Mattress Buyer’s Guide

When Should You Buy a New Mattress?

This mattress buying guide will help you navigate the research and shopping process.  By highlighting the items of concern, this mattress buying guide should show you what to look for in a new mattress.  It can also make buying a new mattress a little less stressful.  The first step to the task is determining the need for a new mattress.  You should consider a new mattress if you feel coils or dips in your current one.  If pieces of it are peeling or tearing off, it’s a good idea to start looking.  Also, if you wake with back pain, this could be sign that it is time for a new mattress.  Depending on the type of mattress you previously purchased, the quality may have differing lengths of useful life.  For example, a cheaper low density foam mattress or one made with coils may only last three years.  Whereas a high density foam, latex or hybrid model made with quality in mind, could last ten years or longer.

Adjustable Bed Buying Guide

You can pair many mattresses with adjustable beds. There are different types of mattress sizes and adjustable bed sizes that match.  There are different brands of adjustable beds that have their own unique features. In this buying guide, you will learn which adjustable beds and mattresses can pair.

View Adjustable Bed Buying Guide

Mattress Considerations

• If you have back pain
• If you feel coils through the mattress
• You feel coils or dips in your current mattress
• If your mattress is falling apart, pieces peeling off or tearing
• If the mattress is three years old for low quality mattresses. For example, low density memory foam, low quality coil materials
• If the mattress is ten years old for high quality mattresses. For example, high density memory foam, latex, hybrids with quality materials

Mattress Selection

The second step we recommend to establish a budget.  Mattresses can vary greatly in price so it is important to know what you are willing to spend.  This will actually help reduce the number of models to evaluate.  So it will save you time as well.  Next, determine what kind of sleeper you are.  Click here to learn about sleeper types.  Use it to compare material types and comfort levels.  Remember when making your final decision to ask about shipping time and of course, buy an online mattress from a trusted source.

 Check List

• Find a budget
• Narrow down what type of sleeper you are-(click here to see)
• Read our guide on different types of mattresses-(click here to see)
• Pick which type of mattress you prefer
• Ask about shipping time-(click here to see)
• Find the comfort level-(click here to see)
• Ask about shipping time-(click here to see)
• Buy from a trusted source

Type of Sleepers

Spinal alignment is of primary concern when sleeping as you spend a significant amount of your life sleeping.  Personal medical issues may impact your spine’s natural curvature.  When we mention spinal alignment in this mattress buying guide we are referring to the impact a mattress has on the majority of the population.  If you suffer from scoliosis, for example, you will want to contemplate your own specific needs.  There are three basic types of sleepers; side sleepers, stomach sleepers and those who sleep on their backs.

Side Sleeper

How a side sleeper can achieve a straight spine during sleep is by positioning in a manner that gives way to the hips and shoulder.  Of course not everyone is the same but in general a side sleeper will find comfort and joy on a medium or soft mattress.

Back Sleeper

A person who sleeps on their back would probably find more enjoyment in a medium firm mattress.  This is contrary to what many believe in that a firm mattress is best for back sleepers.  Why a medium firmness?  On a flat firm mattress hips will be raised forward which is uncomfortable. A medium mattress will sink in just enough to allow hips and upper back to achieve a comfortable, aligned position.

Stomach Sleeper

Stomach sleepers sleep best on a firm mattress.  A firm mattress forces a stomach sleeper into a straight position, reducing strain on the spine.

Combo Sleeper

For the indecisive, sleep position commitment avoiders, a medium mattress might just be the best choice.  If you choose to sleep on your back one night, stomach the next and on day three shoot for the side, pick a medium firm mattress.  It will likely best meet your needs.

