Mattress Buying Guide

Size

Standard mattress sizes match up with the common bed sizes of twin, full, queen and king. Twin mattresses are the smallest at 38” x 75”, and they are fine for one person. Full-size mattresses offer a little more width at 53” x 75”, which will accommodate two people who don’t mind being close once in a while.

Couples should invest in a queen-sized (60” x 80”) or a king-sized mattress (76” x 80”) that offers additional width and length. If you are especially tall, choose a California king-sized mattress (72” x 84”) or look for specially designed mattresses that have longer lengths.

Materials

Traditional coil mattresses are a standard choice for many buyers and are the most readily available type of mattress. These mattresses generally have a box-spring foundation with an innerspring mattress on top. When buying a coil mattress, consider the density of its coils. The more coils a mattress has, the smaller and the more flexible they are, which helps the mattress adjust to your body and provide good support.

Generally you’ll want to look for 680 coils or more for a mattress. Heavier people should look for a mattress with larger coils that distribute weight more evenly; larger coiled mattresses generally have around 400 coils per mattress. Avoid “never-flip” mattresses: These mattresses only have foam padding on one side and when the padding wears out or tears, you’ll need to buy a new mattress.

Latex memory foam mattresses react to heat and pressure, which lets them mold to the shape of your body. Before investing in one of these mattresses, it helps to understand how you sleep. While memory foam creates a supportive cocoon, it also limits your ability to move once you’ve sunk in, which is a disadvantage for those who toss and turn in their sleep. However, people with joint sensitivity, arthritis and other conditions may benefit from the extra support and reduced mobility. Avoid latex if you’re sleeping in a very hot room, as these mattresses don’t absorb perspiration and don’t breathe as well as other mattresses.

Air mattresses have a series of inflatable air chambers that provide support. Some larger air mattresses offer dual chambers that allow each side of the bed to be adjusted to different levels of firmness. An air mattress with dual chambers might be a good choice for couples, as each person can adjust their side to their individual preference. Air mattresses with smaller chambers provide more flexibility than those with large chambers.

If you suffer from allergies, look for hypoallergenic mattresses and mattress covers that defend against dust mites, mold, and other allergens. Otherwise, don’t spend more for mattress ticking; you’ll be covering it with sheets at home.

Thickness

The thickness of a mattress is commonly referred to as its depth. Many mattresses use extra foam to increase comfort and depth, particularly firmer mattresses. Pillow-top mattresses have a layer of cushioning that makes less flexible coils more comfortable without sacrificing support. These mattresses are often stuffed with foam, feathers and other soft materials.

There’s no right thickness for a mattress, although there are plenty of wrong thicknesses. A mattress that’s too thick will tower over your bed, possibly hiding the headboard and making it tough to get your feet on the floor in the morning. Check the pocket depth of the fitted sheets you already own, so you don’t mistakenly purchase a mattress that requires you to replace all of your existing bed linens.

When you’re thinking about the thickness of an innerspring mattress, find out how much of the thickness is coils and how much is foam. Thicker, stronger coils will provide better support; thick foam looks comfy, but probably won’t help you sleep better.

Firmness

The firmness of your mattress is largely a matter of personal preference, but in general a good mattress will keep your spine in the same position as it would be if you were standing up straight. A mattress with too much give allows your spine or hips sink while you sleep, which can leave you feeling stiff and uncomfortable in the morning.

Most mattresses come in the following levels of firmness: extra firm, traditional firm, cushiony firm, plush and extra plush. These names tell you little about the support a mattress provides, but they can tell you a bit about construction. A firmer mattress tends to have coils made with thicker-gauge wire, which is more durable over time.

Foundation

Unless you’re buying a new bed, you’ll want to make sure that your existing bed frame can support your new mattress. For larger beds, you want to make sure to have a center support leg or beam to keep the frame and mattress from sagging over time.

The box spring is the foundation for an innerspring mattress. Box springs help to distribute the weight of a mattress and people sleeping on it, which keeps the mattress from developing sags. If you have a platform bed, a box spring is optional, as the bed itself will support the mattress.

Need to know more?

• The Better Sleep Guide
  http://www.bettersleep.org/
• Choosing the Right Mattress for Low Back Pain
  http://www.spine-health.com/topics/conserv/mattresschose/mattresschose01.html
• The Best Way to Clean a Mattress
  http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-best-way-to-clean-a-mattress.htm