbeds have three important components. The first is the mattress itself, which is made of either polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or textile-reinforced urethane plastic/rubber.
The second is the foam that is attached to it. These could be anything from latex, memory foam, polyfoam, gel, etc. Foam layers on an air mattress are found mostly in the higher-priced variants that are bought for more permanent use.
The third vital component of an air mattress is the air. Without this, the mattress is pretty much a sheet of plastic. The air can be filled through pumps and into the air chambers within the mattress. It can also be easily deflated easily, making them a portable bedding option for travelers.
Airbeds have a simple construction. There is the outside layer, which may or may not have foam, depending on the type you buy. It is, in a sense, the comfort layer. The support core is within the mattress in the form of air chambers. You pump air into this through a manual or electric pump.
Through the amount of air you fill into the air chambers, you can effectively control the thickness and firmness of the mattress. Customization is in your hands or legs (depending on the limb you use to pump air). When you're done using it, you can always deflate and carry it around with ease.
Air mattresses are known for the level of portability and customization they offer. They can be easily inflated and deflated within minutes and can be carried around without any hassle. For individuals who travel on a regular basis, this proves very efficient as they can carry their beds with them.
Airbeds can also be used as guest beds. The versatility is what draws a lot of people to them. The level of customizability is also high for the customer. However, permanent use of airbeds is not recommended. They are a great temporary option, but permanent use can be unhealthy for the sleeper.
Air mattresses, which are compact and portable, are the ones most commonly found at lower price ranges of around $100 to $200. These are for temporary use only and can lack a comfort layer. The materials used will also be of basic quality.
Airbeds, which are larger and resemble a proper bed, are the ones found at higher price ranges of $500 to $2000. They have a comfort layer made of quality foam and can be used as a partially permanent bedding solution. A thickness of 8 to 14 inches and built-in pumps are certain other features of these airbeds. They'll also be highly customizable.
The best type of air mattress will contain an in-built air pump that you can control through a remote or by plugging into an outlet. This makes it very convenient to inflate and deflate the mattress, and that too at a much faster rate than you normally would. The mattress should also be able to inflate and deflate within 2 to 5 minutes. Airbeds within the price range of $200 to $1500 should contain these features.
The next thing you need to look out for is the air chambers. In order to distribute weight effectively, air mattresses with vertical chambers or coils are the most supportive. The height of the mattress is entirely up to you to choose. A smaller airbed is portable, while a bigger one can be used in guest bedrooms or for personal use. When it comes to the foam type, go for memory foam or latex. And for the fabric, choose flocked fabric, as they offer more grip and subdue the feeling that you're sleeping atop a plastic surface.
An all-foam mattress consists of layers of built-in foam of various densities. The topmost layer is generally a soft foam, which provides comfort and makes the sleep surface softer. This top layer also offers some support to the sleeper. The middle layer of the mattress is usually made of firm foam, which provides most of the support and helps in the alignment of the spine. The base layer of the mattress is made of dense foam, which provides the necessary support to uphold the upper layers.
All-foam mattresses are perfect for those looking for a more plush feel. They are great for side sleepers and those with back pain, as they provide plenty of pressure relief and contour to the body. All-foam mattresses are also great for hot sleepers, as they are naturally cooler and more breathable.
The spring mattress consists of coils (steel springs), which are arranged between two fabric layers. These coils provide support to key parts of the body, like the hips, knees, and shoulders. The springs are placed vertically and connected at the top and bottom by a stretchable fabric layer. This fabric layer provides comfort and prevents the sleeper from sliding off the mattress.
The firmness of the spring mattress can be changed by adjusting the number of coils present in a particular layer. The higher the number of coils, the firmer the spring mattress is.
Spring mattresses are ideal for those looking for a firm sleeping surface. The spring base provides a great amount of support, keeping the spine in alignment. The fabric and comfort layer provides the necessary amount of contouring and pressure relief. Also, spring mattresses help sleep cool at night, as there is free airflow allowed through the springs.
An organic mattress is made from organic materials and foams. Organic materials are those that are naturally produced without the use of harmful chemicals like lead, mercury, or arsenic. They are used to make the mattress cover, the stuffing, the foam, etc. The natural latex mattress is a great example of an organic mattress.
Organic mattresses are a great option for those who are looking for an eco-friendly option. Organic mattresses are completely made from natural materials and are free from chemicals and toxins. Organic mattresses are also great for those with allergies, as they are hypoallergenic and dust-mite resistant.
A synthetic mattress is made with synthetic materials like polyester, polyurethane, viscose, etc. In the higher-quality versions, these mattresses are free from chemicals like lead, mercury, or arsenic. But the same cannot be said for the lower-quality ones. Full-on synthetic materials are used to make the mattress cover, the stuffing, the foam, etc.
Synthetic mattresses are great for those who are seeking a cheaper mattress alternative to organic mattresses. However, we do not recommend going for them, as they off-gas VOCs, which are proven to be harmful to the user's health. Synthetic mattresses are also inferior in resilience and cooling properties when compared to organic mattresses.
