Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsMattress ReplacementsWhat You NeedChoosing the MaterialWhere to Buy a MattressWarranties
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Mattress Replacements
What You Need
Choosing the Material
Where to Buy a Mattress
Warranties
With so many options to choose from, mattress shopping can easily feel overwhelming. Whether you’re just beginning your search or have been looking for a while, it’s helpful to keep in mind that there really is no perfect mattress for everyone, but there is a perfect mattress for you. Deciding which is best comes down to figuring out what you need and want when it comes to support and comfort. Of course, if you have a bed partner, their preferences will also influence your choice, but rest assured there’s a right mattress out there for every couple.
Tanya Constantine / Getty Images
While every household is different, replacing your mattress is something that should be done every six to eight years.Some factors influence the lifespan of your mattress, and you should take them into consideration when deciding if now is the right time to change it.
Ask yourself the following questions:
If you answered yes to any of these questions, and especially if it has been a few years since you last renewed your mattress, it’s likely time to consider a change.
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A mattress is an investment in your sleep quality, and it is something that you will have for years to come, so you should not rush your decision. Take time to consider what you really need.
Your Sleeping Position
Whichever mattress allows you to get quality sleep in your preferred sleeping position is a good choice.
Here are some general recommendations:
Combination SleepersCombination sleepers move around throughout the night. They may start on their side, switch to their stomach, and wake up on their back. They may find themselves most comfortable on a combination-type mattress like a medium-firm option.
Combination Sleepers
Combination sleepers move around throughout the night. They may start on their side, switch to their stomach, and wake up on their back. They may find themselves most comfortable on a combination-type mattress like a medium-firm option.
If you’re still unsure, try out the mattress in a store with the SLEEP test, which stands for:
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Your Health Issues
If you have health issues likesleep apnea,osteoarthritis, orgeneralized back pain, you will need to take them into consideration when choosing a mattress material and firmness.
Best Mattress for Sleep ApneaResearch has shown that mattresses with a mild degree of head-of-bed elevation (HOBE), otherwise known as adjustable mattresses, may be particularly beneficial for people with sleep apnea. This type of mattress allows the person to elevate their head enough to improve airflow and prevent obstruction without interfering with sleep.
Best Mattress for Sleep Apnea
Research has shown that mattresses with a mild degree of head-of-bed elevation (HOBE), otherwise known as adjustable mattresses, may be particularly beneficial for people with sleep apnea. This type of mattress allows the person to elevate their head enough to improve airflow and prevent obstruction without interfering with sleep.
For people with hip or shoulder pain from osteoarthritis, a mattress that provides proper support and cushioning for your joints (e.g., medium-firm or memory foam, depending on your sleep position) may be best. Research suggests that people with generalized back pain may want to choose a medium-firm or self-adjustable mattress that helps with spinal alignment.
If you have questions about which mattress would be best for your condition, talk to your healthcare provider or physiotherapist.
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How Much Firmness You Like
The firmness of a mattress does not always reflect its overall level of support. This means you shouldn’t count on the firmest mattress being the most supportive, but it also means you can still get the support you need from a softer mattress.
Ultimately, it is up to you and your personal preference. If you like a plush-feeling mattress but require spinal support, soft and pillow-top mattresses offer the best of both. You can also choose a firmer mattress with your ideal level of support and then add a thin or thick plush mattress cover on top.
Your Weight
Your body weight can also contribute to the level of mattress firmness and support you need. While there are no set rules for which body type fits which mattress, there are some general guidelines you can consider when thinking about getting a new mattress:
Your Partner
You and your bed partner may have different mattress preferences, and that is OK. There is still a right mattress out there for you both. The best choice is always the one that maximizes the comfort and sleep quality of both partners because, let’s face it, when your bed partner is not sleeping well, it almost always impacts your sleep too. Generally, choosing a material that isolates the other person’s movements is ideal over one that transfers movement.
Size
There are six standard mattress sizes ranging from twin to California king.
72'' x 84''
60'' x 80''
You may also find customizable options or mattress retailers that source nonstandard sizes beyond the California king, including the Olympic queen and Alaskan king. Deciding what you really need and want comes down to personal preference.
Factors that can influence your decision include:
Your Budget
Before reading reviews, shopping online, or talking to any sales professionals, it’s a good idea to consider your budget, including any applicable taxes. This will help you narrow down your search and will let you know if now is the right time to invest in a new mattress. Depending on the time of year, you may want to wait a month or two to take advantage of seasonal sales that typically take place around New Year’s, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and late summer (back-to-school time).
How Much Is Too Much?The amount you spend on a mattress is a personal choice based on how much you can afford to spend and what you feel is a reasonable price to pay. A few things to consider:The highest price does not always mean the best quality.Going with the least expensive option may mean sacrificing durability, eco-friendliness, and sleep quality.Aim for a midrange price (typically around $1,000 for a queen).
How Much Is Too Much?
The amount you spend on a mattress is a personal choice based on how much you can afford to spend and what you feel is a reasonable price to pay. A few things to consider:The highest price does not always mean the best quality.Going with the least expensive option may mean sacrificing durability, eco-friendliness, and sleep quality.Aim for a midrange price (typically around $1,000 for a queen).
The amount you spend on a mattress is a personal choice based on how much you can afford to spend and what you feel is a reasonable price to pay. A few things to consider:
Always check the product description to see what your mattress is made of to ensure you’re making the right choice for you and your bed partners.
Latex
Latex mattresses are typically made from rubber or a synthetic material that offers gentle bounce-back when you’re moving around during sleep. This helps with weight distribution and provides support for your joints when switching positions among side, back, and stomach sleeping. Latex doesn’t trap heat and is therefore also a good choice for people who feel hot when they sleep and for people concerned about allergens (e.g., dust mites, mildew, mold).
