4 Things to Look For When Buying a Mattress

The Princess and the Pea knew one thing for sure: mattress matter. Because mattresses should be replaced every 6 - 8 years, it’s always a little hard to shop for one. What do you need to look for? How did you even choose your last mattress? 

Buying a mattress doesn’t have to be stressful - if you know what to look for. Here are 5 things to prioritize when shopping for a new mattress. 

1. Comfort

At the end of the day, nothing matters except having a comfortable place to sleep. When you lay down at the end of a busy day, you want that “ahhhhhhhhh” feeling. The best way to know what mattress is the most comfortable is to lay on one. This is why mattress showrooms feature the actual mattresses. If you prefer, bring your own pillow so you can get a real feel of the product. 

If you’re looking to purchase a mattress online - like the Endy, Ghost Bed or one you order from an online store - consider asking around to find a friend who has purchased that type of mattress before. If you can’t try a mattress ahead of time, double check the return policy on the mattress; you do not want to be stuck with a mattress you can’t sleep on. 

2. Size 

Pets, partners, children and pillows take up a lot of space. Too small of a mattress and you’ll always be uncomfortable in bed. If you are a starfish sleeper, then even a single person may want a double or even a queen size. At the same time, be aware of your bedroom size; many older homes are not built to fit a California king. 

Image borrowed from Sleep Junkie.

Size is important for comfort. Too small of a bed can leave you feeling squished and unable to relax. While you can’t really have a bed that is too big for you, cramping your bedroom with a super large bed can impact the feel of your rest space. 

3. Material

Memory foam, springs and latex are the three most common materials for mattresses. They all have different feels to them. Memory foam is super squishy and soft and is known to form to the body. Springs are the most common and affordable. They can be really comfortable, especially when paired with a pillow or firm top. Latex mattresses may sound odd but they provide a firmer support for those who prefer it. Watch out for chemically treated mattress fiber or lower quality mattresses made of fibreglass. 

They may seem cheaper in the short term but in the long run, they aren’t nearly as good or healthy for you or your home.

4. Firmness

Many people wonder if a firm mattress is best. While firmer mattresses are recommended for those with back pain (to help keep the spine aligned), it really comes down to an individual person's sleep preferences. Too firm and you’ll be uncomfortable. Too soft and you could wake up with stiff joints and pain. 

Choosing the Right Mattress

There are recommendations for the right kind of mattress but even the recommendations come down to individual preferences and how you sleep. One thing is super clear when shopping for a new mattress: prioritize your comfort. Keep this in mind and you’re sure to find the best mattress for you.