Best Mattress Buying Guide

Things to Consider When Purchasing A Mattress

We researched several brands, from big names to start-ups. While focusing on the more popular mattress types, innerspring and memory foam, our guide also showcases the best and worst the mattress industry has to offer.

While the most popular mattresses aren’t always the best ones you should buy, our team found that some of the beds people are talking about most really do stack up against the competition. In general, memory foam mattresses have an average owner satisfaction of 80% compared to innerspring’s 60%. But don’t think that just because its memory foam your bed will be great. There are huge differences between brands in terms of quality and performance.

To create this guide, we combed through Based on owner reviews, consumer review publications and online review websites for all of the top mattresses. Then we scored each one based on what research says consumers care about the most when buying a mattress. Finally, we curated five of the top-rated memory foam mattresses and five top innerspring mattresses available this year and ranked them accordingly. Read on to compare specifications along with detailed notes on each bed.

In looking for the best mattress, there are a few things that need to be considered. These factors can affect how you sleep and whether or not you have a good experience. While companies may offer their top picks, it will ultimately come down to your personal preferences.

Something to keep in mind before shopping: the ultimate goal should not only be finding a comfortable mattress but finding one that provides proper spinal alignment. One of the reasons why many wake with a sore back is because their mattress is not supporting the spine as it should. Other factors that need to be considered are mattress type, size, sleeping position, and budget. If looking for the best mattress for back pain, choosing your preferred type of mattress is a good place to start.

Determining each of these will help you in finding the right mattress and achieving the best sleep.

Type of Mattresses

Mattresses can come in a variety of different materials. Each material has its own set of pros and cons. The type of mattress you choose can also depend on your sleep position, budget, and personal preference.

Some materials may cost more than others; for instance, latex will come with a higher price tag due to its natural material. If you’re not sure about a specific type, see if a sleep trial is available. We’ve outlined each type of mattress to give you better insight into what to expect.

Memory Foam

Memory foam mattresses are a good choice for those looking for a material to conform to the body, wanting that “hug” sensation. Memory foam contours to the body’s shape and sleep position, while relieving pressure points, and providing healthy spine alignment. This type of mattress is constructed of layers of foam.

The top layer will contain memory foam with the base layer consisting of high-density foam for support.

This material has little to no noise or bounce, so there’s less of a chance of waking in the night due to a sleep partner moving throughout the night— making these beds excellent mattresses for couples. It’s also hypoallergenic, making it particularly ideal for those who suffer from allergies. Because memory foam is a denser material, there could be less airflow causing possible heat traps.

Innerspring

Innerspring mattresses are made up of coils that can either stand-alone or interlock with each other. The higher the number of coils, the more support a mattress will have. Most innerspring mattresses will include a comfort layer, most likely made of gel memory foam for cooling, or you may be offered the option to add a pillow top for extra comfort.

It might be a good idea since innersprings lean more towards the firm side. However, if you’re someone who prefers a firm feel, then an extra comfort layer may not be needed. Many people grew up sleeping on coil mattresses and may continue to do so. Innersprings offer excellent breathability with the open airflow from the coils but may lack pressure point relief. This type of mattress will have a definite bounce and may be noisy from any movement due to the coils.

Hybrid

A hybrid is a combination of innerspring and memory foam. This type of mattress uses coils as support with memory foam as comfort layers. The number of layers of memory foam will vary depending on the manufacturer.

Many see hybrid mattresses as the best value because of its 2-in-1 construction: it offers contouring with pressure point relief and has firm support and bounce. However, the risks are still the same, but now combined – there is the possibility of sleeping hot because of the denseness of the memory foam, and less pressure point relief because of the innersprings.

Latex foam

Latex is a natural material that comes from rubber trees. Eco-friendly and hypoallergenic, many consumers like latex because it offers body contouring and has a slight bounce. This type of mattress may come at a higher price point due to its natural material and luxury feel.

There are two types of manufacturing; Dunlop or Talalay. The difference is Talalay has an extra step with the placement of rods in the material to create several holes for added softness and airflow. Dunlop latex offers better support to heavy sleepers, while Talalay latex provides better pressure relief. A latex mattress may be ideal for those seeking the conformity of memory foam but with a firmer feel.

Airbed

Airbeds offer a more customized sleep experience due in large part to its adjustable comfort and support. Air can be removed or added to help customers reach their preferred firmness level. Basic airbeds will contain two air chambers.