Other Considerations

• Sizes: Mattress sizes vary.  You can almost always choose between the standard sizes; Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King and California King. There are also “specialty mattress sizes” of Full XL, Split Queen, Split King, Split California King, Split Top Queen, Split Top King and Split Top California King.  Size choice is largely based on personal preference. However, the base you have or choose can definitely impact the options.
• Temperature: Temperature might not be something that you think of when you first start looking for a mattress though it should be.  Latex natural sleeps cooler and latex featuring pincore holes make it more so.  Memory foam can be either cooling gel or cooling infused.  Cooling gel means the foam has a gel coating whereas gel infused has gel within the foam itself.
• Edge Support: Edge support on a latex or memory foam mattress is similar in that it isn’t reinforced.  This provides a consistent feel throughout the mattress.  Hybrids on the other hand have memory foam walls encasing the coils. This gives hybrid mattresses stronger edge support but makes them less consistent feeling on the edges.
• ILD and Density: Firmness in a latex mattress is described using an ILD rating.  Firmness for memory foam is noted as density.
• Support: Good support is a vital part of any mattress.  Support is not firmness though this is a common misconception.  A soft mattress can feel soft but be just as supportive as a firmer one.  The base of a mattress is what provides the underlying support so the construction matters.
• Odor: The odor emitted from a mattress mostly comes from chemical emissions.  For less intense odor, choose a mattress that is CertiPUR-US Certified, tested and regulated for emissions.
• Certifications: Different certifications can be listed on different mattresses.  GOTS and GOLS are certifications that the mattress is organic.  CertiPUR-US is a memory foam certification.
• Couples Sleeping Types: Consult your partner and be sure to consider his or her favored sleeping preferences.  What position do they regularly sleep in?  Do you each favor different firmness?  You might both like a medium firmness mattress or maybe an adjustable firmness mattress will be a better option.

Different Types

• Pillow-top:These mattresses typically include coils, memory foam, and a top made as pillow top or memory foam pillow top.
• Hybird: Hybrid mattresses can a combination of coil-memory foam, memory foam-latex or coil-latex.
• Latex: A true latex mattress will be made sheets of 100% latex.
• Memory Foam: Memory foam mattresses contain memory foam but also usually contain other materials such as cooling gel.
• Air Bed Mattress: Air Bed Mattresses utilize air chambers adjustable by remote control and upper layers made from memory foam or a latex-memory foam combo.

Price Range

• Pillowtop Mattress Cost: There are many materials that can be used to form these mattresses so they come in a variety of prices.  What is used to form the top layers and cover determines the price point.  Typically, they range from very affordable to mid-range.
• Pricing for Hybrid Mattresses: Generally, hybrid mattresses are constructed of coils or latex, memory foam and some type of cooling gel.  The price of these mattresses usually lands in the middle, not too much or too little.
• Latex Mattress Price: A latex mattress can fall anywhere between mid-range to high cost, depending on a few factors.  First, the type of latex impacts the asking price.  For example, if it is Dunlop or Talalay.  Second, whether it is a natural latex or organic latex mattress greatly affects the overall price.  However, latex mattresses last a long time so the price is easy to justify.
• Market Price of Memory Foam: Several things that can influence the price of a memory foam mattress.  Some of these include the type of memory foam, cover material, and type of cooling gel.  Most memory foam mattresses will be low cost to mid-range.

Traditional Sizes

Mattresses come in almost any mattress size imaginable.  There are some standard sizes that are more readily available.  These include:

• Twin: Twin beds measure 38” by 75” and are often used by children or a single adult.
• Twin XL: A Twin XL mattress is a little longer measuring 38” x 80” so they can also be slept on by kids or one adult.  The difference here is a taller adult will be more comfortable on a TwinXL than a Twin.
• Full Size: Mattresses that are Full sized have dimensions of 54 inches wide and 75 inches long.  Mostly these are used for individual sleepers who want or require a little extra width.
• Queen Mattress: One of the most common sizes is the Queen.  It is 60” x 80” making it sufficient for two sleepers but small enough to fit comfortably in small bedroom spaces.
• King Size Mattress: King mattresses are mostly used by couples.  This size comfortably accommodates more than one person at 76” x 80”.
• California King Mattress: At 84” in length and 72” wide, the Cali King is the largest of the traditional mattress sizes.  It’s a good choice for tall individuals or couples and can feel like a luxurious upgrade.
• Split Mattress Sizes: Some mattresses are available in split sizing the following are the split size mattresses:
• Split Queen Mattress: A split queen comes as two pieces, each with a width of 30 inches and length of 80 inches.  They add up to the 60” width of a traditional Queen when set up side by side.   One benefit of opting for the split over the traditional is easy rearranging!
• Split King Mattress: Couples tend to like the split king because it is large and gives each person their own space to move independently.  Essentially, a split king mattress is two TwinXL mattresses.  You get the 80” length plus each side measures 38” wide totaling the 76-inch width of a King.
• Split California King Mattress: Split King and Cali King mattresses work really well with adjustable beds that allow for independent side movement.  This way each person in bed gets to adjust their side without restriction.  The split California King mattress size is two separate mattresses that are 36” x 84”.
• Split Top Mattresses: Imagine a mattress that is connected at the feet but split down the center from the head end.  These are used to be able to adjust each side of the head portion of the mattress separately.  At the same time, the mattress is not completely split like the split queen, split king and split California king.

