How to Pick the Right Mattress for Your Home

January 8, 2020November 6, 2020 Clare Louise Home

Getting a good night’s sleep isn’t just about choosing a popular mattress brand— the right mattress should be based on size, mattress type, body weight, and sleeping position. We spend over a third of our lives sleeping, which is why taking the time to choose the right mattress based on these factors will ultimately improve sleep quality.

Table of Contents

Size

When choosing the right mattress, consider the amount of available bedroom space— you wouldn’t want to choose a king-size mattress if you live in a studio apartment. The right size ensures a comfortable sleep experience.

Twin: 38 inches by 75 inches

The twin is the smallest standard mattress size available on the market. Twin size beds are great for children. For families with more than one child, twin sizes are perfect for bunk beds, leaving more room for play.

Twin XL: 38 inches by 80 inches

Twin XL beds are 5 inches longer than a twin size, perfect for adults taller than 6-foot 3-inches, children, and teenagers. Bunk bed frames can also accommodate twin XL size mattresses.

Full: 54 inches by 80 inches

Full-size mattresses are great options for children and adults who like to sprawl out across the sleep surface, or who toss and turn at night.

Queen: 60 inches by 80 inches

Queen-size is the most popular mattress size among adults. They’re great options for those living on their own, guest beds, and couples.

King: 76 inches by 80 inches

King size mattresses are the equivalent of two twin beds put together. King mattresses are great for couples who like to spread out. Most mattress brands also offer a split king option for couples with differing preferences.

California King: 72 inches by 84 inches

A California king size is two twin XL mattresses placed together— it’s longer and more narrow than a king size. A California king mattress is a good choice for taller couples. Many mattress companies offer a split California king option for couples with different sleep preferences.

Mattress Type

Mattress types include memory foam, innerspring, latex, and hybrid. Each type of mattress has its own unique feel. For example, some sleepers may like the responsive bounce of an innerspring, while others may prefer the contouring feel of memory foam.

Memory Foam

Memory foam gained popularity with its body-contouring, pressure-relieving properties. These beds also offer excellent motion isolation and sleep silently. A potential drawback to memory foam mattresses is heat retention, but customers can choose a memory foam mattress with cooling properties, like plant-based or gel memory foam.

Innerspring

Innerspring mattresses provide a bouncy surface with great cooling and edge support from their coil systems. Despite this, innerspring mattresses tend to have little pressure relief, less motion isolation, and noise potential.

Latex

Latex is available in two forms— synthetic and natural. Synthetic latex is created through a chemical process, while natural latex is formed from rubber tree sap. Latex shares similar properties with memory foam, including contouring pressure-relief and motion isolation. Latex, however, sleeps cooler and is more responsive.

Hybrid

Hybrid mattresses combine pressure-relieving foam layers with the responsive bounce of innerspring coils. Hybrids offer customers the benefits of both mattress types, including motion isolation and edge support.

Body Weight

Body weight is a major factor in choosing the right mattress. Sleepers above 230 pounds will need more support from a mattress to prevent sinkage, while sleepers below 130 pounds will want more cushioning from a mattress to prevent pressure points.

Sleeping Position

Another major factor in choosing the right mattress is your preferred sleep position. Each sleep position requires a specific level of cushion and support to fill in gaps between the sleeper and the mattress.

Side Sleeping

Side sleeping is the most common sleep position. Side sleeping enables better breathing, reduces acid reflux symptoms, and improves heart health. Side sleepers need a soft to medium surface for optimal pressure relief in the shoulders and hips.

Back Sleeping

Back sleeping allows the spine to naturally align because of its direct contact with the sleep surface. Back sleepers do face the risk of developing sleep apnea, where gravity may cause the tongue to fall back, obstructing airways. Back sleepers should choose a medium to firm mattress for enhanced lumbar support.

Stomach Sleeping

Stomach sleeping is the most unhealthy sleep position. Stomach sleeping places large amounts of pressure on the spine, increasing the risk of neck strain and back pain. To relieve pressure, stomach sleepers need a medium-firm to firm bed to keep the body resting on top of the mattress and prevent deep sinkage.