Some, more high-end ones will consist of six chambers, offering a zoned support system for the body. They can stand between 10” to 15” high, and may have two layers: air chambers and a comfort layer of memory foam or latex. With a longer lifespan and its ability to absorb movement, many people prefer an airbed over a traditional mattress. Please note there may be some drawbacks to an airbed, including noise from the electric air pumps, possible malfunctions that result in costly repairs, and their high price point.

Water

While popular option in the 60s, 70s, and 80s, waterbeds are still very much present today. Like airbeds, their adjustable firmness all depends on how much water is removed or added. There are three different surface feels of waterbeds: free-flow, semi-waveless, and waveless.

Free-flow contains no restrictions, leaving the motion of the water to move around freely. Semi-waveless slightly restricts movement with foam bolsters and baffles, but still has the small motion of waves. Waveless completely prevents water motion with foam bolsters, baffles, and fiber padding.

A waveless mattress isn’t much different than an innerspring, memory foam, or latex mattress. It might be better to look towards a traditional mattress if you’re seeking a waveless mattress because, unlike a water bed, they require little maintenance and may last longer.

Rollaway

Also known as folding beds, the rollaway is best suited for temporary sleeping arrangements like guest bedrooms and hotels. They usually come with a thin foam mattress between 4” and 6” thick. Rollaways are one of the more less expensive mattress options, many available under $500.

Constructed of lightweight metal frames and wheels, they can be folded and stored easily. As one of the less expensive types of mattresses, the rollaway comes with some disadvantages. Because of its light frame, it may not be as durable or as supportive as a standard mattress.

Rollaways last less than seven years. They’re notorious for being noisy, most of it from the squeak of the frame and wheels. Also, it’s rare to find a rollaway that includes a sleep trial, a warranty, or a refund.

How Long Does a Mattress Last?

It is important to keep in mind that the length of the mattress warranty does not reflect the life expectancy of the mattress. Although most mattress warranties are 10 years, this warranty will cover manufacturing issues but not normal wear and tear. Innerspring mattresses have the shortest lifespan, about 5 to 8 years, while a high-quality memory mattress will last 10 years. The elasticity of latex makes these mattresses more durable, giving them a lifespan of about 15 years.

When Should I Buy a New Mattress?

When sleeping on an old mattress, you will be more likely to wake up with sore muscles and joints. Take time to look over your mattress and make sure that there are no rips, broken coils, indents, or sagging. These defects are a sign that the mattress is no longer supporting you.

What Is the Best Mattress Size for Me?

When it comes to your bed, your chosen mattress size matters. Most importantly, size can influence your budget since larger mattresses will cost more. For example, a queen size mattress will have a higher price tag than a twin.

Another factor that can determine choice in mattress size is body type. Taller sleepers have fewer mattress sizes they can consider than shorter sleepers under 6 feet tall, who can find even a twin size mattress comfortable.

Also, measure your bedroom to be sure that the size that you want will fit in the space. You may also want to consider how you sleep, whether you tuck your body in, sprawl outward, or a combination of both.

Wider mattresses like queen or a king size mattresses might be better for those who stretch out in their sleep, while a Cal king is great for those who need more length. A twin, twin XL, or full mattress may work well for those who sleep curled up.

Sleeping alone or with a sleep partner can also influence your choice in size. Naturally, the best mattresses for couples must be wide enough to accommodate two sleepers.

With all of these considerations in mind, here’s a quick rundown of mattress sizes.

Twin

Twin size mattresses measure 38 inches wide and 74 to 75 inches long. As the smallest standard mattress size that’s not a crib bed, the twin mattress is best for single sleepers who want to conserve room space or funds.

Twin XL

Twin XL size mattresses are 38 inches wide and 80 inches long. The added length of a twin XL mattress makes it more popular with taller sleepers who need to stretch out.

Full

Full size mattresses measure 54 inches wide and 75 inches long. Despite the fact that a full bed is significantly wider than a twin mattress, we only recommend full mattresses for solo sleepers.

Queen

Queen size mattresses are 60 inches wide and 80 inches long. The queen mattress is the smallest mattress size that we can recommend for couples, although some partners may need more personal space at night.

King

King size mattresses measure 76 inches wide by 80 inches long, making them the most expansive mattress size. The king mattress is what many shoppers consider the ultimate comfort, although shoppers need a large bedroom for one.

