Buying Guides

Published April 28, 2022

13 min

How To Choose A Mattress

Nectar Editorial Team

Table of contents

When is it Time for a New Mattress? How to Choose a Mattress Different Types of Mattresses : Pros and Cons Picking the Right Mattress Size Conclusion Frequently Asked Questions

The longest a human mind and body has gone without sleeping is 264 hours or 11 consecutive days. Though we still don’t know the exact number, sleeplessness ranging from 4-5 days is enough to cause hallucinations. Clearly, sleep is a non-negotiable factor.Considering a regular human spends 229,961 hours, i.e 1/3rd of life sleeping, it is a shame to spend this substantial portion of life sleeping on a bad mattress.Choosing the right mattress can seem like an overwhelming task. Today, there are a lot of options for you to choose from, such as latex, memory foam, and innerspring, to name a few. Mattresses aren’t cheap, so to get the best out of your investment, you need to know how to choose the right bed that will give you the comfortable sleep you need and deserve.

When is it Time for a New Mattress?

Buying a new mattress often depends on why you need one. Here are some key signs you might need to replace your mattress:

1. Extended Use Over the Years

Mattresses typically last between 7 to 10 years, but this can vary based on material quality and how frequently they're used. A mattress that's used nightly will deteriorate faster than one used less often. Even durable materials like latex eventually wear out.

2. Persistent Body Pain upon Waking

If core materials of a mattress compress over time, they lose the ability to support proper spinal alignment. Waking up with body pain, particularly in the neck, shoulders, or lower back, suggests your mattress may no longer provide necessary support. A new mattress tailored to your body can enhance sleep quality and reduce morning stiffness and pain.

3. Visible Sagging and Indentations

Noticing sagging and deep indentations at frequent sleeping spots on your mattress is a clear sign it's time for a replacement. Such sagging can misalign your spine and increase body pressure, leading to discomfort during sleep.

4. Changes in Weight or Health

Even if your mattress is still in good condition, changes such as significant weight fluctuations, injuries, or a new sleeping partner might require a new one to maintain comfort and support. More weight may call for a firmer mattress to provide sufficient support, while new health issues might necessitate different materials or structures for comfort.

5. Pregnancy

Pregnancy brings substantial changes to a woman’s body, often resulting in discomfort. Research shows that sleep quality significantly impacts maternal health during this time. These changes — which include posture adjustments, increased muscle strain, and hormonal shifts — can disrupt sleep patterns. If your mattress doesn't support a restful night, consider upgrading to one that adapts to your body's evolving needs, helping alleviate discomfort around key areas such as the hips, back, and abdomen.

6. Allergies or Asthma Symptoms

As mattresses age, they can gather dust mites and other allergens, potentially worsening allergies or asthma. If symptoms increase during the night or upon waking, consider switching to a hypoallergenic mattress or using a washable mattress cover.

7. Sleeping Position Changes

New lifestyle habits or changes in your preferred sleeping position might require adjustments in mattress firmness and support. For instance, switching from back to side sleeping due to comfort or health changes may require a mattress that offers varied support levels.Side sleepers often benefit from softer mattresses, while back sleepers may need firmer support to maintain spinal alignment. This ensures your mattress adapts to both lifestyle shifts and bodily needs.

How to Choose a Mattress

How do you choose the best mattress that is right for you? How to choose a mattress comes down to comparing mattresses. This takes time as there are a lot of considerations to think about. That said, here are some factors you need to consider.

Mattress Layers

Did you know that the upper few inches of the mattress are the comfort sweet spot for our body? This region is responsible for alleviating any pressure on your body and to also take up the shape of your body to cradle it or accommodate any change in sleeping position. Also known as comfort layers, these can either be made of a single layer of quilted material or comprise multiple levels of different materials.In latex mattress, natural Dunlop adds to the softness of the top comfort layers while in the memory foam mattress, this foam when added to takes up your body shape to support your frame. So next time when you are purchasing your mattress, quiz your retailer about the comfort layers of the mattress .

Weight Distribution

We all have different body weights and proportions that mandate the need to have adequate weight distribution in mattresses. Quite often, an average body weight requires 3 inch of comfort layering while those on the heavier side require 4 inches since they are more prone to sinking.Firm upper layers in such cases are vital to ensure proper weight distribution to avoid sinking in and provide pressure relief for those with a larger body constituency. If you or your partner are on either side of the spectrum, ask your retailer to help you with the right mattress.

Motion Isolation

If your partner is a habitual position shifter, chances are that your sleep is more likely to be disturbed. Light sleepers are the ones most affected by it. Motion isolation is a parameter in mattresses that isolate movement of the sleeper, making it undetectable for their partner.A mattress with low motion transfer is important if you and your partner have different sleep schedules or you share your bed with children and pets, both who are likely to turn around at night.Ask your retailer to help you choose mattresses with low motion transfer. Some of the best options are memory foam mattress, latex mattress and hybrid mattresses. Air beds too can do the trick but not as a single chamber bed.

Temperature

Getting a full night sleep if your bed is either too hot or too cold can be very difficult. Based on our body temperatures, our sleep schedule and quality is often affected and using a mattress that is not exactly temperature controlled can make things worse.As you are going through the catalog, ask your retailer about which mattress has a more cooling effect or warming up properties. For instance, latex and memory foams are more likely to heat up as the time goes by, making it ideal for those who are always cold. On the other hand, a water bed is the perfect solution for sleepers who constantly face the heat. Talk to your retailer for more help on the subject.In situations when you and your partner have different preferences, meet the middle ground with the right bed accessories and spreads.

