Written by Lisa Bowman, Fortune Recommends Writer
Buying a new mattress can be a minefield, with so many types and brands to choose from. Our guide to buying the best mattress for you is here to help prevent decision fatigue, providing all the info you need to help you make an informed choice.
The average adult needs seven or more hours of quality sleep a night, and your bed plays a huge part in this. Sleeping on the wrong type of mattress will likely result in you not enjoying quality rest, impacting your physical and mental health. (1) (2) Read on to learn what to look for when choosing a new mattress, considering your body type, sleeping style, environment, and bedroom size.
Meet the expert
Dr. Heidi Moawad is a neurologist and teacher at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio. She is an experienced medical reviewer, serves on the editorial board of Neurology Clinical Practice, and is a reviewer for Neurology.
Related: The 8 best hotel mattresses of 2024, according to testing
How to choose a mattress
Before discussing other important factors, we’ll discuss the types of mattresses available to buy, including their key features and pros and cons. When choosing a mattress, you should consider your preferred size, firmness, price, and the best type of mattress for your sleeping position.
Mattress types
The five most popular mattress types are foam, innerspring, hybrid, latex, and adjustable airbed. (3) Each type is highly variable, but we’ll cover the basics below.
To learn more, read our article on mattress types.
Foam
These mattresses are constructed with only foam layers. Popular types of foam used are memory foam, polyfoam, and latex, and a combination of different foams is often used. Foam beds tend to offer great body contouring, pressure relief, and motion isolation, although they can sometimes sleep hotter than other mattress types, as foam is known for trapping heat.
Check out our top picks for the best memory foam mattresses.
Innerspring
Innerspring beds feature a coil system as their support unit, coupled with a thin comfort layer to cushion the body, which may be made out of foam or natural fibers like cotton, silk, or wool. These beds are known for their bouncy surface and cooling abilities but are often limited in pressure relief and motion isolation. True innersprings are harder to find these days as their popularity has been taken over by innerspring/memory foam hybrids.
If you’re interested in this mattress type, check out the best innerspring mattresses.
Hybrid
A hybrid is a mix between a foam bed and an innerspring. It features a coil support unit but with more substantial foam layers on top than an innerspring. Hybrids are usually made out of a single type of foam, a mix of foam, or a combination of foam and natural fibers. Hybrids can help you find the sweet spot between body contouring and bounce.
Check out the best hybrid mattresses to find the right option for you.
Latex
Latex mattresses feature layers containing either natural or synthetic latex. Natural latex is made from the sap of rubber trees, while synthetic latex is derived from petrochemicals. Both types offer an incredibly responsive surface with great pressure relief and gentle contouring. However, only natural latex is hypoallergenic, environmentally friendly, and breathable, which means it comes at a higher price than its synthetic counterpart.
See our page of the best latex mattresses for our top picks.
Adjustable air
Airbeds feature an air chamber as the support system, which allows you to increase or decrease the firmness level using either an app or a remote. These often feature smart technology, including sleep tracking, firmness that automatically adjusts with your movements, and temperature control. This type of mattress doesn’t offer a traditional mattress feel, so it may take some getting used to.
What size mattress should I get?
Among the factors to consider when choosing a mattress size are your body type, the size of your bedroom, whether you spread out while sleeping, and whether you share your bed with others. You must also ensure that your chosen mattress size can fit through any doorways, corridors, or stairways that lead to your bedroom. This is especially important if the mattress is delivered full-size (rather than compressed in a box).
Mattress heights vary, but length and width are standard across the industry. Below are the most common sizes available. Visit our article on mattress sizes to read more.
| Mattress size | Length x width | Suitability | Minimum recommended room size (4) |
| Twin | 75” x 38” | This size is ideal for children, teenagers, or people who sleep in the same room or don’t want to take up space in their room with a larger bed. | 7’ x 10’ |
| Twin XL | 80” x 38” | Twin XL is the same width as a twin but can accommodate taller individuals. This could be suitable for adults who sleep solo in a room with limited space or as a guest bed. | 9’6” x 10’6” |
| Full | 75” x 54” | Full is a more comfortable choice for adults who sleep independently, although it won’t be long enough for taller individuals. This size likely isn’t large enough for most couples. | 9’6” x 10’6” |
| Queen | 80” x 60” | The mattress size that’s most commonly sold, and is a popular choice for couples and guest room beds. | 10’ x 10’ |
| King | 80” x 76” | King is the widest available standard size, so it’s great for couples who need extra space. | 12’ x 12’ |
| California King | 84” x 72” | The longest standard size, is ideal for taller people. | 12’ x 12’ |
How to choose a mattress firmness
This can be tricky, as firmness isn’t standardized across the industry—one brand’s Firm could feel the same as another brand’s Medium.