California King

California king mattresses are narrower and wider than a standard king, measuring 72 inches by 84 inches. The extra inches of length can help sleepers over 6 feet tall sleep comfortably without curling up or leaving their feet dangling over the end.

Split King

A split king size mattress has the same dimensions as a traditional king size mattress, measuring 76 inches wide and 80 inches long. The difference between a king and split king mattress is that the latter is divided in half for greater couple’s comfort. Shoppers are freer to customize their side of the bed with a split king, particularly if they pair it with an adjustable bed.

Sleeping Positions

Sleep position can determine what firmness of mattress you buy. Some materials may be better suited to specific sleeping positions. For example, those who sleep on their side may find a medium-firm mattress ideal.

Its contouring abilities help to hug the body but maintain needed support to the spine. In contrast, stomach sleepers may prefer an innerspring because of its firmness needed to alleviate lower back pressure.

Another consideration when it comes to firmness is body type. Lightweights may lean more towards a softer mattress, while a firmer mattress may be ideal for heavyweights. However, for many shoppers their sleeping position is the primary consideration.

Side Sleepers

Side sleeping is the most common and healthiest sleep position. It provides better breathing and reduces the risk of snoring and sleep apnea symptoms. Additionally, side sleepers can benefit from improved digestion and spinal alignment. Sleeping on the left side is better since it puts less pressure on vital organs and eases acid reflux. Those who suffer from shoulder pain or issues should avoid sleeping on their side – back might be better.

The best mattress for side sleepers cradles your shoulders and hips while still supporting your lower back and keeping your spine properly aligned.

Stomach Sleepers

Stomach sleeping is the least recommended. Neck pain from twisting the head to the side increases pressure on the lower back, and tossing and turning can result from stomach sleeping. If you do sleep on your stomach, we suggest a firm mattress.

Possible solutions to help alleviate these issues include placing a thin pillow under the hips for better support and pressure relief and switching to the side sleeping position. Some stomach sleepers may not need a pillow for their head, especially if they are sleeping on a firmer mattress.

Read about the best mattresses for neck pain.

Back Sleepers

Back sleepers face fewer problems than stomach sleepers but are still in danger from possible health risks. These include snoring and developing sleep apnea. This is due to the collapse of soft tissue at the back of the throat and the tongue blocking the airway.

Side sleeping would be a better alternative. A couple of benefits to sleeping on the back is that the spine is better aligned and there is a lower risk of facial wrinkles since the face is not in contact with the pillow during the night.

Combo Sleepers

If you’re a combo sleeper, it usually means that you may fall asleep on your stomach and wake up on your side. Combo sleepers change positions several times during the night. They may benefit from each sleep position, but may also face the increased health risks of each sleep position as well. These include the neck, shoulder, and back pain, blocked airways, and poor spine alignment.

Motion Transfer and Motion Isolation

You may not know the technical name, but almost every sleeper can relate to the struggles of a bed with high motion transfer and low motion isolation.

Simply put: a mattress with high motion transfer is one that doesn’t absorb motion. So if you move through the night, your movement is felt across the bed. If you’re sharing a bed, this can lead to the other person feeling disrupted throughout the night. But even if sleeping alone, no one wants to feel like every small movement leads to a major shift.

Finding a mattress with good motion isolation helps reduce tossing and turning. In our experience, memory foam mattresses and latex mattresses tend to get the best reviews when it comes to combating motion transfer.

A Mattress Budget

It’s important that you have a reasonable budget set in place before shopping for a mattress. Mattresses are available at a wide price range, depending on what you’re looking for. It helps to research available features and to know what to expect from a standard mattress.

Some factors can help influence your budgets, such as mattress size, materials, and extra features like cooling gel. Bigger size, natural materials, and added features will drive the price higher but may include special perks better warranties.

Most mattresses with high-quality materials and extended warranties can be found at $2,000. In contrast, beds at $500 may be limited in available materials and features. Customers can expect a 10-year warranty, no matter the price.

To make the most of a budget and save hundreds of dollars, watch for discounts during the year’s mattress sales:

• Presidents Day Mattress Sales
• Memorial Day Mattress Sales
• 4th of July Mattress Sales
• Labor Day Mattress Sales
• Columbus Day Mattress Sales
• Black Friday Mattress Sales
• Cyber Monday Mattress Sales

Mattress in a Boxes

Ordering your new bed from a mattress in a box company is the latest trend.

