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Tired of long, restless nights? Tired of tossing and turning on your stiff or scratchy bed? What about being tired of being TIRED? The culprit may be the mattress material youre sleeping on.
Sleeping every night on the wrong kind of causes back pain, sore joints, decreased blood flow, and restlessness. It can even cause or worsen sleep disorders you already have.
That being said, the perfect mattress material type and softness level vary from person to person. There are plenty of mattress options, but one mattress typell serve your body best.
Listen to Ryan Poppie, President of The Beloit Mattress Company, answer the commonly asked question, What Mattress Material Is Best?
What Mattress Material Is Best For Your Body?
For more in-depth inside, keep reading to find the right type for YOU.
Table of Contents
There are many different types of mattress materials. Generally, though, the best mattress material falls into three main categories:
Well focus on these three, so you can better understand what youre looking at next time youre in the mattress store.
Have you seen those commercials where a glass of dark wine is placed on a mattress, and someone jumps on the other end of the bed? Its stressful to watch, but the wine glass doesnt spill! That is a memory foam mattress.
Memory foam is super squishy and soft. Its most significant benefit is that it forms in your body, which takes the pressure off your joints and bones. If you often wake up with an achy lower back, sleeping on memory foam may help alleviate that annoying morning pain.
Another great benefit is that it only moves precisely where you touch it. This is whats displayed in that wine glass commercial. The perk is that you dont disturb anyone sharing the bed with you when you move around or get up.
So if you are a sleep-mover or an especially early riser, a memory foam mattress could greatly suit you. Your partner would also be grateful.
Since your memory foam experience is supposed to be like sleeping on a cloud, some people may find it too soft. If your spine or hips need especially firm support, this mattress type may be too squishy.
It also makes some people hot since the foam traps heat and forms around your body. Memory foam may not suit you if youre hot at night anyway and need a fan blowing on you to sleep.
Ever lived in a dorm? Or slept in a friends spare bedroom? Then youve probably slept on an innerspring mattress.
Innerspring mattresses are the most common and affordable type of mattress. If youve never thought about your mattress selection before, then the one you have by default is most likely innerspring.
Being familiar and affordable doesnt mean this type is wrong, though. On the contrary, a well-made innerspring mattress can provide fantastic support while remaining plush and comfortable. Innerspring is made up of different-sized springs, depending on the specifications of the mattress. Thicker springs give more support, and thinner springs have more give.
There are many different varieties of innerspring. You can choose an innerspring with a pillow top or a firm top. Just be sure to find one with the right firmness for you.
Another benefit of this type is the price tag. Innerspring mattresses are known for their affordability. You can get the top, support, and feel you want at the price you love to see.
Who doesnt want a comfortable, personalized mattress that doesnt break the bank?
One downside is that quality tends to be a spectrum. Some mattresses dont have enough springs, so you end up without support. Others dont have enough cushion, so you feel pressure from the springs.
Thats why its important not to just go for the cheapest one you can find. Instead, be sure to test it out. Dont be afraid to spend a little more on one thatll best meet your needs. After all, we spend about 1/3 of our lives in bed. So make it count.
A mattress made out of latex may sound strange. Latex mattresses can be made from natural and synthetic rubber, providing a firmer sleeping surface. This benefits people who need firm back support while they sleep.
This mattress type is designed to be comfortable but very supportive. So dont imagine a hard surface OR one that you sink into; imagine something ideally in between.
Latex mattresses accomplish that great in-between through their good BOUNCE. This means that they have some give, but they also push right back. A latex mattress may be perfect for you if you have chronic back pain.
There are typically two different types of latex mattresses.
No matter what mattress type you choose, latex mattresses dont require flipping, dont use chemicals, and may have a longer lifespan, given you choose the right mattress company.
Now that weve covered a few of the major players when it comes to the best mattress materials, which are the types you should avoid?
Knowing what mattress to buy is vital. There are a few circumstances youll want to consider when choosing the best mattress to buy for your comfort needs and body type.
If youre petite or lightweight, LESS density in a mattress is your best friend. You want something super soft and pillow. Since youre not heavy, you wont likely sink into a mattress too much.
