The Complete Mattress Buying Guide

Why Your Mattress Matters

You spend roughly one third of your life in bed. The quality of your mattress directly affects your sleep quality, which in turn impacts everything from energy levels and mood to physical recovery and long-term health. Despite this, most people put more research into buying a phone than selecting a mattress. This guide will give you the knowledge to make a confident, informed decision.

Mattress Types Explained

Memory Foam

Memory foam mattresses use layers of viscoelastic foam that conform to your body shape under heat and pressure. They excel at pressure relief, distributing your weight evenly and reducing pressure points at the hips, shoulders, and knees. Memory foam also provides outstanding motion isolation, making it a popular choice for couples.

The trade-off with traditional memory foam is heat retention. Because the foam conforms closely to your body, it can trap warmth. Modern memory foam mattresses address this with cooling technologies like gel infusions, copper infusions, and open-cell foam structures that improve airflow.

Hybrid

Hybrid mattresses combine a pocketed coil support system with foam comfort layers. This construction provides the contouring benefits of foam with the responsive support, airflow, and edge support of a coil system. Hybrids are generally the most versatile mattress type, suiting a wide range of body types and sleep positions.

Pocketed coils (also called individually wrapped coils) are the standard in quality hybrids. Each coil is encased in its own fabric pocket and moves independently, which allows the mattress to contour to your body while maintaining strong support. This design also reduces motion transfer compared to traditional innerspring mattresses.

Innerspring

Traditional innerspring mattresses use interconnected coil systems with thin comfort layers on top. They tend to be the most affordable option and offer a bouncy, responsive feel. However, they generally provide less pressure relief and motion isolation than foam or hybrid designs. Innerspring mattresses have largely been replaced by hybrids in the premium market.

Latex

Latex mattresses use natural or synthetic latex foam, which offers a responsive, bouncy feel with good pressure relief. Natural latex is durable, hypoallergenic, and breathable. Latex mattresses tend to be more expensive but can last longer than foam alternatives. They are a good option for people who want contouring without the slow-sinking feel of memory foam.

Understanding Firmness

Mattress firmness is typically rated on a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 is extremely soft and 10 is extremely firm. Most mattresses fall in the 4 to 7 range. Understanding where you fit on this scale depends primarily on your sleep position and body weight.

Side Sleepers (4 to 6 firmness)

Side sleepers put concentrated pressure on their shoulders and hips. A softer mattress allows these areas to sink in, keeping the spine aligned. Too firm a mattress will create pressure points at the shoulder and hip, leading to discomfort and restless sleep.

Back Sleepers (5 to 7 firmness)

Back sleepers need balanced support that maintains the natural curve of the spine. A medium to medium-firm mattress prevents the lower back from sinking too deep while still providing enough give for comfortable sleep. Lumbar support is particularly important for back sleepers.

Stomach Sleepers (6 to 8 firmness)

Stomach sleepers need a firmer surface to prevent the hips from sinking and creating an unnatural arch in the lower back. A mattress that is too soft for a stomach sleeper can lead to lower back pain over time.

Combination Sleepers

If you regularly switch between positions throughout the night, a medium firmness (around 5 to 6) or a flippable mattress that offers two firmness options is ideal. Flippable designs like the Layla mattresses give combination sleepers the ability to test both soft and firm surfaces and choose what works best.

Key Features to Evaluate

Cooling

If you tend to sleep hot, cooling technology should be a priority. Look for features like gel or copper infusions in the foam layers, open-cell foam construction, breathable covers, and (in hybrids) pocketed coil airflow. Copper-infused foams serve double duty by conducting heat away from the body while also providing antimicrobial properties.

Motion Isolation

Couples should pay close attention to motion isolation. All-foam mattresses generally perform best in this category because foam absorbs movement rather than transferring it. Hybrids with individually wrapped coils also perform well, though not quite at the level of a pure foam design.

Edge Support

Strong edge support means you can use the full surface of the mattress without feeling like you might roll off. This matters for couples who need every inch of sleeping space and for anyone who sits on the edge of the bed regularly. Hybrid mattresses with reinforced coil perimeters offer the best edge support.

Durability

A quality mattress should last seven to ten years. Higher-density foams tend to last longer than lower-density alternatives. Coil systems in hybrids add structural longevity. Look at the warranty as a signal of the manufacturer's confidence in durability. Lifetime warranties, like those offered by Layla Sleep, indicate the manufacturer stands behind long-term performance.

Budget Considerations

Mattress prices vary widely. A quality memory foam mattress can range from $600 to $1,500 for a queen size, while hybrids typically run $800 to $2,000. Premium options from legacy brands can exceed $3,000. The direct-to-consumer model (brands selling online without retail markup) has made high-quality mattresses significantly more affordable.

Do not assume that a higher price always means a better mattress. Many online brands deliver excellent quality at a fraction of the retail store price by cutting out the middleman. Focus on the features and materials that matter for your specific sleep needs rather than chasing the most expensive option.

Trials and Returns

Most reputable online mattress brands offer extended trial periods, typically 90 to 120 nights. This is important because it takes your body two to four weeks to fully adjust to a new sleeping surface. A generous trial period ensures you can evaluate the mattress under real conditions before committing. Always check the return policy details, including whether return shipping is free and if there are any restocking fees.

What to Look for in Sleep Accessories

Pillows

Your pillow should complement your mattress and sleep position. Side sleepers need a higher loft (thickness) to fill the gap between the shoulder and head. Back sleepers need medium loft. Stomach sleepers need a thin, low-loft pillow or no pillow at all. Adjustable pillows that let you add or remove fill are the most versatile option since you can fine-tune the loft to match your exact needs.

Mattress Toppers

If your current mattress is structurally sound but not comfortable enough, a mattress topper can be a cost-effective solution. Toppers typically range from 2 to 4 inches thick and can add softness, pressure relief, or cooling to your existing mattress. They are not a fix for a worn-out mattress with sagging or broken support, but they can meaningfully improve a mattress that is simply too firm or lacks contouring.

Making Your Decision

Choosing a mattress comes down to matching the right type, firmness, and features to your specific sleep needs. Start by identifying your primary sleep position and any specific concerns (temperature, motion transfer, back pain). Then narrow your options by type and firmness level. Finally, compare specific products on the features that matter most to you, and take advantage of trial periods to test before you fully commit.

If you are ready to explore specific products, check out our product reviews for detailed evaluations, or visit our best products page for our curated top picks.