Unlike traditional mattress shopping, online mattress companies offer several unique perks. First, most online mattress companies provide generous, risk-free sleep trials. A sleep trial allows you to try the mattress in the comfort of your own home and for a significant period of time.

Second, mattress in a boxes are often a fraction of the price of beds sold from more traditional brick-and-mortar stores. There is less overhead, fewer commissions (if there are any commissions at all).

Sleep Trial and Return Policy

Despite what companies may advertise, it’s impossible to find the perfect mattress within a one day trial. In some ways, online retailers offer a better advantage than traditional brick-and-mortar shops. They can cut out the middleman and save customers from the added pressure to buy on the spot.

Most online manufacturers offer a sleep trial of at least 30 days to allow customers to properly break in a mattress. Sleep trials give customers an adequate trial period to test out a mattress to see if it’s the best fit in offering the right amount of comfort and support. If not satisfied, companies will have the used mattress donated to charity at little to no cost to the customer.

Sleep trials offer customers the chance to decide whether or not a mattress is right for them. Choosing a mattress is not as simple as an hour’s visit at a local retailer. It takes serious consideration that may not be helped by added pressure to buy.

When searching for a mattress, take advantage of a sleep trial and give yourself the time to really try one out to make sure it’s the right one for you. A sleep trial is a perfect way to properly test out a mattress.

It may be a good idea, if a mattress doesn’t have a sleep trial, to look at the return policy. Mattress stores have a uniform message of wanting to ensure their customers a good night’s sleep, a message that’s reinforced when they offer reassurances that their mattress purchase is a good one, like a return policy. Return policies offer customers the ability to return or exchange a mattress if unsatisfied.

With how expensive mattresses can be, an available return policy may help to assure customers that their comfort matters. Companies who don’t offer any type of reassurances with their mattresses, especially a return policy, should be avoided since they may not be looking after the customer’s well-being and more their own.

Mattress Warranties

Before buying a new mattress, always look to see if a warranty is available. Customers can expect a 10-year warranty with most mattresses, no matter the price tag. Be sure to read the fine print to know what to expect from the company and what the company expects from you.

It’s important to know what the warranty actually covers, especially when it comes to repairs and possible replacements. For instance, while warranties do cover some damages, water damage may void the warranty if the mattress wasn’t protected by a waterproof mattress protector. On the other hand, should you purchase a memory foam mattress, for instance, and after two weeks, there’s a 3” sag in the middle despite following the proper care and handling instructions, the manufacturer can provide repairs or even a replacement if the damage is verified.

Always read through any warranty before purchasing a mattress. Some warranties may serve to protect the company rather than the customer, leaving them stuck with a poor-quality mattress.

Edge Support and Foam Density

One of the more popular questions we get on this site is whether or not a mattress ought to have edge support. Edge support was more common in mattresses in the 90s, 80s, and even further back. Now you mostly see edge support in traditional innerspring mattresses or in hotel beds. First, edge support is neither good nor bad, but there are trade-offs to having it (or not having it).

Edge support, simply put, is when a mattress is designed to be firmer or more resilient around the edge of the bed. Think of a picture frame. The photo itself is the mattress and the frame is the edge support. Edge support benefits those who want to sit on the corner of their bed and not sink. Also, edge support gives some sleepers a feeling of safety. Because of the firmer edge, it feels like you are less likely to roll off in the night.

The lack of edge support is called “run-off”. When a mattress has “run-off” it means there is a slightly curved design at the edges of the bed. The benefit of run-off is simple. It increases your sleeping surface. With edge support, you are technically getting less of the mattress you chose. With run-off, you are getting more mattress.

Since most mattress companies are embracing all-foam beds, edge support is becoming less and less popular.

Best Mattresses for Specific Needs

Sleep is a fundamental pillar of health. Quality sleep impacts your day-to-day activities, physical and mental well-being, and overall health. While a mattress isn’t usually a one-stop solution for bad sleep, it is a factor worth considering.

Best Mattress for Arthritis

Arthritis is the swelling of joints and can lead to significant pain, at night, and during the day. Depending on the severity and location of your arthritis, a new mattress and foundation can be a huge benefit.

The best mattress for arthritis takes the pressure off your body, reducing aches and pains.

Best Mattress for Snoring

There are several ways to reduce your chances of snoring. First, it is more common for back sleepers to snore than side sleepers. Because of this, finding a mattress is great for side sleeping is a good place to start. Second, snoring can decrease if you elevate your head and chest. Finding an adjustable bed, which allows you to articulate your head and chest up, will open your airways and reduce snoring.

