How to Find the Right Mattress for You
If you're getting the recommended eight hours of sleep a night, that means that you're spending a third of your life laying on a mattress—and that doesn't even factor in the occasional nap, newspaper, or Netflix binge (we are living in the age of JOMO and hygge, after all). Needless to say, your mattress matters. Finding the right type for you is essential to getting a good night's sleep, but shopping for one can be a headache since making the right decision requires a great deal of time and research. It's an important purchase to get it right: The Better Sleep Council recommends changing your mattress every seven to ten years, so you'll ideally be sleeping on this same bed for about a decade.
Related: How to Find the Right Pillow for a Perfect Night's Sleep
Mattress Glossary
We'll start by outlining the key differences between mattresses, including the way you shop for each of them. Bed-in-a-box companies are all the rage right now—these direct-to-consumer companies let you order online and then ship a mattress directly to your doorstep. This way, you try it out at home instead of in the store. Most are made from foam and are more affordable than the standard spring-style mattresses sold in retail stores.
Speaking of, another component to consider is the type of materials used, which is a key factor in determining the softness, support, and cooling properties of a mattress. The main players are coil, this traditional construction offers strong support and should last a long time. If you're into cushiness, memory foam conforms to your body and "hugs" your shape, which translates to excellent support. It may feel hot, so this type of mattress is best-suited for cooler sleepers. Latex foam is springy and cooling, which makes it a good choice for those that sleep warm. If you like a little bit of everything, try a hybrid—a combination of memory, latex foam, and coils. For obvious reasons, this style has the widest appeal and versatility. Finally, if you're into super soft and plush styles, pillow-top mattresses have a fluffy layer on top for extra cushiness.
Find Out Your Sleep Style
We recommend finding what level of firmness suits your sleeping style before you buy. If you're a back or stomach sleeper, firmer mattresses with coils are best; side sleepers are best-served by medium or soft options like memory foam. Talk to your partner to find a style that suits you both (some mattresses allow you to adjust each side separately!), and, no matter what, look for a good return policy in case things don't work out. This is a deeply personal decision that you'll want to take seriously. That's why we've broken down new and popular mattresses out there for every type of sleeper and shopper. Read on for sweet dreams.
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Parachute
No foam here—Parachute's latest launch is a luxe mattress made of New Zealand wool, 100% organic cotton, and 13 inches of pocketed coils and microcoils. It's free of synthetic finishes or chemicals for those wanting a truly eco-friendly household. As far as comfort, the Parachute mattress contains about five times the number of coils than you'd find in a standard mattress (6,000 in the queen size!), so this one's super supportive and perfect for anyone who wants a firm-yet-soft option.
The coils are actually placed in three different ergonomic zones (for your upper back, low back/mid-region, and legs) so your spine stays aligned as you sleep. Another bonus: The Los Angeles-based company's eco-friendly mattresses are made in the USA by a fourth-generation mattress brand and ship direct-to-consumer with a 90-day trial and 10-year warranty. However, all of this goodness comes with a hefty price tag. Prices range from $1,299 for a twin to $2,199 for a king.
Casper The Casper Mattress
This top-seller, which ranges in price from $595 for a twin to $1,195 for a king, is synonymous with the bed-in-a-box trend. Casper's classic The Casper mattress is made from four layers of latex foam that offers excellent support and breathability and makes for a cooler sleeping experience. The company extends a 100-night sleep trial so you can decide (over the course of three months) if it's the right mattress for you. If not, Casper will pick it up and give you a full refund. They also have an industry standard 10-year warranty.
Naturepedic
Naturepedic is great for families looking for a brand they can put on everyone's bed: The company makes non-toxic, chemical-free, organic mattresses for adults, kids, and even babies. Choose the product that suits you best: They offer endless options with and without coils, pillow tops, wool, and even vegan mattresses for you and your little ones. This higher-end brand—coming in at $1,199 for a twin and climbing up to $4,799 for a king—assures that all products are free from potentially harmful synthetics (like latex rubber), flame retardants, glues, and adhesives.