Firmness is key as it determines how comfortable and supportive a mattress feels, and your ideal firmness level depends on your body type and sleeping position. A level of plushness is important, as it provides cushioning and pressure relief at heavier areas like the hips, while adequate support is crucial as it helps these heavier points stay lifted to keep the spine in healthy alignment. A misaligned spine can cause aches and pains over time. (5) (6)
Some companies offer split options in larger sizes, which is great for couples because it allows you to choose a different firmness level for each side of the bed.
| Firmness rating | Suitability |
| Extra Soft (1-2) | Extra Soft mattresses are rare, as their extreme plushness means they offer very little support for the average person, which could leave you with back pain. |
| Soft (3-4) | Soft beds offer deep sinkage, so they’re more suited to lighter-weight side sleepers. Heavier people will sink too far into the layers, causing poor spine health. |
| Medium (5-6) | The most popular option is Medium, as it suits a wider range of sleepers. This can make it ideal for combination sleepers. |
| Firm (7-8) | Firm mattresses offer less sinkage, which makes them suitable for heavier individuals or those who sleep mostly on their back or stomach. |
| Extra Firm (9-10) | Very few brands sell Extra Firm beds as they offer little in the way of sinkage and comfort. |
How to choose the right mattress for your sleeping position
Your preferred sleeping position can help you narrow down the best type of mattress for you, as side sleepers have very different requirements to, say, stomach sleepers. Your sleeping position will determine how much cushioning, sinkage, and support you need for optimum comfort.
How to choose a mattress for side sleepers
Research shows that the majority of adults are side sleepers. (7) Medium-soft to medium-firm mattresses are usually best for this sleeping position, although firmness preference is affected by your body type and whether you also sleep in other positions.
Side sleepers require plenty of cushioning at the shoulders and hips to avoid pressure buildup, balanced by enough support to keep the hips aligned with the spine. Beds with memory foam comfort layers are a great option for side sleepers, as this material offers plenty of body contouring and pressure relief.
Check out the best mattresses for side sleepers to find the right mattress for you.
How to choose a mattress for combination sleepers
If you switch positions during the night, you’ll need a mattress that you can easily move around on—look for a latex model or a hybrid with decent bounce. All-foam fans should look for beds with responsive layers that can also provide the pushback they need. Combo sleepers will need to find a firmness level that falls at a happy medium for their preferred sleeping positions.
How to choose a mattress for back sleepers
Back sleeping is the second most popular sleep position after side sleeping. Medium-firm mattresses are popular for back sleepers as they offer sturdy support for spine alignment, with enough cushioning to keep the shoulders comfortable. Hybrids are a solid choice for back sleepers as they tend to offer a good combination of comfort and support, although memory foam beds can also be a great option for those who love that body contouring feel.
View our top picks of the best mattresses for back sleepers.
How to choose a mattress for stomach sleepers
Stomach sleepers require incredibly supportive beds to keep the hips lifted while sleeping in the prone position. A medium-firm to firm bed is usually a great choice, but be aware that lighter stomach sleepers will experience beds as firmer than their heavier counterparts. Hybrid mattresses with durable coils and comfort layers with gentle contouring can offer the right balance of sturdy support and cushioning for the chest, hips, and knees in this position.
See the best mattresses for stomach sleepers to find the best option for you.
How to choose a mattress for back pain
Although people with back issues often believe they need a firm mattress, researchers agree that a medium-firm surface is best for reducing back pain. (8) This is because medium-firm beds can offer enough support to keep the spine in a healthy position while also providing cushioning for sore areas.
Mattresses with zoned support provide extra lift for back sleepers at the lower back to prevent them from sinking out of alignment while allowing other areas to gently sink in. Research shows that zoned mattresses can help reduce lower back pain as they may reduce strains in this area. (9) Look out for zoned coil units in innerspring or hybrid beds—these feature heavier gauge coils in key areas like the lumbar. Beds may also contain zoned foam layers that allow different levels of sinkage for different parts of the body.