Financing Options

A mattress does not come cheap. While there are options of using a credit card, paying it in full to avoid any debt cycle is always a better way to go. However, mattresses can range upto thousands of dollars and many are not able to afford that.You can ask your retailer about the financing options available for the mattress of your choice. You are likely to be told about loans and EMI installments. Like many, if you choose to go for loans, you need to have a good credit score and also a co-signer so that the bank is assured of protection against defaulters.

Benefits Offered

If you don’t ask about the benefits, warranty periods, discounts and trial offers, you are not shopping right. Don’t be shy asking your retailer about upcoming sales, discounts and offers that can help you save more. During the sale period, you might end up saving 60% of the total cost! Hence, it pays to ask questions and make informed decisions as you search for the right mattress for yourself.

Different Types of Mattresses : Pros and Cons

The following are the various kinds of mattresses that you can find on the market. Each mattress type has unique qualities and materials, as well as advantages and drawbacks. While personal preference is key to choosing a mattress, the different materials associated with making a mattress are an important factor in determining the overall comfort level, quality, and durability.

Innerspring Mattress

The innerspring mattress is still the most popular. It offers the most edge support among other foam products.

Pros	Cons
Easy to Transport	Usually one-sided and difficult to flip
Breathable and cool	Bouncy
Great edge support	Low durability in cheaper versions that leads to sagging
Variety of firmness options

Memory Foam Mattress

Memory foam has gained popularity in the mattress industry over the past years. It provides that hug and contour feature that remains even after you eliminate the pressure. It is viscoelastic, which reacts to pressure and heat, thus efficiently adjusting to the sleeper’s body. Memory foam mattress provides optimum comfort and pressure relief.

Pros	Cons
Low motion transfer	Tends to retain body heat
Supports proper spine alignment	Sinking feeling
Prevent dust mites and other allergens	Off-gassing odor
Can fit adjustable beds without any hassle	Heavy

Natural Latex Mattress

For those who are looking for durability in a mattress, natural latex is the ideal choice for you. It is one of the most durable types of mattresses in the market. Latex mattresses are made of chemical-free materials and last for a long time.

Pros	Cons
Superior comfort and supports pressure points	Pricey
Reliability for extended years	Very Heavy
No off-gassing	Firmness Level
Eco-friendly and allergy resistant

Hybrid Mattress

A hybrid mattress is made up of different kinds of combined materials to create two or more support systems. For example, hybrid mattresses are typically constructed using memory foam layers along with an innerspring system. These products are crafted so sleepers can take advantage of the sought after features in each mattress.

Pros	Cons
Sleeps cooler	Heavy
Quicker bounce back	Pricey
Range of firmness	Prone to Off-Gassing

Picking the Right Mattress Size

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There are several mattress sizes that you can choose from, according to the size of your room, needs, and personal preference. When buying online, you should measure your current mattress, bed, or the bed frame and compare it to the common bed sizes. To help you pick the right one for your bedroom, below are the common mattress sizes that you’ll see in the market:

Twin

Twin size mattresses are considered as the smallest. It is usually used in a kid's bedroom because of its small size. This is not ideal for most adults.

Twin XL

Twin XL mattress is at least six inches longer compared to a twin size bed. These are one of the most popular forms of mattresses in dormitories. It is suitable for adults who sleep on their own.

Full

Also known as a double, full size mattresses offer a larger surface area for those who sleep alone. This size is good for growing kids since it gives a wide space for sleep, and it allows parents to tuck their little angels to bed during the night. It is also the best mattress for a guest bedroom.

Queen

Queen mattress is the most popular mattress size on the market; ideal for couples and those who sleep with a partner. But, if you have kids and pets, then you might want to shop around for a bigger mattress.

King

A king size bed is basically a combination of two twin XL mattresses. This size offers a wide sleeping surface for those who sleep with their partner and move around a lot during slumber. This is also ideal for those who sleep together with their kids and pets.

California King

If a king size bed isn’t enough for you, the California king is a bit more narrow but makes up for its size in length, which gives you ample room for your legs, plus space for your partner, kids, or pets.

Conclusion

No doubt, a mattress can make such a huge difference in your overall quality of life quality. After all, a good mattress can support your body properly and provide exceptional comfort for years to come. Now that you know how to choose a mattress, consider these tips along with your personal preferences when deciding on the right mattress for you.This article is for informational purposes and should not replace advice from your doctor or other medical professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is buying a mattress online safe? Absolutely! Buying a mattress online from a credible source not only helps you get quality products but also gives you the chance to save up with seasonal discounts and offers. Are there any benefits to buying a mattress online? If you buy your mattress online, you are eligible for benefits like discounts, sleep trials, additional accessories and free delivery to name a few. You can also do a proper online research before zeroing in on the mattress of your choice. What can I do with my old mattress? Ask your retailer. Many online and offline stores offer old mattress pick up services when they deliver new ones as part of their service or at a small fee. This is perhaps the best way to bid your old mattress goodbye as they are usually recycled and used for production of new products. You can also ask your local municipality or sanitation department to collect them. At a small monetary incentive, your garbage collector can also help you with your old mattress. Will someone set up my mattress for me? Yes! Your mattress will be delivered right at your doorstep and set up right in front of you, based on your preferences.