Buying a new bed is very subjective based on your body type, unique needs, budget, sleeping position and more. Let's explore how your preferences can affect the mattress you choose.
Sleeping position
Your sleeping position will determine how firm or soft a mattress you need to get the best possible sleep. As a general rule:
- Side sills they need soft to medium mattresses with lots of pressure relief to firm their curves. This prevents uncomfortable or painful pressure points on your shoulders, hips and knees.
- Back and stomach sleepers you need a medium to firm mattress that helps keep your spine and neck in neutral alignment so you don't wake up with back pain.
- Combined thresholds have the most flexibility. The firmness level you choose should be based on the position you spend the most time in.
Body type
Your body type determines how much pressure you put on the mattress, which ultimately affects how firm it feels. Heavier people usually perceive mattresses as softer, while petite body types feel them as firmer. Your weight also affects what kind of mattress you should get.
- People over 230 pounds need a mattress with lots of support and increased durability, like hybrid mattresses with steel coils.
- Lighter individuals can choose between hybrid and all-foam mattresses.
Health conditions
It's important to consider medical conditions when shopping for your next mattress. If you're a hot sleeper, look for beds with cooling technology or made from breathable materials like latex foam. If you live with joint pain or arthritis, you should look for a soft mattress that reduces the pressure that your body holds. People with back pain require a firmer mattress to support their spine and neck.
Materials
When looking for a queen mattress, consider the materials in your bed. Its construction will affect your experience and how long it will last. The three main categories of mattress materials are foam, innerspring or coils, and latex foam. A bed with a combination of several materials is called a hybrid mattress.
- Foam: There are several types of foam what you'll find in mattresses: traditional memory foam, open cell foam, gel foam, or polyfoam. The type of foam will dictate the feel and firmness of your mattress.
- Internal source/coils: An internal spring or coil system adds response and support to the bed. It also tends to make the mattress more durable over time.
- Latex foam: There are two types of latex foam: organic and synthetic. Organic latex is hypoallergenicantimicrobial and environmentally friendly. It also gives the mats a bouncy and responsive feel, even though it's a bit firmer than other foams.
Budget
Buying a new mattress is a significant investment, so it's crucial to identify your budget before purchasing a queen mattress. The average online mattress costs between $850 and $1,200, but there are mattresses for every budget, from $300 to luxury mattresses that cost $2,000 and up.
Popular mattress sizes
Dimensions (in inches) | Dimensions |
---|---|
A twin | 38 x 75 |
Twin XL | 38 x 80 |
Full | 54 x 74 |
The queen | 60 x 80 |
The king | 76 x 80 |
The King of California | 72 x 84 |