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Many different types of mattress exist, and some may be more beneficial than others.
No guidelines exist for choosing a mattress, and most recommendations come from people’s own experiences.
Keep reading to learn more about how to choose a mattress.
Mattresses are categorized in different ways, such as by size, material, and firmness. Mattress dimensions may vary from country to country.
Sizes
The following table will list the different mattress sizes and their dimensions in inches (in).
| Size | Dimension |
| Twin | 38 in x 75 in |
| Twin XL | 38 in x 80 in |
| Full | 54 in x 75 in |
| Queen | 60 in x 80 in |
| King | 76 in x 80 in |
| California King | 72 in x 84 in |
The sections below will look at the materials and firmness options available.
Material
The type of material a mattress uses may also influence sleep comfort. Different mattress materials include:
- waterbed
- memory foam
- spring
- latex
To combine the benefits of individual mattress types, some manufacturers design hybrid mattresses that have both springs and memory foam or latex.
Firmness
Mattresses can be any of the following:
- soft
- medium-firm
- firm
- custom-inflated
The following tables will compare various mattresses for different benefits.
For comfort
People define comfort in different ways. The most comfortable mattress for one person depends on their preferences.
Limited
The following table compares three different medium-firm mattresses for comfort.
| DreamCloud Luxury Medium Hybrid Mattress | Linenspa 8 Inch Memory Foam and Innerspring Hybrid Mattress | Nectar Memory Foam Mattress | |
| Material | Has memory foam and springs | Has memory foam and springs | Has memory foam |
| Top layer | Uses quilted foam and cashmere to help users stay cozy and cool | Uses quilted foam | Uses quilted, cooling Tencel that is soft and airy |
These mattresses are available for purchase online:
Shop for DreamCloud Luxury Medium Hybrid Mattress.
Shop for Linenspa 8 Inch Memory Foam and Innerspring Hybrid Mattress.
Shop for Nectar Memory Foam Mattress.
For pain relief
People with pain, particularly in the lower back, may have difficulty sleeping because of their mattress. No guidelines exist on how to choose a mattress to prevent or improve back pain, however.
The following table lists some mattresses that may help relieve or prevent back pain.
| Helix Midnight Mattress | WinkBeds MemoryLux Mattress | Birch Natural Mattress | |
| Material | Has memory foam, Helix Dynamic foam, and wrapped springs | Has AirCell foam, zoned progression, and Atlas Core foam | Has natural Talalay latex and individually wrapped springs |
| Top cover | Uses a soft-touch design cover with light stretch optimized for airflow | Uses a eucalyptus-derived Tencel cover that helps users feel cool and dry | Uses breathable organic cotton with subtle stretch and a soft touch |
These mattresses are available for purchase online:
Shop for Helix Midnight Mattress.
Shop for WinkBeds MemoryLux Mattress.
Shop for Birch Natural Mattress.
For sex
Some important considerations to make when choosing a mattress for sex include bounciness, edge control, and noise.
Bounciness is more prominent in spring mattresses than foam mattresses. Latex mattresses may fall in the middle.
To minimize sounds coming from the mattress, it may be best to avoid spring mattresses.
Edge control helps prevent falling off the bed. Manufacturers provide edge support in the mattress with springs or ensure thicker memory foam at the bed’s edges.
The following table lists three mattresses that may be better suited for sex.
| Saatva Loom & Leaf Mattress | Tuft & Needle Mint Mattress | Nectar Memory Foam Mattress | |
| Bounce | Is bouncy despite the lack of springs | Has plenty of bounce despite having no springs | Has plenty of bounce despite the three layers of memory foam |
| Noise | Is made from premium memory foam, which will not make any sound with movement | Does not contain springs | Is made from memory foam, which will not make any sound with movement |
| Edge control | Has no additional edge support | Has 4 in of extra-firm foam at the edges for extra edge support | Has no additional edge support |
These mattresses are available for purchase online:
Shop for Saatva Loom & Leaf Mattress.
Shop for Tuft & Needle Mint Mattress.
Shop for Nectar Memory Foam Mattress.
For longevity
If a mattress is no longer comfortable, or if a person is experiencing body aches or difficulty sleeping, they may wish to consider changing their mattress.
Sometimes, flipping or rotating the mattress once or twice per year can help distribute the wear and tear and prolong its life span. People should read the directions on their mattress, however, as some should not be flipped.
Depending on the material, the life span of mattresses differs. Manufacturers suggest that air and spring mattresses have the shortest life span, while mattresses containing latex have the longest.
The following table lists five mattresses with long life spans.
| Beautyrest Black Mattress | Serta Perfect Sleeper Kleinmon II Mattress | Sealy Response Performance Mattress | Saatva Classic Mattress | Nectar Memory Foam Mattress | |
| Warranty | 10 years | 10 years | 10 years | 15 years | Forever |
| Flip | No flip | No flip | No flip | No flip (rotating suggested) | No flip |
These mattresses are available for purchase online:
Shop for Beautyrest Black Mattress.
Shop for Serta Perfect Sleeper Kleinmon II Mattress.
Shop for Sealy Response Performance Mattress.
Shop for Saatva Classic Mattress.
Shop for Nectar Memory Foam Mattress.
Temperature control is another important consideration for getting better sleep. Currently, the available evidence regarding the appropriate temperature for a mattress is insufficient, but some experts
Mattress maintenance and hygiene are other considerations to make when caring for a mattress. For example, dust mites can collect in mattresses because they provide the ideal temperature, food, and moisture for their growth and development.
Good mattress maintenance and hygiene are necessary for a healthy sleeping environment. People should refer to the instructions on their mattress for more information on maintenance.
Choosing the best mattress can be a daunting task, as different types have different benefits. Currently, no guidelines exist on the best mattress for each person’s needs. Some mattress types share benefits with others, as well.
There are several considerations to make when choosing a mattress, including comfort, pain relief, and temperature control. Choosing the best mattress may require several trial periods with different brands.