Are you currently in the market for a new mattress? There are tons of great styles for you to choose from, but finding the right option for you will be based on a number of different factors. Today’s consumers have more choice than ever. This is because mattress technology has come further in the last 10 years than it has in the previous 50 years. New foams, hybrid technology and adjustable beds are just a few of the innovations that companies have come up with recently.
Combine that with the new “mattress in a box” business model that companies are offering consumers where they can try mattresses out at home for months to before they have to decide to keep the product long term.
Your ultimate selection will be based as much on your total level of comfort as it will on price. However, there are plenty of options available for you to easily meet both of these crucial criteria.
Do You Want a Bed with More Bounce or Sink?
The first thing to consider when buying a mattress is just how bouncy you would like it to be. If you prefer the maximum level of bounce, your best bet will be to buy a traditional innerspring mattress.
This is a type of mattress that comes complete with specially interconnected coils. These pocketed coils are very resilient. Each of them will be covered with a layer of fabric. The idea is to minimize the rippling that occurs when a person on the other side of the bed from you makes a move. This lets you bounce to your heart’s content.
On the other hand, many people are opting for more of a foam feel where they sink into the bed. These foam based mattresses come in anything from very soft to a firm feel. The foam lasts longer than traditional innerspring mattresses but do have some drawbacks. Some foam technology can get quite warm so make sure you find a product that takes cooling into account during their manufacturing process.
Do You Want a Firmer Base?
You may well prefer the opposite of a bouncy mattress. If you want it more firm, your best bet will be to choose a memory foam mattress. This type of mattress puts the major emphasis on relief of pressure rather than springiness. You can make a quick determination of quality by checking out the thickness and density of the foam.
Once you know how dense the foam is, you’ll have a good idea of how far you will sink into the mattress. Most newer models use several succeeding layers of foam. The idea is to keep the heavy layers on the bottom in order to provide support. Meanwhile, the lighter layers stay on top to cool you down and give you maximum comfort.
What if Your Needs Constantly Change?
If you like it bouncy some nights but firmer on others, you need a mattress that is much more adaptable to your current needs. This is why you should consider buying a new air-filled mattress. This is a model that comes complete with a special remote that gives you control over the total volume of air. The more air you fill the mattress with the firmer it gets. You can try a different firmness level every night until you find the perfect firmness that gives you a great night’s sleep without waking up with any aches and pains.
An air-filled mattress comes with two chambers that are set alongside of each other. These are the ones you can fill up with air in order to customize the firmness or bounciness on either side of the bed. This way, you can enjoy your own personal level of comfort while your partner customizes their own.
If You Suffer From Back Pain
If you suffer from chronic pain in your back, you will definitely want to choose a mattress that is less springy and much more firm. Your best bet in this case will be to choose a mattress that is made of latex or memory foam. This is because a mattress made of these materials will mold to the shape of your back, giving you support without being so firm that it creates problems in other parts of your body.
Set a Budget
While finding the right mattress for your needs is very important, so is staying within a budget to find the best option. Mattresses can go from inexpensive to very expensive based on materials used, features and functionality. Here are some things to consider at each price range:
- $100-$500: These mattresses are on the low end due to the inexpensive materials used during their construction. These mattresses will most likely be made of polyurethane foam which doesn’t last as long as memory foam, nor does it mold to your body’s shape as well. You may also find blow up mattresses and used mattresses in this price range. We recommend staying away from used mattresses and only buy new.
- $500-$1,000: This price range is a sweet spot for a lot of people looking for a simple memory foam mattress with a thinner profile and no additional features.
- $1,000-$2,500: Mattresses in this price range include all the main types made with high quality materials. These mattresses will also have features like edge support, pillow topping and lumbar support.
- $2,500 and up: These mattresses won’t necessarily be that different from other top mattresses, but can include technology such as sleep tracking and plusher comfort layers on top.
Wrap Up
There are many more styles of mattress available for you to choose from. The options are essentially endless. From materials used, organic and sustainable construction and technology are all options across all budget ranges. We recommend that you first try out different mattress options in a store because getting a trial run of a specific mattress so you can determine if it’s the right one long term. Choose carefully so that you can continue to enjoy the ultimate reward of a good night’s sleep.