Purple
The Purple mattress is made from a patented polyurethane foam, which is different than memory foam, and boasts a honeycomb structure that adapts to your body's unique shape to relieve pressure on your joints and limbs. This direct-to-consumer mattress, which ranges in price from $1,299 for a twin to $1,899 for a king, is super soft, highly durable, and stays comfortably cool thanks to that grid design, so don't worry about ever waking up overheated. It's also highly resistant to bounciness so it'll stay stable and allow for easy changes in position as you sleep. Rest easy: Purple offers a 100-night risk-free trial period, free shipping and returns, and gives you a 10-year warranty.
Avocado Green Mattress
Avocado Green's eco-friendly bed-in-a-box mattress features 100% natural latex, organic wool and cotton, and nearly 1,500 coils. It's supportive and durable, and thanks to the super soft wool, it wicks away moisture, has antimicrobial properties, and offers natural temperature control. Choose from the standard (firm; ideal for back and stomach sleepers) or pillow-top (super plush for side sleepers who love a luxurious feel). The eco-conscious mattresses, which range in price from $959 for a twin to $1,699 (making it the more affordable of the eco-friendly options), are handmade in the USA and come with a 25-year warranty.
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Saatva
What sets Saatva apart from other direct-to-consumer online retailers is the material: Rather than just foam, theirs is made with innersprings similar to the traditional style you'll see in stores. Call it the best of both worlds. Ranging in price from $599 for a twin to $1,499 for a king, Saatva mattresses include a cotton pillow-top and a layer of memory foam over the coils which feels equally contouring and firm. Another bonus: The brand uses recycled steel, eco-friendly foams, and organic cotton coverings in order to be more sustainable. Simply select your comfort level (luxury firm, plush soft, or firm), size, height, and any additional extras (like a frame or adjustable base), then they'll send their free delivery service to your home to set it up and take away your old mattress. The company lets you try it out for 120 days, but note that there is a $99 return pickup fee.
Tulo
Tulo sells three different options, each with four layers of hybrid foam: Soft, medium, and firm. If you're unsure which is best for you, this retailer lets you try them out at any Mattress Firm location before you purchase one online or in-store. You can also try it out at home for 120 nights with free returns and exchanges. The brand offers setup and will take away your old mattress, too. This is a good option for hot sleepers, as all three Tulo styles are designed to keep you cool while you sleep and for budget conscious shoppers, a twin will cost you $349 while a king is $649.
Helix
If you're the goldilocks of getting a good night's sleep, Helix is for you. Before buying, this online retailer sends you a survey asking about your sleep habits and preferences, then builds a custom mattress based upon your answers. The "just right" final product, which ranges from $500 for a twin to $1,245 for a king, is made from layers of latex foam and microcoils. We might even go so far as to call this mattress a marriage saver, because Helix can make each half personalized to you and your partner's distinct preferences. They also offer a 10-year warranty and a 100-night trial period.
Sealy Posturepedic Performance Hybrid Copper II
Sealy Posturpedic's Hybrid Copper II is one of the most supportive mattresses on the market, making it an excellent option for back sleepers. It's made from innersprings and memory foam that conform to your body and give you a feeling of being hugged by your own bed (is there anything better?). The fabric is lightweight, breathable, and super soft. Keep in mind that this one doesn't come in a box and its assembled product weight is 100 pounds, so you'll need to an extra hand (or several) to get it set up. It's also on the pricier side ranging from $1,424 for a twin to $1,999 for a king.
Layla
Layla is for commitment-phobes and those who aren't sure if they prefer a softer or firmer mattress. This memory foam model, which ranges in price from $599 for a twin to $1,099 for a king, comes equipped with both support styles, one on each side—just flip the mattress over and it's like you're sleeping on a whole new bed. The soft side feels cradling and plush; the firm side gives extra support. Layla also has copper infused into the memory foam to keep you cool as you sleep, which is a unique feature as memory foam has a reputation for getting hot. They offer a lifetime warranty on all products.
Snuz
The Snuz mattress aims to reduce the pressure that some people feel at their hips and shoulders when sleeping. It's made from memory foam and has seven zones of varying firmness so your body will feel support where it needs it most, and plush where it doesn't. The Snuz is also designed to reduce tossing and turning and provide a cooling sleep experience. This more affordable option, ranging in price from $650 for a twin to $950 for a king, is ideal for side sleepers and comes with a ten-year warranty.