A cloud-like mattress will help you avoid bone and joint pain, especially in your shoulders. Look for soft mattresses that keep your spine aligned.
If youre heavyset, mattress THICKNESS is what you want to keep an eye on. The optimal thickness for someone 230 lbs. and over is around 12 inches.
A high-density mattress is your best friend. You want a supportive mattress that you wont sink into. Youll find plenty of mattresses (like latex) that support your full girth, no problem!
Dont settle for what a salesman says about whats the best mattress is; instead, find one that suits your weight and body type for a solid nights sleep.
Whether youre a light or deep sleeper is essential when choosing your perfect mattress, especially if your partners in the same bed. It could make all the difference in the quality of your beauty rest.
If youre a light sleeper, you may want a mattress that doesnt move around whenever your partner does. Memory foam is likely the best option since it doesnt transfer motion much as the other filing material types. Itll likely be worth your money in the long run.
A survey from Amerisleep found that being woken up by a partner is the second-most common reason for waking up in the middle of the night (using the bathroom was first). And since Americans regularly report tossing and turning (67%) and snoring (47%), youll want to ensure you get as much restful sleep as possible.
For all you deep sleepers, the light sleepers of the world envy you. You dont need a mattress that stays still with you; you need one that is comfortable. But maybe not TOO comfortable, so you can get up in the morning!
Pregnancy changes everything, including your sleep patterns and sleep needs. Maybe you usually sleep like a rock but suddenly toss and turn all night. Or maybe your growing belly or widening bone structure cause you discomfort.
You need extra support in certain areas so that a firm mattress can serve you. But you also want to be comfortable, so memory foam could be your cup of tea.
Very importantly, you need something that doesnt make you hotter than you already feel! The typical foam material in memory foam might increase your temperature as it conforms to your body. If thats the case, look into memory foam made out of GEL.
Gel-based memory foam is just as soft and cozy but doesnt retain heat. A match made in heaven!
If pregnant, check out gel-based memory foam mattresses or mattress tops. Your changing body, growing baby, and beauty sleep will thank you.
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about finding the best mattress material for you.
That all depends on your preferences.
Here are the pros and cons of the three main mattress types.
Memory Foam
Innerspring
Latex
Latex mattresses tend to be rated as the most comfortable mattress type.
This eco-friendly material offers plenty of support across the entire mattress. Plus, it returns to its original shape more readily than memory foam. Many people describe latex mattresses as a combination of innerspring and memory foam.
That being said, plenty of innerspring mattresses provide exceptional comfort, too. The best mattress types use expert-level craftsmanship and high-quality materials to provide an incredibly comfortable nights sleep.
Regarding back pain, youll want a highly supportive mattress without compromising comfort. Most people will choose an innerspring or latex mattress for back support. Youll also want to factor in your size (heavier body weights will need firmer mattresses) and the severity of your condition.
Latex or innerspring (with natural materials) win out again regarding chemical exposure. They tend to use fewer chemicals than memory foam mattresses.
Do you have difficulty falling asleep because you cant get comfortable? Is your back throbbing in pain in the morning? Do you wake up sticky and sweating?
If any of these sound familiar, its time to get a new mattress. And its time to invest your time, energy, and money into finding the perfect mattress material type for YOUR body.
Sweet dreams!
Everybody is unique, so we created our Mattress Match system to help you determine which mattress would best fit your specific body needs. Its super easy to use and takes seconds to find the best mattress.
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If youre looking to learn everything there is to know about mattresses, youve come to the right place. There are several factors to consider when making your final shopping decision. Do you go in-store or shop online? Do you prioritize budget-friendly options or splurge on a fancy model? And what about the size, shape, material make-up, and design?
For those a little wary of the considerations ahead, never fear, Sleepopolis is here! In this handy guide, Im walking you through exactly how to choose the perfect mattress for you. Were going to chat about different types of beds, ways to determine what feel works best for your sleep style, how to choose a mattress within your budget, and much more. By the end, I guarantee youll know exactly how to find the mattress of your dreams. And once you feel ready to take things into your own hands, hop on over to our best mattresses page to see our reviews of the markets top models.
