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In this article, we’ll discuss how to choose a mattress so that you don’t have to spend all of your free time worrying about making the right decision that could impact your sleep for the next eight years. Read through to learn more on how to choose a mattress, or use the links below to navigate the post.
Steps for Choosing the Right Mattress
Once you’ve decided that it’s time to get rid of a mattress, you’ll need to start shopping for its replacement. Choosing a mattress is easy, but it can be difficult to choose the right mattress that you can ensure will keep its firmness and be comfortable for the next eight to ten years. Quality mattresses can be a big-ticket item, so you need to know that you’re making the right decision. Here are the steps for choosing the right mattress.
Assess the Age of Your Mattress
If you can’t remember when you bought your mattress, then it’s probably old. You should replace your mattress every six to eight years, but many people make the mistake of waiting until their backs ache to replace their beds. But, of course, six to eight years is just a general timeline. Many people will need to purchase a new mattress before the six-year mark, and some might stay comfortable in their beds for up to ten years or more.
How often you decide to replace your mattress will depend on other factors, such as how often the mattress is used, the quality of the mattress, and the type of mattress. For example, memory foam mattresses can last up to ten years, while innerspring mattresses may only last up to eight years.
Understand the Different Types of Mattresses
There are different types of mattresses that will impact how often you need to replace your mattress and allow you to make a better decision about the type of mattress you should purchase.
Innerspring
Innerspring mattresses were the most popular mattress type at one point because there weren’t many options out there. However, they are the traditional choice, and many people still prefer them. On the other hand, many people prefer to avoid them because they don’t counteract pressure points, which can cause pain in the morning.
These types of beds also wear down quickly, so you’ll need to buy a new mattress more frequently. They can also make noises if your bed wears down, making them difficult to sleep on. While innerspring mattresses are more affordable than other options, you might actually end up losing money on them because you have to purchase them more frequently.
Memory Foam
Memory foam is one of the most popular types of mattress available today—it contours to the body to make you feel like you’re floating on a cloud. However, when shopping for a memory foam mattress, beware of the different density levels that can impact how well your mattress contours your body—the higher the density, the better the contouring.
Learn about the different types of memory foam mattresses by reading our memory foam mattress buying guide.
Hybrid
What if we told you that you could get the best of both worlds, a combination of an innerspring mattress and a memory foam mattress? The good news is that you can—a hybrid mattress combines innerspring technology with memory foam that creates a mattress comfortable for anyone.
Hybrid mattresses have springs that are wrapped if you enjoy a traditional mattress with a layer of memory foam for extra comfort and contouring. For more information, check out our blog on the differences between memory foam vs. hybrid mattresses.
Waterbeds
Waterbeds make you feel like you’re falling asleep while being rocked, which can help many people fall asleep quickly and stay asleep for longer. Unfortunately, water beds come with tons of disadvantages, including motion sickness, lack of support for the body, and the potential to leak.
Air Mattresses
Air mattresses are typically used only for overnight guests when you don’t have an extra bed or couch for them to sleep on. They also make great travel items if you’re not sure where you’ll be staying. However, most people who have slept on an air mattress agree that they’re not always the most comfortable, especially after multiple nights of use.
Ultimately, air mattresses are unable to support your body, which can cause back and neck pain. So if you’re in the market for a long-term mattress, it’s best to avoid air beds.
Latex Mattresses
Latex mattresses are made with 100% latex. They are considered one of the most comfortable types of mattresses and can also promote natural spine alignment and pain relief. Not only that, but they’re all-natural and allergen-free. Unfortunately, latex mattresses can also be expensive compared to innerspring mattresses, but the additional cost comes with an additional value.
Determine Your Sleeping Position
Most people sleep in the same position every night, which will help you determine which type of mattress is right for you. Here’s how you can find the right mattress based on your sleeping position:
Back
If you sleep on your back, then you’re putting the most pressure on your back. If your mattress is too soft, then your back can get strained as your torso sinks down. If your mattress is too firm, you won’t be able to contour the natural curve of your spine, leading to more pain. Back sleepers can choose any type of mattress that’s medium-firm and offers light contouring.
Side
Side sleepers typically put the most pressure on their shoulders and hips. If your mattress is too soft, then those areas of the body sink down and are out of alignment. If your mattress is too firm, you can also cause misalignment. Side sleepers can choose a medium-soft or medium-firm mattress to relieve pressure on the hip and shoulder.
Stomach
Stomach sleepers put pressure on their lower backs. If the mattress is too soft, then the belly will sink into it, creating a U-shape in the spine and causing back pain. If the mattress is too firm, then it doesn’t take into account the contour of your back. Stomach sleepers should aim for firm mattresses that can support their natural alignment.
Combination
Not everyone sleeps in the exact same position all night, every night. If you change positions frequently, then choose a mattress based on the position you find most comfortable or spend the most time in.
Decide on a Firmness Level
Ultimately, firmness will play a role in how comfortable you’ll be in your bed because of your sleeping positions. Any number of mattress types, from memory foam to latex and even innerspring, can accommodate your sleeping position as long as they have the correct firmness.
If you’re not sure which type of firmness you’ll need, consider one that gives you options. The Layla Memory Foam Mattress and Layla Hybrid Mattress come with flippable firmness™, so you don’t have to decide on a firmness level just yet.
Look Within Your Budget
Part of learning how to choose a mattress requires setting expectations with yourself in terms of budget. Before you set out on your journey to purchasing your next mattress, you’ll need to decide on a budget. Do your research to get an idea of how much mattresses cost. If you bought your mattress almost a decade ago, expect prices to have gone up. You can also opt for financing if you choose a mattress that’s a great fit but are unable to spend too much money right away.
You should also consider any extra items that you might want to purchase. For example, a new bed might mean a new comforter as well. If you plan on purchasing more than just a mattress, then make sure you budget for everything. Check out our comforter buying guide to find a comforter that complements your new bed.
Consider Your Weight
In addition to the factors above, your weight also plays a role in which type of mattress is best for you. Your weight affects the level of support you need, how much your body will sink into a mattress, and how warm you might get while you sleep. Individuals with a lighter profile may need a softer mattress because their bodies don’t sink into it as much.
In addition to weight, your overall frame may impact your comfort as well. For example, if you have broad shoulders or hips, you may need to find a soft mattress that provides better contouring.
Wrapping Up: How to Select a Mattress
Learning how to choose a mattress allows you to set out on shopping with the right knowledge and information so that you can make the right choice based on your body and preferences. Now that you know how to choose a mattress, it’s time to learn how to choose the best pillow so you can sleep even better.
Layla Sleep offers a variety of mattresses for anyone, whether you’re a side sleeper or someone who can’t keep their body cool at night. Finding the right mattress doesn’t have to be difficult. Instead, take the information that you’ve learned here and start reading the features of our mattresses to find one that’s perfect for you.