Mattress sale is the best time to shop for a mattress. These come every single month of the year, carrying with them heavy discounts on many mattress models across the industry. Some of the best days or weeks of mattress sales include Black Friday, Cyber Monday/Week, Presidents' Day, New Year's Day, etc.
Besides mattress sales, there is also the time when newer mattress models are introduced by retailers. These occur during the months of March, April, and May prominently but can also take place during the end of the year as well.
Look out for these things when you're searching for the ideal retailer -
Going through a retailer's review is a great starting point. The internet will contain a plethora of opinions on the retailer themselves as well as the products they sell. You can identify, through public opinion, whether the retailer is legit and trustworthy.
A legit retailer that is near you should be preferred over one that's farther. It ensures that you get your mattress quicker, and if you have to return it, you can do so without hassle.
The mattress sold by the retailer should contain the qualities you desire, and it should be available to you at the market price.
The website of the retailer should seem legit, and it should contain details about the retailer, such as their address, phone no, email ID, etc. Contact them through these, and make sure they're responsive to all of your queries and concerns.
A few other things you should find out about the retailer is whether they offer the proper warranty and trial period as well as a transparent return policy.
Warranties usually mimic the lifespan of the mattress. For instance, a latex mattress can last for 15 to 20 years, so you can expect to get at least 15 years of warranty.
At least a 5-year warranty should be sought out, in our opinion.
Trial periods are available during online shopping. You get to try out the mattress in your house for a month or so before you finalize your purchase. If you aren't satisfied with the product, you can always return it during this period.
The return policy of a retailer must be transparent and should be understood by the consumer before making the purchase.
Usually, retailers will accept the mattress back during the trial period if it hasn't been damaged by the customer. The return process could take a few days or weeks, depending on where you live, but you can expect a refund for the mattress by the end of it.
Extra bedding accessories, like a pillow, mattress topper, bed sheets, mattress protector, etc., should be considered to make your bedroom setup whole. A good pillow will offer assistance with sleeping postures. Mattress toppers can offer extra support/comfort, as well as reduce wear and tear on the mattress.
Bed sheets and blankets are to maintain the perfect temperature during sleep. Mattress protector help keep the mattress in good condition by protecting it from outside impurities.
A balanced diet is often recommended by doctors. Maintaining a healthy diet can improve digestion, leading to no interruptions caused by issues like indigestion during sleep.
Eating the right kinds of food and eating them at the right times will ensure that you stay healthy and your sleep quality remains untainted by health issues.
Exercising during the day helps you keep your body in the proper shape and makes you exhausted enough to be able to rest well, reducing the risk of issues like insomnia. Yoga makes you calmer and helps you de-stress, thus improving the quality of sleep.
The mattress that best fits your sleeping position, body type, and sleeping preferences is the best type of mattress you can find. However, for an average individual, we would recommend a medium-firm mattress with natural latex as its core material. It is pretty much a solution to every sleeping problem you have encountered. It provides cooling, comfort, support, and response and is highly resilient as well, making your investment worth it.
Innersprings used to be the most popular mattress type till a few years ago. Recently, its popularity has decreased when compared to that of latex, hybrids, and memory foam.
The general time span within which you should replace your mattress is 6 to 8 years. By this time, common mattress types like innerspring tend to lose their supportive edge, leading to sagging. However, for certain other mattress types, like latex or hybrid, their lifespan guarantees a few more years before they break down.
Online shopping is convenient and quick. In-store shopping is time-consuming, but you get to try out what you're buying beforehand.
Our initial recommendation is online shopping, as it has better perks overall. However, combining online and in-store shopping can also benefit you in many ways. The choice is yours at the end of the day. Go with the option you find most convenient.
With the advent of online shopping, mattress prices have drastically shifted. Whereas buying a new, high-quality mattress was once a costly affair for the average person, it has now become much more affordable due to the plethora of discounts and mattress sales, as well as the variety of mattress models and retailers available to choose from.
High-quality mattresses will generally come at a price range of $1000 to $2000. These use high-quality materials, will last longer, and have unique perks to offer you. Medium-quality mattresses come in a price range of $500 to $1000, and low-quality mattresses come at $100 to $300.
Related blog posts:
1. Twin Vs. Twin XL - Mattress Size Comparison
2. King Vs. Queen Bed - Detailed Mattress Comparison
3. Best Foundation For Latex Mattress
4. Best Pressure Relief Mattress Toppers
5. The Importance Of Bed Frames: Why Support and Stability Matter
Disclaimer: What is said in this article has been referenced from multiple sources and is intended only for educational and informational purposes. Please note that no content in this article is a substitute for professional advice from a qualified doctor or healthcare provider. Always consult an experienced doctor with any concerns you may have regarding a health condition or treatment, and never disregard any medical suggestions or delay in seeking treatment because of something you read here.