When organizing this resource, I broke it down into the six most important questions to consider when buying a new mattress. Each section, then, will teach you how to answer these questions in the way thats right for you. For a little tease, here are the Qs well be exploring along with links to their respective sections (so you can jump around as you please):
Though everyones search is going to look a little different, riddling these quandaries will set you up for major shopping success. So, lets get started by talking about mattress age.
This is the very first question you need to answer, as the age of your current mattress can play a big role in determining whether or not you need a new one. As a general rule of thumb, youll want to start thinking about getting a new bed if youve had your old one for over 8 years. This isnt a set standard by any means, but is usually a good benchmark for figuring out whether your mattress is still doing its job, (lulling you to sleep).
For a quick primer on the typical expiration dates for different mattress materials, check out the graphic below:
While these numbers are helpful in contextualizing the lifespan of your mattress, the best way to determine whether or not its time to switch things up is to listen to your body. Are you waking up with new pains in the morning? Do you have trouble finding a comfortable position at night? Have you noticed any new dips in your mattress that cant be fixed by rotating it regularly? If you answered yes to any of these questions, it may be time to bid adieu to your bed.
If youre searching for long-lasting options, see our roundup of the best durable mattresses. You can also find out how to keep your mattress in good shape with our guide on How to Clean Your Mattress.
While well be digging into a lot of different factors that have to do with you and your unique slumber style, the first thing to figure out is what position you sleep in. Though a majority of folks tend to toss and turn between different positions in the night, most people favor certain positions over others. If youve never really thought about your preferred sleeping positions before, Id encourage you to pay extra close attention to how you sleep over the next week. Youll likely find that youre either a back sleeper, side sleeper, stomach sleeper, or some combination of the three.
If ever there were a type of sleeper in need of a Goldilocks mattress solution, it would be back sleepers. Too firm, and these folks could experience unnecessary tension at the shoulders and lower back. Too soft, and their hips could sink out of alignment with their shoulders, resulting in a bowed back and shooting pains up the spine. Therefore, these dreamers need a medium-firm feel that falls right in the middle of these two extremes. For todays top picks, see our back sleeper mattress roundup or our collection of the best medium-firm mattresses.
In my experience, back sleepers will want to go with a bed that lands somewhere in the 5.5-7 out of 10 range on the firmness scale (more on this below), with 1 being the softest mattress in the world and 10 being the firmest mattress. For reference, 6.5 is typically considered to be our standard for medium firmness.
Why is this vibe right for back sleepers? Well, it helps to lift and set the spine in a neutral alignment. When I talk about neutral spine alignment, Im basically just referring to the idea of establishing an even line all the way from the shoulders to the hips. This helps to alleviate tension across the back and prevent aches and pains as related to fibromyalgia and arthritis.
Where back sleepers need balance, side sleepers need deep pressure relief at the shoulders and hips. This means that theyll typically want to stick with a softer mattress that contours to the curves of the body to help prevent uncomfortable jamming in the night.
While softness is a fairly subjective term, for me, it can be defined as anything within the 4-6 out of 10 range on the firmness scale. Again, were comparing these measures to our standard 6.5 out of 10 for medium firmness.
Since side sleepers are exerting so much force on their joints in the night, its crucial that they land on a gentle bed designed specifically with pressure relief in mind. A lot of mattresses claim to alleviate shoulder and hip pain, but its important to dig into the construction specs to figure out how well a bed is going to relieve pressure at these spots. I recommend side sleepers stick with memory foam mattresses, which are known for their deep body-contouring, sinkage, and pressure relief. Curious to see some of my favorite side sleeper beds? Then head on over to my full best side sleeper mattresses roundup, or peruse our best soft mattresses.
Stomach sleepers are basically the opposite of side sleepers in that theyll want an ultra-firm mattress that lifts the hips in line with the shoulders. The biggest issue these folks will face is a soft mattress that causes the hips to sink out of alignment with the rest of the spine, so theyll want to keep their eyes set on highly supportive models.
When considering the range for stomach sleepers, I like to keep things between 7-9 out of 10 on the firmness scale. Once again, comparing these numbers to our standard of 6.5 for medium firmness reveals that stomach sleepers will definitely want to hang out on the higher end of this range.