Oversized Sizes

We offer some unique mattress sizes that you won’t find everywhere.  These special sizes offer some advantages.  Additionally, we can custom frames to fit the Olympic Queen, Wyoming King and Texas King sizes.

• Olympic Queen: Want a little more surface space on your bed but don’t have much more room in the bedroom?  The Olympic Queen maintains the length of a traditional Queen but gives you six inches of added width!  The 66” x 80” Olympic Queen mattress might be a good solution!
• Wyoming King Mattress: When the length on a Cali King is adequate but you still want more width, the Wyoming King is a good step forward.  It is 84” x 84” giving couples an extra foot of spacious width.
• Texas King and Alaskan King: These sizes provide ample space for pets and kids to sleep in the bed too!  Some of the larger sizes you will find without customization, they are good for the tall, and those who need extra room in the bed.

Have a need for mattress sizes that aren’t listed?  Custom mattress sizes are also a thing.  Give us a call to discuss your needs and get a quote!

Shipping Time

Curbside Delivery

Shipping times cannot be guaranteed as they can vary from order to order.  It depends on the type of item being shipped (mattress, adjustable bed, etc) and where it is being shipped from.  A single mattress being shipped may come rather quickly versus multiple and various items being shipped.  It can take around 7-15 days for a mattress and adjustable bed to arrive as it will be shipped on an LTL freight, moved by a semi-truck to the residential area.  Remote locations may require a smaller truck and the trucking company handles this relying on their experience and expertise.  We say delivery will take approximately 7-15 days to be safe but delivery can often be quicker.

White Glove Delivery

White Glove delivery requires the collaboration of two companies; the initial transportation company and a white glove delivery company and is usually referred to the adjustable bed only not mattress.  The trucking company will first deliver the order to the white glove company.  Once in possession of the order, the white glove company will call the customer to set up an appointment time for delivery.  This delivery process adds a little time to the estimated arrival date.  It can take up to approximately one additional week for white glove delivery depending on the area.

Buy From a Trusted Source

Online companies like Rest Right Mattress can offer customers better deals on mattresses. Brick and mortar stores pass the cost of rent and utilities onto customers.  As an online company we can avoid doing that.  However, not all online companies are created equal.  There are sites out there that are just straight up scam sites.  There’s also differing levels of customer service.  With a large online purchase, such as a mattress or adjustable bed, you want to be sure you’re well taken care of.  Online reviews are a great place to start.  Read reviews carefully and weed out any sites that have fake reviews.  We then suggest that you call the company which is a good way to get a good feeling about the legitimacy of the company and its reviews. We BBB accredited business also.

Protect Your Investments

Using a mattress protector can protect your new investment in a couple different ways.  The manufacturer may include a limited warranty of some sort.  Many times, this warranty is voided if the mattress is used without a mattress protector.  So using a mattress protector may help keep the coverage intact.  Additionally, mattress protectors help shield the mattress from damage and stains.

FAQ

What is the Deal with Online Retailers and Medium Mattresses?

You may have realized that many online retailers only sell medium firmness mattresses.  The reason this is so is because there are far more people that sleep on medium level mattresses than any other comfort level.  Combination sleepers will usually enjoy this level of firmness and couples may meet in the middle and land on a medium selection.  The reason this mattress buying guide was made is to help those looking for a mattress online choose the best mattress.  That means narrowing down the options to what will work best for your particular sleep needs.  Rest Right Mattress carries multiple brands.  We offer a variety of types of mattress. We also offer soft, medium and firm mattresses.  We even offer some that have adjustable firmness.  We don’t believe you should have to compromise.  That’s why we give you more options and the information you need to make a knowledgeable decision.

What are the Most Popular Mattresses for Couples that Sleep Differently?

Even the most perfect couples don’t always agree on which sleep position or firmness level is best.  Adjustable mattresses  give every couple the chance to reach maximum sleep comfort. These newer models can afford each person the ability to pick the firmness level on their side for themselves!  Adjustable memory foam mattresses come in a variety of heights. Latex mattresses commonly include layers within the mattress cover that can be easily moved around.  Plus, adjustable latex mattresses can hold up to the test of time, often exceeding the useful life of other types.