Find A Perfect Night’s Sleep With the Right Mattress
Is your lumpy mattress poking you in the back? Do the springs creak each time you roll over? A high-quality mattress has about 10 good years before it breaks down. If you’re losing sleep because of an uncomfortable mattress, it’s time to shop for a new one.
You don’t have to break the bank to get a good night’s sleep. But if you want a long-lasting mattress, steer clear of low-end models. To a certain extent, you get what you pay for when it comes to furniture.
Mattresses look simple, but they come in a range of types with a variety of optional features. How do you know what to look for? We put together this mattress buying guide to help you find the perfect night’s rest.
Choose the Right Support
Mattresses can be divided into four main types: innerspring, memory foam, latex and hybrid. Each type offers a different feel. The best way to differentiate between types is to test each style. Here’s an overview:
Get a Bouncy Feel With an Innerspring Mattress
Steel coils give these familiar mattresses their bouncy feel. An innerspring mattress is often the most economical choice. They are widely available and come in several variations.
Coils are gauged to different thicknesses. The lower the wire gauge, the firmer the coil. Gauges range from 12 to 18, with 12 the thickest and 18 the thinnest. For more support and firmness, choose a thicker gauge.
Innerspring mattresses may be topped with fiberfill, foam or infused gel. A quilted ticking finishes the surface.
Find Support With a Foam Mattress
Memory foam mattresses range from soft to firm. They’re less bouncy than innerspring mattresses. These mattresses are often favored by those with back and joint pain.
Memory foam molds to the body during sleep. When you get up, it gradually returns to its original shape. Memory foam mattresses are generally warmer than innerspring mattresses. For those who prefer to sleep cool, gel-infused mattresses promise a more comfortable temperature.
The feel of the mattress is determined by the the thickness and density of the foam. Foam thickness typically ranges from 2 – 6 inches. Denseness in a high-quality mattress is about 5 pound per cubic foot.
A Buoyant Experience With a Latex Mattress
Latex mattresses have a firmness similar to memory foam but with a bit more spring. Latex comes in natural or synthetic models.
Natural latex is antimicrobial, resistant to mold and dust mites. Those who have allergies sometimes prefer latex. Natural latex costs more than synthetic.
Latex mattresses are manufactured with two distinct processes: Dunlop and Talalay. The Dunlop process results in a mattress that’s denser, heavier and feels firmer than Talalay mattresses.
Versatile Support with a Hybrid Mattress
A hybrid mattress combines memory foam with innersprings. If you like the feel of a traditional mattress, but want the added comfort or warmth of memory foam, look for a hybrid mattress.
Choose the Right Size
Mattresses come in standard sizes. Choose the size based on who will sleep on the bed and the space in the room.
Twin
Twins are 39-inches wide by 75-inches long. They’re best for one child or teenager. An adult can sleep on a twin but may find it too small. These mattresses are great for small bedrooms and children’s rooms. Daybeds and bunk beds generally take a twin mattress.
Twin XL
A longer version of a standard twin, extended twin mattresses measure 39 by 80 inches. Dorm rooms often use these extra-long mattresses. Twin XL mattresses give an adult sleeper more room to stretch out.
Full
A full or double mattress is ideal for one adult. At 54 by 75 inches, these mattresses can feel cramped when two people share a bed. Most adults find a full mattress to be comfortable, but someone who’s very tall may prefer a longer mattress
Queen
A queen accommodates two adults. These mattresses measure 60 by 80 inches. While many find the dimensions comfortable, others prefer a little more wiggle room. A queen can be a good choice for a small bedroom.
King
A king-size mattress is the most popular choice when two people share a bed. At 76 by 80 inches, these mattresses give each sleeper ample width and length. A king bed generally has room even if your kids or pets sometimes share a bed with you.
California King
These mattresses are 72 by 84 inches. They are 4 inches longer than a standard king, but also 4 inches narrower. California kings are often the choice of tall people.
What’s Your Sleep Style?
Do you tend to overheat at night? Do you share a bed with a restless sleeper? Some types of mattresses are better suited for a particular style of sleeping.
Stretch out on a number of mattresses in the store showroom. Don’t be shy: assume your habitual sleeping position as you try out different beds. Toss and turn to gauge how the mattress responds to motion. Notice if you sink in, or if the material seems to hug your body.
Here are things to consider:
Side Sleepers
If you sleep on your side, look for a mattress that supports while alleviating pressure. Sleeping on your side can put pressure on the shoulders and hips. Memory foam does a great job of distributing pressure. Innerspring mattresses also offer excellent relief from pressure while also supporting the spine. People who sleep on their sides often prefer a mattress with a softer feel.
Stomach Sleepers
Sleeping facedown generally calls for a firm mattress. Innerspring or latex mattresses are often a good choice for those who sleep face down. Pillow-top mattresses that mold to a sleeper’s body may feel uncomfortable on a stomach-sleeper’s face.
Back Sleepers
If you sleep on your back, look for a mattress with medium firmness. Support and softness are of equal importance in keeping your spine aligned and body comfortable. You can find a good fit with any type of mattress: innerspring, memory foam, latex and hybrid.
Restless Sleepers
Tossing and turning causes some mattresses to bounce. Tame the movement by choosing a mattress that isolates motion. Memory foam has the best motion isolation. Latex mattresses are less bouncy than innersprings but more than memory foam. If you’re looking at innerspring models, test mattresses with pocketed or individually encased coils.
Temperature Matters
Memory foam warms as it conforms to the body. Pillow tops are generally a bit cozier than a firm top. In general, softer mattresses feel warmer because as a sleeper sinks in, the material hugs the body.
For those who prefer to sleep cool, gel foam may turn the temperature down. A firm innerspring mattress can also offer heat-relief since a sleeper doesn’t sink into cushiony warmth.
Mismatched Partners
What’s the best mattress if you share a bed with your sleep opposite? Hybrid mattresses, ones with an innerspring core topped with a foam pillow, are the answer for many people. Some couples compromise by settling on a firm mattress and adding to one side a soft removable mattress pad.
How Much Does a Mattress Cost?
As you can imagine, mattress prices vary widely. In most cases, you’ll buy a mattress set which includes box springs. Innerspring sets are generally the least expensive. Latex tends to cost the most.
Queen sets start at around $400. A higher-end model can run into the thousands. Spending around $1,500 will get you a durable, high-quality queen-size mattress set.
A budget mattress may feel comfortable at first, but will wear out quickly. Spending less initially can cost more eventually if it means you’ll have to buy a new mattress after a few years.
Should you splurge on an expensive mattress? Only you know if the cost is worth the extra comfort. In general, buy the mattress that feels best and works for your budget. A high-quality mattress improves your sleep and will give years of support.
Find the Right Mattress at Broadway Furniture
Broadway Furniture has been selling furniture and mattresses in Portland for more than 81 years. The knowledgeable salespeople at Broadway Furniture will help you find the right mattress at a great price.
Come in and test drive a mattress at our Tigard location or give us a call at (503) 281-5555.