But that doesnt mean youll want to end up with a mattress thats hard as a rock. The key here is to find a bed that combines super supportive foundations with thin comfort layers to provide just a touch of cushion to the overall firmness. Therefore, stomach sleepers will likely do best on an innerspring or hybrid mattress that marries tall coil sections with either pillow tops or a quilted cover layer. Dont know where to start? I suggest my guide to the best stomach sleeper mattress, or our roundup of the best firm mattresses.
And finally, combo sleepers, those folks who combine all three positions into a snuggly smörgåsbord of comfort. A popular sleeping style, but one that requires a dynamic mattress able to provide comfort across the back, side, and stomach.
Generally, I recommend that combo sleepers aim for a medium-firm mattress i.e. one that hovers right around the industry standard of 6.5 for medium firmness.
A medium-firm mattress is an excellent choice for combo sleepers because they typically strike a pleasant balance between pressure relief and support. Theyre soft enough to provide pressure relief to the shoulders while sleeping on the side and firm enough to support the hips whilst dozing on the back. More than anything, though, I think combo sleepers will want to consider the bounce and mobility of their mattress. Its vital that these sleepers are able to move around and adjust positions with ease, so theyll likely want to focus either on buoyant latex or hybrid mattresses. For more inspiration, take a look at my guide to the best combination sleeper mattress.
Still wanting to learn more? See our guide on The Best Sleeping Position for Better Health and Sleep.
Since weve already started to discuss firmness, I thought we might as well dedicate an entire section to the measure. Put simply, firmness refers to how hard or soft a mattress feels. While it might seem like a simple question to answer, determining a beds firmness (and the firmness that you, the sleeper, needs) can actually be quite tricky. Thats because the feel and firmness of a mattress depends on your own personal definitions for soft, medium, and firm as well as your specific body type, weight, and size.
This conversation can get further complicated by the fact that many consumers confuse support with firmness. A supportive mattress is one that sets the spine in an even line without creating pressure points and can be achieved on a soft, medium-firm, or firm mattress. Firmness refers only to the actual feel of the bed. Long story short, you can find a supportive mattress all across the firmness spectrum.
With this in mind, the average preferred firmness level for sleepers falls between the 4-7 out of 10 range. As we discussed above, certain sleepers will either want to dip into the lower end of that range or the higher end, depending on their preferred sleeping positions.
If you want to get really in-depth with firmness, take a look at our Sleepopolis Firmness Guide.
Weight is another huge factor to consider when choosing a new mattress as the sinkage, hug, feel, cooling, and support of a bed can be highly affected by how much you weigh. Before we dive into this section, we want to recognize that people come in all shapes and sizes, and people of every size deserve a mattress that works for their body type. We use the weight categories light, average, and heavy to more easily categorize sleepers based on how mattresses will perform for their body type, as most mattresses are designed for the group we call average (59 to 113 kilograms, or 130 to 250 pounds).
As a general takeaway, lighter sleepers dont require as much support as average weight sleepers, and mattresses will tend to feel firmer to them. On the other hand, heavy sleepers tend to need more support than average weight sleepers and tend to sink into the mattress more.
As far as sleeping positions go, side sleepers tend to need a softer mattress while stomach sleepers usually need a firmer, more supportive one. Back sleepers are usually somewhere in the middle.
Though light sleepers might fall within the same weight range (again, typically at or below 130 pounds), that doesnt mean they all sleep the same. Therefore, Im going to provide mattress recommendations based on the different feels these sleepers might be after.
As a light sleeper, you shouldnt have any trouble landing on a soft mattress. Youre not as likely to sink through the materials as other sleepers might be, so you should be well-satisfied on any sort of all-foam bed, preferably one with a memory foam comfort layer.
Lighter weight sleepers wont sink as deeply into their mattress, which can make beds with super dense or thick top layers of foam uncomfortable for these folks. So, if youre a lighter individual, I recommend going with a mattress thats .5-1 firmness points lower than the feel you actually need. This is because most medium-firm mattresses are rated with an average weight sleeper in mind (typically around 180 pounds)
Lighter sleepers after a firm feel will want to prioritize mattresses with thin comfort layers. In fact, they might be better off with a simple pillow top or quilted cover comfort layer. Why? Well, these folks arent going to sink as readily through any top layers of foam, so dont need to be buffeted from ultra-supportive foundational layers.
