Sleep Peacefully on the Best Mattress

Best Mattresses Buyer's Guide

Mattresses are arguably one of the best pieces of furniture invented for the modern home. It provides a level of comfort that makes even the most tiring of days manageable with a good night’s sleep. If you want to wake up on the right side of the bed every morning, here are some tips on picking the best mattresses for your home.

What is a mattress?

A mattress isn’t a bed by itself - rather, it is a component of a bed. It is essentially a case that’s filled with sturdy yet deformable material that provides comfort to anyone that lies down on it. Mattresses can be made out of different materials and come at various prices depending on the materials used. They also come in various sizes, so you can be certain to find a mattress that fits the size of your current bed, whether it be a small double-decker or a large king-size.

Mattresses are common in many homes these days, though they provide quite a few benefits that you may not have already known about.

Why do you need a mattress?

It makes sleep more comfortable

The main reason why most people opt for mattresses is that it just feels nice to sleep on. The softness of a mattress really gives you an added layer of comfort compared to the hardness of a floor mat or a suspended cot. To some people, the comfort provided by a mattress is so great that it can be difficult to get out of bed in the morning as a result.

It keeps your back straight

Not many people know that many mattresses are designed to help keep your back straight. Sleeping on your back can be a challenge if done on a hard surface - not only does it hurt your head and butt, but it also prevents your back from being in a comfortable position. The deformable nature of mattresses fixes this and lets you lie on your back with ease. Even without any pillows or support, you can bet that your back will feel great when you lie on a mattress.

It lets you start your day right

We often hear about people “waking up on the wrong side of the bed”, and take the term for granted. But it’s very likely that you would have woken up to stressful mornings if you didn’t sleep with a mattress. We take for granted the comfort level that mattresses provide. With mattresses, you’re less likely to wake up to pains and aches caused by your body lying on hard, flat surfaces such as wood or concrete.

With so many different types of mattresses to choose from these days, it can be a challenge to find the right one. Here are a few pointers to make the selection process easier for you.

Things to consider when buying a mattress

Size

The most important factor to consider when buying a mattress is its full size. Depending on your existing bed frame, the mattress may be too big or too small for it to fit. Consider measuring your bed frame before choosing to buy a mattress. Even if you think that your bed frame is built at a standard size, it could also possibly have been built custom-made and tailored to a specific bed.

If there aren’t any mattresses that fit your bed frame size, and you have no option left, it’s better to go for smaller mattresses than larger ones. Smaller mattresses, while offering less space, will at least fit within the existing bed frame. On the other hand, large mattresses will slowly wear out and even become damaged over time as the bed frame presses against the case.

Fortunately, you don’t even need to worry about your bed frame when getting a mattress. Many mattresses come with their own bed frame, so you could either sell or toss away your old one. Just remember to check if the new bed frame fits in the room you wish to put it in, or else you’ll have even more problems to deal with after purchasing it.

Material

Mattresses are essentially cases of various materials, and the type of material inside can definitely affect the way you sleep. Some materials are designed solely for comfort, whereas others offer more durability and will last you more years than others.

For example, memory foam has become a popular material in recent years due to its superior level of comfort. The foam is very sensitive to weight, and anyone on memory foam mattresses will feel like they’re being sucked into the mattress. It’s an experience that one should definitely try at least once to really understand.

Another type of material used in mattresses is gel. While not as comfortable as memory foam, it still gets you a good sleep. What separates it from other material types, however, is its heat dissipation. Some people dislike how mattresses trap body heat, leaving the sleeper with a warm feeling. Gel mattresses are more effective at dissipating heat, so even in the warm evenings, you’ll feel nice and cozy.

Mattress price range

Mattresses are a considerable investment due to their innate material cost. If you’re on a budget, you can buy an affordable mattress for as little as $120 - even less if you’re getting them second-hand. But, if you really want to ensure that you get a good night’s rest, expect to shell out at least $300 for a decent mattress unit, and even more if it’s made out of high-quality material.

How we choose the best mattresses

We choose the best mattresses based on a few factors, including size, material type, and general customer reviews.

Matress FAQ

Can I use a mattress immediately?

Most mattresses are good for sleeping the moment you purchase them - just put on a bedsheet, throw in a couple of pillows and a blanket, and you’re good to go. If you purchased a rolled mattress, however, you may have to wait up to two days for it to fully unroll.

How long do mattresses last?

The average lifespan of your typical mattress is about eight years, give or take. Of course, better-quality materials will last longer than this, so if you plan on using the mattress for a good while, consider buying something a little more durable.

Can you be allergic to mattresses?

No, and there are actually mattresses designed to be hypoallergenic to prevent sleepers from waking up with one.