So you need a new mattress, but where to begin? Gone are the days of a one size fits all mattress, hello to the days of a customized sleep experience so you can get the perfect night’s rest.  Buying the perfect mattress is a major purchase, but don’t let that overwhelm you. We have gathered together some of the most important steps that can help you choose your next mattress.

Set a budget. 

There is a mattress out there for every budget. Choose a budget you are comfortable with and do not let pushy salespeople steer you away from your budget. But do remember that it’s your most used piece of furniture so consider it an investment.

Do your research. 

Get online to research what other people are saying about stores in your area. You want to see the local companies that have the best reviews and best reputation. Don’t waste your time on companies that are not up to par. You want a product that is quality and you want to go to a store with excellent customer service. Also, most companies will have promotions or special offers throughout the year so be sure to check those out.

Rely on a pro. 

Work with knowledgeable salespeople who will listen to your needs and guide you to the perfect mattress. Ask questions also.

PRO TIP: Ask your salesperson how long they have worked at the store. The average mattress salesperson has worked less than a year. Be sure you have someone with YEARS of experience.

Test it out.

That’s why the mattresses are in the showroom. Lie down on the bed and get yourself in your normal sleep position to  make sure it’s a good fit for you.

There’s no such thing as a one size fits all bed. Only you are going to know what type of mattress feels good to your body. There are beds that are firm. Some beds are soft. And some have foam and some have springs. So what’s the real difference between them all? Let’s figure it out.

Innerspring/Pocketed Coil

Traditional spring (Innerspring) mattresses have been around over 100 years. These beds are the most popular style of mattress due to their affordability and support to a variety of sleepers. The basic design of an innerspring mattress is metal springs covered by padding and materials. Another style of innerspring mattress is a pocket coil. Pocket coils are springs wrapped individually in a fabric sleeve. This allows them to react to pressure independently instead of all together, which minimizes movement and allows for a more buoyant feel. There are some drawbacks to an innerspring mattress. They do have a tendency to sag, short lifespan, noisiness, and lack of motion isolation.

Hybrid

A hybrid mattress combines a pocketed coil support system with one or more types of foam, such as polyurethane, memory (viscoelastic) or latex, as well as foams that contain gel or other materials. If you are thinking about switching from an innerspring to a memory foam, this style of mattress would be something more inbetween.

PILLOW-TOP

Pillow-top mattresses are a good choice for those who want a softer and fluffier mattress feel, but who also want firm support. Since pillow-top mattresses are generally innerspring mattresses with a softer top, those who like the support and feel of an innerspring mattress might also enjoy a pillow-top mattress.

Memory Foam

If you enjoy the feeling of sinking into your bed and being enveloped and cradled to sleep, then a memory foam mattress may be just what you’re in the market for. These products are known for their ease in contouring to the body and slow restoration to original form when pressure is released. As the memory foam pushes down and fits around your body, it can ease pressure points and aching joints.

Latex

A latex mattress is made from natural or synthetic latex foam, created by whipping latex into a frothy consistency and curing it into supportive, resilient layers. Unlike traditional memory foam, latex has a more buoyant, responsive feel—you sleep on it rather than in it—making it easier to move and change positions. Latex mattresses are known for their excellent pressure relief, durable support, and natural breathability, which helps keep sleepers cooler through the night. They’re also naturally resistant to dust mites and allergens, making them a great option for people looking for a healthier, long-lasting sleep surface.

When it comes to choosing a new mattress especially for the master bedroom, the rule is “the bigger the better”. Research has shown that people sleep better on larger size mattresses than smaller ones, especially if there are two people sharing the bed. Having the room to “move around” while sleeping will give you less interruptions in your sleep cycle and give you a more restorative REM sleep.

Because of this research, we recommend that it is best to select the biggest size mattress that your room will allow comfortably. If you have a certain size bed frame already in the master bedroom you can either stick with that size or possibly move that bed frame into another room, say a guest room, and that will allow you to upgrade the size of the mattress for your room.

Most people think that a king size mattress is a lot bigger than a queen size mattress and could never fit into their room, but the truth is a king size mattress is the same length as a queen size and only 8″ wider on either side of the bed (for a total difference of only 16″ in the width).

This same rule also holds true for a guest room mattress where a queen size will be more comfortable for guests than a full size if the room will allow it.

When talking with one of our SleepZone “sleep experts” we will advise you honestly so you can make an informed decision as to which mattress size will work the best for you.