Studies also stress the importance of body temperature regulation when it comes to improving sleep quality in those with chronic pain, so this should be taken into account when choosing a mattress. (8) According to experts, the best temperature for sleep is between 68 and 72 degrees, however, research suggests that a higher skin temperature can increase blood circulation, which in turn may have a pain-relieving effect. (10) Those in cooler climates may wish to avoid mattresses with too much cooling technology.
Check out our top choices for the best mattresses for back pain.
How to choose a mattress for a child
Kids have different requirements at different ages when it comes to mattresses. Infants under the age of one should sleep on a firm, flat crib mattress to lower the risk of suffocation. (11) Be sure to purchase a product that passes the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) Safety Standard for Crib Mattresses. (12)
Younger children are best on a medium-firm to firm mattress that can prevent suffocation and keep their spine in alignment, which is extra important when the skeleton is still growing. When your child reaches pre-teen age, you can transition to a mattress that suits their individual body type, which may mean switching to a softer mattress for lighter kids.
It’s important to find a mattress that your child finds comfortable so they can get good quality rest. One study found that insufficient sleep in children aged 9 to 10 affected their brain development, leading to issues with mental health and behavior. (13)
You don’t necessarily need to buy a mattress that’s been specially designed for kids, but they do offer some benefits, like waterproofing, stain-resistant covers, and flippable designs. Dual-sided beds can be a good investment as they’re designed to last throughout childhood, with a firmer side for ages three to eight and a softer side for ages nine to 12.
A Twin mattress should be suitable for most kids, but taller children may require a Twin XL. If your child has allergies, you should look for a hypoallergenic mattress.
How to choose a mattress for hot sleepers
Being too hot while sleeping can negatively impact sleep quality, so people who sleep hot or live in warmer climates should find a mattress with temperature-regulating abilities. (14)
Look for mattresses with covers made from breathable natural fibers like cotton, silk, or fabric with cooling fibers weaved in. This is often called phase change material (PCM), and it works by absorbing and releasing excess heat to help regulate temperature.
Hybrid and innerspring beds usually sleep cooler than foam beds as the coil unit promotes airflow, allowing heat to escape. Foam is known for absorbing and trapping heat, but brands often incorporate cooling technology into their foams, such as perforations, gels, and heat-conductive materials like copper.
Sinkage is an important factor for hot sleepers—a memory foam mattress with deep sinkage reduces the surface area of skin that’s exposed to the air, which can cause your body temperature to rise. Consider a mattress that offers a gentle cradle and leaves you feeling more on top of the mattress than in it.
If you co-sleep, a bigger mattress will allow you to sleep further away from your partner, which can help cool you down.
Unfortunately, you won’t know how well a mattress’s cooling tech works for you until you settle in for your first night’s sleep, so make sure you purchase a bed with a sleep trial that allows you to return it if it doesn’t suit your needs.
If you’re a hot sleeper, consider choosing one of the best cooling mattresses.
Mattress pricing
When it comes to mattresses, while the absolute cheapest option isn’t likely to mean the highest quality, we’ve already done the work to discover the best affordable mattresses out there. However, it’s important to know that a super high price doesn’t necessarily mean the mattress is a good match for you. Online brands usually offer the best value as their overheads are lower than traditional retailers with brick-and-mortar stores, and these savings can be passed on to the customer.
Prices can vary wildly, so we’ve calculated an average price to give you a better idea of how much you’re likely to need to spend.
| Mattress type | Average price (Queen size) (15) | Prices of popular models (Queen size, full price) |
| Foam | $1,150 | Bear Original $998 Nectar $1,099 Saatva Loom & Leaf $2,395 |
| Innerspring | $850 | Sherwood Benbrook $759 Sealy Posturepedic® Spring $799 |
| Hybrid | $1,700 | DreamCloud Hybrid $1,332 Saatva Classic $2,095 Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling $1,865 |
| Latex | $2,100 | WinkBeds EcoCloud $1,999 Nolah Natural $2,099 Saatva Latex Hybrid $2,395 |
| Adjustable air | $2,000 | Sleep Number c2 $1,299 Sleep Number i8 $3,999 Saatva Solaire $4,495 |
Where is the best place to buy a mattress?
Buying a mattress online can seem risky, but they tend to be more affordable than those found in traditional brick-and-mortar stores, with online retailers frequently offering heavily discounted products or bundles. However, the vast online choice can seem overwhelming, so it makes sense to do your research before diving in. Reading unbiased reviews is a good place to start—check out our list of best mattresses under $1,000 or best luxury mattresses, depending on your budget.
