If you're planning to replace your old mattress, you'll most likely have a hard time figuring out where to start. What mattress type, size, and shape do you need? Will you opt for a budget-friendly option or invest in a fancier model? Is it better to make purchases online or in a physical store? For a first-time mattress shopper, that is a lot to consider.
But you don't have to fret. This guide will help you think of the different qualities to look for in a mattress. Everything will be provided for you, from the common types of mattresses to the best characteristics of a durable bed!
Common Mattress Types, Explained
When looking for top rated mattresses, it is important to know some of the common types of beds available in the market. This allows you to narrow down your options significantly. Read more below:
- Innerspring
Innerspring is one of the widely-used types of mattress, known for its supportive, firm, and bouncy features. Its structure consists of tall, steel coil sections best for individuals who are after traditional comfort.
- Memory Foam
The structure of memory foam mattresses is known among consumers to have slower pressure response and deep body contouring. This mattress type can provide sleepers an incredible amount of relief at pressure points such as the lower back, shoulders, and hips.
- Latex
Latex has a quicker pressure response than memory foam mattresses, providing sleepers a livelier and bouncier feel. It has an all-natural material construction, perfect for eco-conscious users. Latex mattresses are also a great option if you tend to sleep hot.
- Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses are one of the latest innovations that the industry offers. Its structure is equally designed with top foam layers and springs or coils for improved support and pressure relief. When using this, sleepers can experience a more balanced feel compared to the latter options.
5 Top Qualities of a Good-Quality Mattress
After discussing the different mattress types, it's time for you to know the top qualities you should look for in a mattress. These details can also help you even narrow down the choices you currently have in mind.
Back Support
What you should look for in a first mattress is its ability to support your back. For this, you need to pay close attention to the springs or coils used to manufacture the mattress. If you want a firmer bed, you can ask for ones that have a low gauge number. This means that it has stiffer wires with a firmer cushion.
You can also check the mattress' density when shopping. This helps determine how the materials are packed inside. Opt for beds with a higher density for better back support as it is more comfortable to lie on.
Secure Padding
The padding on a mattress can also help determine how good its quality is. It usually has materials like cotton, polyurethane foam, and polyester. When shopping, make sure the padding you pick complements your sleeping position.
If you sleep on your back, you will need medium-firm mattress padding. For side and stomach sleepers, you will need extra firm padding to take care of your respective pressure points. The firmness levels are often rated from 1 to 10, 1 being the softest and 10 for the most firm.
Durability
You often hear about mattresses lasting for ten years or more. But can you ensure that your choice will serve you that long? It's true; some beds do last longer than others based on their manufacturer, brand, construction, and model.
To ensure that you're getting your money's worth is to check for online reviews. This way, you'll know the actual consumer experience and not what mattress brands advertise to entice you into buying.
Price
Before you decide on buying that extra-expensive mattress your acquaintance once recommended, remember that higher mattress prices don't equate to higher quality. It will always depend on many factors like brand, type, size, and manufacturer. That is why it is always best to do your research first when planning on your spending budget.
Warranty
A high-quality mattress can last you for about a decade or so, depending on your use and care. In most cases, the warranty largely depends on the mattress density. This means that the more density your bed has, the more extended the warranty period you'll get.
Some good-quality mattresses have a 5-year warranty period and may even extend to 10 years, depending on your negotiation. Securing a warranty on your newly bought bed can keep all the future worries away from your sight. It also reassures you that your investment won't go to waste.
Takeaway
Excellent back support, secured padding, durability, reasonable price, and better warranty deals are some of the top qualities that make up the best mattress. Don't rush into deciding, and make sure to consider all these factors when shopping for beds.