For options, see our roundup of the best lightweight sleeper mattresses.
Again, were going to explore this weight category (from those who weigh 130 pounds to around 250 pounds) by breaking things down into different firmness needs.
Your needs are pretty similar to lighter sleepers in this area. If you weigh closer to 150 pounds, you can follow the exact same rules as we outlined above for lightweight sleepers. But if youre closer to 250 pounds, youll likely want to go for a mattress with thick top layers of foam to provide plenty of cushion as you press into the structure.
This is probably going to be the easiest feel for average-sized sleepers to satisfy. Since most mattresses are designed with both average-weight sleepers and medium firmness in mind, you should have no issue finding a bed to meet this need. In general, medium firmness is achieved when theres a balance of comfort and support layers.
If youre on the prowl for something firmer, youll want to reduce the thickness of your comfort layers and increase the thickness of your support layers. Average-sized sleepers will press into the structure more than light sleepers will, so theyll need extra support in the base to achieve a firm feel.
Unfortunately, it can sometimes be difficult for heavier folks (those who weigh over 250 pounds) to find a comfortable mattress. Thats not to say that there arent cozy options out there, but many brands build their beds with only one type of sleeper in mind. As frustrating as this is, there are some tips and tricks you can use to find a mattress to satisfy all your firmness and support needs.
: If youre looking for a softer feel, I recommend going for a tall bed that features thick top layers of foam over a sturdy coil section. Heavy sleepers are likely to press deeply into their beds, so making sure there are at least 4-5 inches of foam up top to sink through will help create a softer feel.
For a medium-firm feel, Id keep the top layers of foam thick, but reduce them by an inch or two. Though the industry standard for medium firmness is 6.5 out of 10, Id suggest that heavier folks go for something in the 7-8 out of 10 range. What would be considered firm for other sleepers should be just right for those in need of a medium-firm feel
.And finally, if youre a heavier sleeper looking for a firm feel, Id recommend going with a sturdy innerspring mattress with a pillow top layer. There are plenty of firm models available on the market today, but Id keep the focus on beds that land somewhere in the 8-9 out of 10 firmness range.
For more information, check out my roundup of the best heavy people mattresses.
Now that weve explored some of the most important factors to consider when shopping for a new mattress, its time to figure out exactly what type of bed you need. Below, Im going to introduce you to the most popular options. Ill describe what they are, how they feel, and who might like the most. But if youre still itching to know more, see our guide on Mattress Material Layers.
Memory foam mattresses are built predominantly with memory foam, a material known for its slow response to pressure and deep contouring hug. Therefore, they provide an immense amount of pressure relief at sensitive spots like the shoulders, hips, and lower back.
One slight caveat for the dense material is that it tends to trap and absorb body heat. This can be a big issue for folks who naturally sleep hot. But nowadays, most brands circumvent this pesky problem by infusing their memory foam materials with cooling agents such as copper, gel, or graphite.
Best For: In my opinion, memory foam is best for sleepers who want to feel more in their mattress than on top of it. Side sleepers, in particular, may benefit from the materials deep contouring hug as they press into the structure.
Worst For: Memory foam is a super soft material, so likely wont be firm enough for stomach sleepers. If you want an ultra-firm feel from your mattress, youll want to skip the memory foam altogether.
Popular Memory Foam Mattresses: There are a lot of memory foam mattresses on the market, but some of my favorites include the Nectar, Amerisleep, and Loom & Leaf mattresses.
For more picks, check out my guide to the best memory foam mattresses.
Unlike memory foam, latex foam has a quick response to pressure, so is bouncy and lively. Its also an all-natural material, so could be a great fit for eco-friendly sleepers in search of an organic mattress. Plus, its naturally cooling, marking it as a nice option for folks who sleep hot.
Best For: Latex can work for a wide range of sleepers, but I especially like it for combo sleepers. These folks need to be able to move around and change positions with ease, so should benefit from latex foams natural bounce. And as mentioned above, eco-friendly sleepers will likely enjoy its organic composition.
Worst For: If you need deep pressure relief at the shoulders or hips, latex may not be the best fit for you. The material is soft and cozy, but wont provide you with the same hug youd get from a memory foam mattress.