Most brands offer a sleep trial that allows you to return the mattress if it’s not the right fit—these usually range from 90 to 365 nights but may be shorter or longer. Check the rules of the trial carefully, as some brands charge a return or restocking fee, while others require you to sleep on the mattress for a minimum period before initiating a return. When purchasing from a third-party retailer, check whether you get the same trial and warranty as you would when purchasing directly from the manufacturer.
Buying in-store gives you the opportunity to physically lay on a product and allows you the chance to get your specific questions answered. Though you may have to contend with pushy salespeople, you may benefit from chatting and getting your specific questions answered. Either way, it’s wise to do some research beforehand to know what might work best for you.
How to choose a mattress topper
If you don’t have the means to purchase a new mattress but your current one needs an upgrade, a mattress topper can be an affordable short-term fix. Designed to sit between your mattress and the fitted sheet, they add an extra layer of comfort that can change the feel of the mattress. Most mattress toppers are between 2-4 inches thick.
If your mattress is too firm and does not provide enough pressure relief, you can add a topper made from a soft material like foam or natural fibers, which should help cushion sensitive joints. Memory foam or poly foam can cradle and support the body but may cause the bed to heat up. Natural fibers like feathers, wool, or cotton act more like a fluffy pad but allow more airflow than foam. Be aware that while a plush topper can soften up a too-firm mattress, there’s very little a topper can do for a saggy, worn-out mattress.
Before adding height to your current mattress, check that your bedsheets will still fit. Look for a topper with straps that will attach it securely to your bed, so it doesn’t shift around while you’re sleeping. Study the care label to see if the topper is spot-clean only, dry-clean only, or washable.
Related: Best mattresses-in-a-box of 2024, expert-tested
FAQs
What type of mattress should I buy?
There are many factors to consider when buying a new mattress, including your body type, sleeping position/s, budget, climate, and the size of your bedroom. For example, hot sleepers or those living in warmer environments should look for a mattress with cooling features like a coil unit, breathable cover, or heat-wicking foams. Side sleepers require more cushioning than other sleeping positions, but a heavyweight side sleeper will require a firmer mattress than a lightweight side sleeper.
When should you get a new mattress?
There’s no set rule on when you should get a new mattress, but experts seem to agree that it should be changed every seven to ten years. (16) You should replace your mattress if it has sagging, lumps, mold growth, unexplained odors, or you no longer find it comfortable. Another reason to buy a new one is if your needs change; for example, if your body type changes significantly, you develop chronic pain, or you start to co-sleep and require a larger mattress.
When is the best time to buy a mattress?
If you can wait for a sale, there are many opportunities throughout the year to save money on a new mattress. Most big brands offer attractive savings on holidays like Presidents’ Day in February, Memorial Day in May, Independence Day in July, and Labor Day in September. You can also expect to see deals on Black Friday and Cyber Monday in November, as well as over the festive season and new year. We’ve compiled a list of the best times to buy a mattress to help you know when to shop.
Our experts
Heidi Moawad, MD
Dr. Heidi Moawad is a neurologist and teaches at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio. She serves on the editorial board of Neurology Clinical Practice and is a reviewer for Neurology. Education: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, MD Certifications: Board of Medical Examiners Professional Accomplishments: Associate editor, Neurology, Humanities section, Past editor-in-chief of Neurology Times Affiliations: American Academy of Neurology (AAN).
Joana Neziri, M.S., NASM CPT
Joana is a writer, editor, and content strategist focusing on nutrition, fitness, and all things health. After earning a master’s degree in business from the University of North Florida, she began a career in research and digital marketing.
Krista Manning
Krista Manning is an accomplished medical copy editor and fact-checker who stands out in the pharmaceutical, health, and wellness domains. With a meticulous eye for detail and a command of medical language, Krista ensures the accuracy and clarity of content. Beyond her professional expertise, Krista is an advocate for mental health awareness. Recognizing the crucial intersection of psychological and physical well-being, she actively contributes to projects that promote mental health awareness within the healthcare narrative. Krista’s commitment extends beyond the pages she edits, emphasizing the holistic nature of health communication.
Lisa Bowman
Fortune Recommends Writer
About Author
Lisa is a sleep writer for Fortune Recommends, which combines two of her greatest passions – writing and sleeping. She can also be found writing about fitness, sustainability, and vegan food.
Her life revolves around her two rescue dogs (who she shares her bed with) and if she’s not running around after them, she’s likely doing yoga, buying new plants, or enjoying a sunset rum at the beach.