Buying Guide

Looking for the perfect mattress?
This easy-to-follow buying guide walks you through everything you need to know, from sleep styles and mattress types to firmness levels, cooling features, and warranties, so you can shop with confidence and find the right bed for your best night’s sleep.

1. Know Your Sleep Style

Your preferred sleep position affects the firmness and support you’ll need.

  • Side Sleepers: Look for medium to plush mattresses that offer pressure relief at the hips and shoulders. Latex or memory foam works well.
  • Back Sleepers: A medium-firm mattress provides balanced support to align the spine.
  • Stomach Sleepers: A firmer mattress helps prevent the back from arching unnaturally.
  • Combination Sleeper: A responsive surface (like latex or hybrid) makes it easier to move throughout the night.
2. Choose the Right Mattress Type

Each mattress material provides a different feel and support system.

  • Memory Foam: Contours closely to the body; great for pressure relief and motion isolation.
  • Latex: Naturally breathable, bouncy, and supportive with excellent durability.
  • Hybrid: Combines coils with foam or latex for support, breathability, and comfort.
  • Innerspring: Offers a traditional, bouncy feel with strong edge support.
  • Smart Bed: Customizable firmness levels (like SmartLife) for personalized support.
3. Pick Your Firmness Level

Mattress firmness is subjective, but typically categorized as:

  • Soft (1-3): Best for side sleepers or those who want plush comfort.
  • Medium (4-6): Ideal for most sleep styles; balances comfort and support.
  • Firm (7-9): Recommended for stomach sleepers or those needing more spinal support.
4. Consider Cooling Features

Overheating can disrupt sleep. If you're a hot sleeper, look for:

  • Cooling Covers: (e.g., PCM fabrics or TENCEL®)
  • Gel-Infused Foams
  • Open Cell or aerated Latex
  • Breathable coil systems
5. Set a Budget Range

Quality mattresses are available at various price points:

  • Budget ($300 - $800) Basic foam or innerspring models.
  • Mid-Range ($800 - $2.000) Higher-quality hybrids, latex, or smart foam beds.
  • Luxury ($2,000) Handcrafted details, natural materials, and advanced tech like AI-based adjustability or zoned support.

Tip: A good mattress is a 7–10 year investment—buy the best you can reasonably afford.

6. Test for Motion Isolation & Edge Support

If you share a bed:

  • Motion Isolation: Memory foam or pocketed coils help prevent sleep disturbances.
  • Edge Support: Reinforced perimeters offer stability for getting in/out of bed and using the full sleep surface.
7. Look for Trial Periods & Return Policies

Sleep trials let you test the mattress at home—often risk-free.

  • Trial Periods: Aim for at least 90–120 nights.
  • Reurn Policies: Ensure there's an easy return or exchange process if it’s not the right fit.
8. Understand the Warranty

A quality mattress should come with a solid warranty.

  • Typical Warranties: Range from 10 to 25 years.
  • What's Covered: Sagging beyond a certain depth, manufacturer defects, etc.
  • Read the Fine Print: Some warranties are void without proper foundation support.
9. Check for Certifications & Materials

Ensure your mattress meets health and environmental standards.

   
Certifications to Look For:

  • OEKO-TEX® Standard 100
  • CertiPUR-US® (for foams)
  • GOTS/GOLS (for organic materials)

·      
Natural vs. Synthetic: Natural latex, organic cotton, and wool offer
hypoallergenic and sustainable benefits. 

10. Decide Where to Buy

Choose a buying experience that suits your preferences.

  • Online Brands: Often offer better prices, sleep trials, and direct-to-door delivery.
  • In-Store: Allows hands-on testing and expert guidance. Good for those who want to try before buying.
  • Retail Hybrids: Some brands offer both showroom experiences and online deals.