Popular Latex Mattresses: There are many latex models available online, but I particularly enjoy the Plushbeds Botanical Bliss, Zenhaven, and Avocado mattresses.
For more latex inspiration, take a peek at my guide to the best latex mattresses.
One of the most popular and widely used mattress types, innerspring mattresses are bouncy, supportive, and firm. Featuring tall sections of steel coils, these beds work best for those after a traditional, old-school vibe.
Best For: I tend to recommend innerspring mattresses for folks in need of major support, namely back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and heavier sleepers. They may also work well for those who prefer a supremely bouncy structure.
Worst For: Innerspring mattresses arent going to do a lot for those in need of pressure relief, so if you deal with hip, shoulder, or back pain, you may want to consider another type of mattress.
Take a look at our best back pain mattress, best shoulder pain mattress, and best hip pain mattress roundups for beds with outstanding pressure relief.
Popular Innerspring Mattresses: You can find innerspring mattresses pretty much anywhere, but Id suggest starting off your search with the Saatva, WinkBed, and Layla Hybrid mattresses.
See more options at my full best innerspring mattress guide.
One of the newest mattress types is the hybrid mattress, which combines top layers of foam with coils or springs for a one-two punch of pressure relief and support. These mattresses differ from innerspring models in that they have a more balanced feel.
Best For: Hybrid mattresses can work well for a wide range of sleepers, but I tend to recommend them for back sleepers and combo sleepers. These folks should appreciate both the added support of these beds as well as their bounce and mobility.
Worst For: There are so many different types of hybrid mattresses on the market that I wouldnt necessarily say theyre bad for anyone. The key here is to focus on the types of foams used in the top layers side sleepers will want a hybrid with memory foam while back sleepers may want a hybrid with latex, for example.
Popular Hybrid Mattresses: A few of my favorite hybrid mattresses include the DreamCloud, Leesa Hybrid, and Casper Hybrid mattresses.
Explore even more hybrid options at my best hybrid mattress guide.
After considering all of these different questions, were left with one final quandary: What is your budget? Every shopper is going to have a different answer for this question, but its important to think about it before you start your search. Luckily, there are incredibly comfortable options all across the pay spectrum, so finding a bed you love at the price point you need shouldnt be a problem. However, there are some things youll want to keep in mind.
Though I wish I could say that youll be able to get an ultra-luxurious mattress for under $200, you and I both know this isnt true. So, adjust your expectations to the budget youre working with. And remember that there are plenty of wallet-friendly mattresses that are just as comfortable as their pricier siblings.
Dont be fooled by flashy advertisements. Just because you see a certain type of mattress popping up all over the place doesnt mean its comfortable. Long story short, dont get distracted by cheeky ad campaigns; instead, do your research and focus on your specific slumber needs.
There are plenty of ways to increase the value of your mattress purchase. One of the easiest is to land on a brand with a super solid warranty. Many of the best bed-in-a-box mattresses come equipped with lifetime warranties, which ensures that your bed will be fixed or replaced if its ever damaged. Read the fine print to find out what the actual life expectancy of your mattress could be.
How to Return a Mattress for more on mattress policies.If youre dealing with a very strict budget, I recommend shopping around the holidays. Most mattress brands host huge sales around Presidents Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day, so keep your eyes peeled for special discounts and bargains.
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we here at Sleepopolis actually have a ton of year-round discounts on some of the most popular mattress brands on the market. Check out our special
deals page
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.If youre still wanting some more info, see our guide on How Much You Should Spend on a Mattress.
If I could offer one piece of advice as you attempt to find the mattress of your dreams, it would be to keep things focused on what YOU specifically need. This is a personal journey, so pay attention to the factors most important to you and how you sleep. If you do that, I have no doubt youll land on a mattress thats totally right for you.
Logan is the former content director of Sleepopolis. As content director, he reviewed new mattresses every week and curated the comparisons, best of pages, and video guides on the site. Logan perfected his method by personally testing over 200 different mattresses, so hes not only able to discern the overall vibe of a specific bed, but to contextualize its feel within the bed-in-a-box market as a whole.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Mattress Bed.