The Snooze Expert Best Mattress Reviews

When you begin the shopping process for your new mattress, you should keep several things in mind from the beginning through the final purchase. You may even find it useful to keep a checklist to make sure that you are covering every area you need to. Things to keep in mind when browsing different mattresses include:

For our Mattress Reviews, we also consider the following when reviewing different mattresses. Each factor is very important, as it will determine if the mattress is right for you.

Strictly speaking, there are dozens of different types of mattresses. However, many of them have become outdated as sleeping technology improves over the years. Modern mattresses can usually be broken down into seven categories: pocket spring, memory foam, coil spring, latex, mattress toppers, hybrids, and adjustable mattresses. Over the years, mattresses that focus on the use of foam or latex have become more popular than models which use springs, although hybrid brands remain very popular as well. When determining which mattress type you need, consider the information below alongside your personal health and physical needs.

The cost of a mattress depends on the size and the type of material you choose. The least expensive mattresses typically include foam or coil spring twin models, which can cost as low as $250. King-size mattresses can cost between $1,000 and $2,000. Luxury mattresses, such as high-end hybrids and latex models, can cost as much as $5,000 for a king size.

When considering your budget for a new mattress, you should balance the up-front cost of the bed with the long-term expectations of its performance. A coil spring mattress, for example, comes in as a very cost-effective product upfront but is more likely to wear out over a period of several years. Memory foam and pocket spring mattresses are at the next cost tier and tend to last at least 10 years without defect. Hybrid and latex mattresses are more expensive, but have long-term durability that can keep them usable for more than a decade.

Additional services provided by the mattress manufacturer may further influence your budget. Most manufacturers offer free delivery and returns, but if not you should factor shipping cost into the price. You may also need to pay for the removal of an old mattress. Finally, the warranty is important to consider. The industry standard is a 10-year warranty, but many mattress brands offer something longer, up to and including lifetime warranties.

One area of mattress terminology that often confuses people is the discussion of support and firmness of a mattress. Note that firmness does not necessarily equate to better support – the latter of which usually correlates to the lower layers of a mattress. Both soft and firm mattresses can provide important support to pressure points along your back, neck, and shoulders. In terms of support, you should test whether the mattress contours properly to your body if you can. Softness and firmness has more to do with the rigidity of the mattress. A very soft mattress allows you to sink into the top layers, while a firm mattress keeps you closer to the top. Where you fall on that scale depends on your personal sleeping preferences.

Many mattresses only offer one level of firmness, so you can immediately discount those products that do not fit your personal comfort level. However, some mattresses provide different levels of softness and firmness that can be chosen or tweaked. In memory foam mattresses, for example, it is not uncommon to have a layer that can be added, removed, or changed to fit differing support needs. Most mattresses offer a trial period of at least 100 days that you should make use of. If you find yourself uncomfortable with a mattress, getting aches and pains after a month or so, then you should consider returning/ exchanging the mattress. The mattress may not be suitable for your body, which will result in an uncomfortable sleep. Therefore it is best to try different material or level of firmness.

Your sleeping position can affect the quality of your rest. Only about 18% of Americans sleep on their back, and doing so generally leads to a better night’s sleep as long as you have the right level of support. Back sleepers need to have a mattress that contours properly to their lower back, relieving pressure along their spine. For this reason, many prefer softer but supportive mattresses where they can feel the supportive layer press against their body. By contrast, 17% of Americans sleep on their stomach. This sleeping position provides fewer health benefits, but can still be beneficial with a firmer mattress and a soft pillow that keeps the body properly aligned.

The remaining 65% of Americans sleep either on their side or change positions during the night. Side sleeping actually helps to alleviate insomnia and sleep deprivation, especially if you bend your knees slightly toward your chest during the night. This is also the ideal sleeping position for pregnant women. Side sleepers can benefit from both soft and firm mattresses, as long as the mattress provides the right level of support. If you change positions during the night, consider a mattress comfort level designed for back or stomach sleepers, depending on which position you take more often. This gives you a mattress that fits your non-side sleeping position but which will also work well for you when you roll onto your side.

In addition to the items above, you need to consider your own weight. Lighter bodies tend to sleep better on softer mattresses, while those who are overweight or simply have a larger body type can often benefit from something with more firmness to avoid problems like sleep apnea. When considering the qualities of different mattresses, consider your weight both now and in the future. If you expect to lose weight, your sleeping preferences might change. Similarly, if you are pregnant or are considering expanding your family in the future, you should make sure that any mattress you purchase can support you, both in the present and after you have your child.

Another oft-ignored weight consideration comes from pets. While small animals such as cats might not have much of an impact on a mattress, dogs can sometimes add 100 pounds or more to the mattress’ load. When you factor in the fact that pets often sleep in unusual positions, this added weight can wear down a mattress that was not bought with the pet in mind.