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Memory Foam
Memory foam mattresses are generally a good choice for people who sleep in the same position throughout the night or who share a bed and are looking for motion isolation.
Not all memory foam mattresses are the same, though. Many do offer an inner open-cell design that allows for more airflow than you may expect. This helps reduce heat and moisture trapping, which is helpful forhot sleepersand people with allergies.
You can also purchase antibacterial and moisture-wicking mattress covers that are durable and machine-washable, which further helps reduce allergen buildup.
Innerspring
Innerspring mattresses are also known as coil mattresses. If you read “coil” and think of squeaky springs, you’re not alone. The design of these mattresses has evolved considerably over the years, but their price point has remained reasonable. You can move comfortably without waking your partner, and the coils provide full-body support.
Coil mattresses are durable and do not trap body heat like other options on this list. Since they allow for consistent airflow (i.e., they don’t trap moisture that encourages dust mites, mold, or mildew), they are also allergy-friendly.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses are those that contain several materials, meaning they may have innersprings underneath a layer of latex underneath an organic cotton top. While endless material combinations exist, they are all designed to offer the best of the available mattress technologies. These mattresses are typically allergy-friendly and acceptable for people who become hot while they sleep.
There are pros and cons to where you might choose to buy your mattress. In the end, it will come down to what you are most comfortable with and which option has the right mattress available for you when you want to purchase.
Online
Purchasing a mattress online significantly increases your options, especially if you live in a smaller city where mattress stores are few and far between.
Online shopping allows you to:
The only real drawback is that you can’t complete the SLEEP test before purchase. However, almost every mattress retailer has a no-risk sleep trial period for mattresses.
In Stores
Working to reduce the spread ofCOVID-19has changed the way we shop. Depending on where you live, you may or may not be able to shop in store for a mattress, and you may or may not be permitted to do the SLEEP test anyway.
However, some people will always prefer the experience of in-store shopping, which includes:
Mattress warranties offer money-back protection in case you receive a mattress with defects or flaws. For example, if your mattress is delivered with a tear or discoloration, the manufacturer will replace it free of charge.
This is standard practice, but there are additional warranties available, which include coverage for specific conditions and time frames. These are store- or manufacturer-specific, and typically require you to register to maintain your eligibility. Be sure to get a written record of your specific warranty and read it through to understand what is covered.
Warranties on mattresses are different than no-risk sleep trial periods. Trial periods give customers a set amount of time to decide if the mattress is the best fit. If you don’t get good sleep on the new mattress, you can call the store or supplier to have it returned for a full refund.
A Word From Verywell
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Sleep Foundation.When should you replace your mattress?Spine Health.Considerations when choosing a mattress.The Better Sleep Council.Choosing the right mattress.Souza FJFB, Genta PR, de Souza Filho AJ, Wellman A, Lorenzi-Filho G.The influence of head-of-bed elevation in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.Sleep Breath. 2017 Jun 24;21(4):815-820. doi:10.1007/s11325-017-1524-3Radwan A, Fess P, James D et al.Effect of different mattress designs on promoting sleep quality, pain reduction, and spinal alignment in adults with or without back pain; systematic review of controlled trials.Sleep Health. 2015 Dec;1(4):257-267. doi:10.1016/j.sleh.2015.08.001Sleep Advisor.How to choose the best mattress in 5 easy steps - the definitive guide.
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Sleep Foundation.When should you replace your mattress?Spine Health.Considerations when choosing a mattress.The Better Sleep Council.Choosing the right mattress.Souza FJFB, Genta PR, de Souza Filho AJ, Wellman A, Lorenzi-Filho G.The influence of head-of-bed elevation in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.Sleep Breath. 2017 Jun 24;21(4):815-820. doi:10.1007/s11325-017-1524-3Radwan A, Fess P, James D et al.Effect of different mattress designs on promoting sleep quality, pain reduction, and spinal alignment in adults with or without back pain; systematic review of controlled trials.Sleep Health. 2015 Dec;1(4):257-267. doi:10.1016/j.sleh.2015.08.001Sleep Advisor.How to choose the best mattress in 5 easy steps - the definitive guide.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Sleep Foundation.When should you replace your mattress?Spine Health.Considerations when choosing a mattress.The Better Sleep Council.Choosing the right mattress.Souza FJFB, Genta PR, de Souza Filho AJ, Wellman A, Lorenzi-Filho G.The influence of head-of-bed elevation in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.Sleep Breath. 2017 Jun 24;21(4):815-820. doi:10.1007/s11325-017-1524-3Radwan A, Fess P, James D et al.Effect of different mattress designs on promoting sleep quality, pain reduction, and spinal alignment in adults with or without back pain; systematic review of controlled trials.Sleep Health. 2015 Dec;1(4):257-267. doi:10.1016/j.sleh.2015.08.001Sleep Advisor.How to choose the best mattress in 5 easy steps - the definitive guide.
Sleep Foundation.When should you replace your mattress?
Spine Health.Considerations when choosing a mattress.
The Better Sleep Council.Choosing the right mattress.
Souza FJFB, Genta PR, de Souza Filho AJ, Wellman A, Lorenzi-Filho G.The influence of head-of-bed elevation in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.Sleep Breath. 2017 Jun 24;21(4):815-820. doi:10.1007/s11325-017-1524-3
Radwan A, Fess P, James D et al.Effect of different mattress designs on promoting sleep quality, pain reduction, and spinal alignment in adults with or without back pain; systematic review of controlled trials.Sleep Health. 2015 Dec;1(4):257-267. doi:10.1016/j.sleh.2015.08.001
Sleep Advisor.How to choose the best mattress in 5 easy steps - the definitive guide.
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