Best Mattress Guide: Top Picks and Reviews
Pros and Cons of Buying a Mattress Online
A strict budget may be in place for most items you shop for, especially for high-ticket items. However, we can agree that investing in the best mattress is worth the money. After all, we do spend a good chunk of our time sleeping.
On that note: the average American will spend 36 years in bed throughout their lifetime, but only about 53% actually enjoy their bed. This is a big no-no, because getting a good night’s sleep helps “improve your brain performance, mood, and health,” per a National Institute of Health report.
Best Mattress for You: Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, and More
If you find yourself asking, “Where is the best place to buy a mattress near me?,” then we have great news. You can find an incredible mattress right from the comfort of your own couch. That’s right, no more heading into stores and sitting on all of them. When our expert team of product testers are looped into the mix, you don’t have to worry about which one to buy.
Avocado Green Mattress: A Sustainable Option
For those looking for a sustainable mattress, Avocado may be the way to go. All of its mattresses are handmade in Los Angeles and certified organic! Each bed is made with the best domestic and imported materials, including GOTS-certified organic cotton and GOTS-certified organic wool. Best of all, they’re comfortable, featuring ergonomic zones and supportive designs like you wouldn’t believe.
Beautyrest: A Premium Option
Beautyrest has been a leading name in mattresses for years, and our team finally understands why. After commerce journalist and content strategist Victoria Giardina headed into her local Beautyrest store, she learned that the brand’s Black Series Three Plush Pillow Top Mattress was specially designed for side sleepers. Perfect timing, too, as she recently was on the hunt for a new mattress to move into a new house with her fiancé.
Walmart: Affordable Options
Walmart sells many different mattress brands, including Zinus, Slumber, Lucid, and more. Best of all, they are so affordable. Like, options under $500! While we have nothing against investing a few dollars in the right mattress, it’s nice to save when possible, especially if we need a mattress for a guest room.
How We Tested
As you can imagine, a lot goes into shopping for a mattress, let alone testing them well for our readers. Below, find the testing criteria we kept in mind for each brand we rolled out onto our bed frames:
- Comfort Level: We assessed how the mattress felt in different sleeping positions (back, side, stomach) and gathered a team of testers who have different sleep preferences for the best and most accurate observations.
- Support: After consulting with sleep experts, we checked if our spines maintained a neutral alignment and if our bodies were properly supported without sinking too much.
- Pressure Relief: We paid close attention to any pressure points, particularly in areas like the shoulders, hips, and lower back.
An FAQ on Shopping for a Mattress Online
“It’s important to consider your build (height/weight), and your sleep position (side, back, stomach, combination) when choosing a mattress,” said Logan Foley, Sleep Science Coach and Managing Editor at the Sleep Foundation. “For instance, a sleeper who is 5’1 and weighs less than 130 pounds could find a mattress more firm than someone who is 6’1 and over 230 pounds.”
How to Choose Mattress Firmness Based on Sleep Position
- Side sleepers should look for a medium firm mattress made of polyfoam or memory foam, providing above-average contouring to the body and also helping those who wake up with body aches.
- Back and stomach sleepers may consider a firmer latex mattress that offers less contouring and more bounce.
- Combination sleepers are looking for a medium to medium-firm mattress found in hybrid mattresses that combine innerspring support, foam comfort, and benefit those who sleep hot.
What is a Good, Reasonably Priced Mattress?
As far as mattresses we reviewed, Casper’s The One Premium Foam Mattress is the best value-driven pick, especially if you’re looking for ease of installation. It’s a bed-in-a-box mattress with a terrific brand reputation, too.
What is the Best Company to Buy a Mattress From?
Of course, choosing a mattress is subjective. However, we love the Avocado Green Mattress for being consciously and comfortably made. We also love the Beautyrest Black Series Three Plush Pillow Top Mattress, though expensive, because of the science behind its motion separation technology and how it’s primed-to-perfect for side sleepers. The brand also has a wealth of bedding and pillows to shop for to round out your purchase.
How Often Should You Replace a Mattress?
Typically, it’s recommended to replace your mattress every 7 to 10 years, but this can vary based on several factors. For instance, different materials have different lifespans. Innerspring mattresses may need replacement sooner than memory foam or latex mattresses. Additionally, if you’re noticing your sleep quality start to dwindle, it may be time for a replacement. If you start waking up with aches and pains or not feeling rested, it may indicate your mattress is no longer supportive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best mattress for side sleepers?
A: The best mattress for side sleepers is the Avocado Green Mattress, which offers medium firmness and provides above-average contouring to the body.
Q: What is the best mattress for back and stomach sleepers?
A: The best mattress for back and stomach sleepers is the Beautyrest Black Series Three Plush Pillow Top Mattress, which offers a firmer latex mattress that offers less contouring and more bounce.
Q: What is the best mattress for combination sleepers?
A: The best mattress for combination sleepers is the hybrid mattress that combines innerspring support, foam comfort, and benefits those who sleep hot.
Q: How do I choose the right mattress firmness for me?
A: You should choose a mattress firmness based on your sleep position. For side sleepers, look for a medium firm mattress. For back and stomach sleepers, look for a firmer mattress.
Q: How often should I replace my mattress?
A: You should replace your mattress every 7 to 10 years, but this can vary based on several factors, including the type of mattress and your personal preferences.