Best Mattress for Hip Pain

Hip pain is a common sleep disruptor. If your bed is too firm, it can lead to increased pressure on your hips, which leads to tossing and turning. If your bed is too soft, your hip sinks into the mattress and puts pressure on your lower back pain.

The best mattress for hip pain helps alleviate that pressure while still supporting your hips and the natural curve of your spine.

Best Mattress for Athletes

Sleep is a key way your body recovers from daily stress. When you are an athlete or someone who lives a very active and busy lifestyle, recovery is essential.

Uninterrupted sleep is the best way to recover. This is why the best mattresses for athletes are those that promote even balance and excellent support and comfort.

Best Mattress for Adjustable Beds

Adjustable beds can significantly improve your sleeping experience. An adjustable bed is a bed frame that moves your mattress up and down. Raising the head of your mattress helps open your airways, leading to a reduced risk of snoring and other benefits. Raising the legs of your mattress takes the pressure off your lower back and helps increase blood flow to your heart.

The best mattress for adjustable beds will be able to bend and contour to new shapes without losing its ability to support you.

Temperature Regulation and Air Flow

Generally speaking, a person only wakes up in the middle for two reasons: they are in pain, or they are overheating. If you are in pain, your mind will tell your body to move or shift positions to help alleviate the pain. If this happens enough times, you are bound to wake up. If you are hot, again, your body will move to try and cool itself. Everyone is familiar with the feeling of kicking the covers off to try and cool down.

Because of this, it makes sense that when you’re looking for a new mattress, you want a supportive and cooling mattress. Though cooling isn’t the best word, it is the word used in most marketing. What you really need is a mattress that helps you regulate your temperature and doesn’t add to your body’s natural heat. If you’re a hot sleeper, chances are outside factors (diet, medical conditions, room temperature) will play a bigger part than the bed you are sleeping on.

When looking for your next mattress, look for breathable layers put at the top of the mattress. Surprisingly, plenty of companies will put their cooling layers deep down in the mattress, which doesn’t help as much as a cool, breathable layer right at the top.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best mattress for side sleepers?

One of our favorite mattresses for side sleeping is the AS5 Hybrid, which has a luxuriously plush feel yet maintains full-body support. A good mattress for side sleeping should have a soft to medium feel, ensuring that the mattress will cradle the hips and joints for pressure relief. A too-firm mattress can leave a side sleeper waking up in pain.

What mattress types are the most comfortable?

Mattresses are not one size fits all, so the most comfortable mattress for one sleeper, may not work for another sleeper. However, memory foam and hybrid mattresses consistently have the highest customer satisfaction ratings in terms of overall comfort and support. These beds have a 2 to 3-inch comfort layer that cushions and cradles the joints.

What is the best mattress for back pain?

The best mattresses for back pain have a medium-firm feel since this comfort level is capable of cushioning the joints and supporting the lumbar spine. For one of the best medium-firm mattresses, we recommend the Amerisleep AS2. This bed frequently ranks as one of the best mattresses for back pain.

What is the best mattress in a box?

Some of the best mattress in a box brands include Amerisleep and Zoma. Both of these brands use high-quality materials, eco-friendly, and durable materials. Amerisleep offers a wide range of memory foam and hybrid mattresses in various firmness levels. Zoma offers a gel memory foam and a hybrid mattress both with a medium firmness that works well for most sleep styles and body types.

What is the best mattress memory foam mattress?

One of the best memory foam mattresses on the market is the Amerisleep AS3. This matress has a medium firmness that works well for most sleep positions, including side, back, and combination sleepers. It is also made with Amerisleep’s eco-friendly, breathable plant-based memory foam, Bio-Pur® to keep you cool and dry throughout the night. Amerisleep memory foam provides deep contouring and pressure relief. However, it is also responsive enough to keep the hips and shoulders lifted and aligned to prevent morning aches and pains.

It’s Decision Time!

Now that you’ve got all the information about the best beds of the year, plus the ones to avoid, it’s time to decide which one is right for you. Our top recommendation is the Amerisleep AS3, but of course, you have to factor in your own preferences and budget.

Adjustable bases may improve your sleep even more. We provide an in-depth guide on what to look for. And if you want even more information on finding the right bed, take a look at our previous guides for more information on buying an online mattress.