There is a lot of pressure to find the best mattress simply because it's one of the more expensive items you will purchase for your home. That's why I broke down every factor to consider when shopping for a bed. Our mattress buying guide will help you pick one that suits your sleeping preferences and bedtime routine.
I've been testing mattresses for over a decade in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, so I've learned a thing or two about what to look for when you shop. Our Lab — which consists of fiber scientists, engineers and home analysts — evaluates the mattresses firsthand, assigns models to consumer testers for real-world feedback and surveys our tester panel to get long-term insights on the beds they own.
What to consider when buying a mattress
First and foremost, your spine should stay aligned when you lie down. Your sleep position, body type and personal preferences for the feel and materials will all play a role in determining which mattress best suits your needs. You also want to consider cost, convenience, durability and any sleep issues — i.e., whether you're a hot sleeper, have back pain or frequently get woken up by your sleeping partner. We'll break down these topics (and more!) to help you decide.
Types of mattresses
Memory foam and innerspring beds are the most popular styles, but other mattress types are becoming more common, giving shoppers more options these days. Within each mattress type, you can still find a wide range of firmness levels and price points.
RELATED: The Ultimate Guide to All the Different Types of Mattresses
Memory foam
Memory foam mattresses offer the best pressure relief because they conform to your body and take weight off pressure points. Users describe lying on foam beds as feeling like they're being cradled. This type of mattress often consists of multiple layers with firmer foam on the bottom for durability and support and softer foam on top for comfort.
Latex
Latex mattresses feel somewhat similar to memory foam, but tend to be more expensive. Latex is also more resilient (i.e., bouncy) and feels more like you're floating rather than sinking in. Natural latex is made from rubber trees and may be used in organic mattresses.
Innerspring
Innerspring mattresses are made of steel coils, so they are firmer and provide more bounce. Consider both coil gauge and coil count when you shop. Coil gauge tells you how thick the steel is; it typically ranges from 12 to 15, and a lower number means it's firmer and more durable. Coil count indicates the number of coils in the mattress; a quality model will have at least 400 coils in a Queen size. You can also consider pocketed coils, which means each spring is individually wrapped (instead of webbed together) for targeted support.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses use a combination of memory foam (or latex) and coils, so you don't have to pick just one. Typically, coils sit on the bottom for support, while foam sits on top for pressure relief. Many hybrids on the market — especially those from bed-in-a-box brands — feel very similar to foam beds when you lie down. Just note that they're going to be more expensive and heavier to set up than their all-foam alternatives.
Smart
Smart mattresses are a high-tech option if you and your partner share different sleep preferences or if you want to create the most ideal sleeping environment. Although expensive, these mattresses let you customize features like firmness level and temperature.
The best picks for every mattress type
Saatva Classic Mattress
Bear Elite Hybrid
Mattress firmness levels
Mattresses are typically labeled as soft, medium, medium-firm or firm. Medium to medium-firm beds are the most popular because they suit a wide range of needs. When deciding on a firmness level, it's important to take into account both your sleep position and body type:
Sleep position
- Side sleepers: This is the most commonly preferred position and the one that doctors typically recommend to avoid back pain. The best mattresses for side sleepers have soft to medium firmness levels because they help keep your spine aligned. If it's too firm, you may end up putting too much pressure on your hips and shoulders.
- Stomach sleepers: A firm mattress is more suitable for anyone who likes to sleep on their stomach: You don't want your pressure points to sink in too far in this position.
- Back sleepers: Medium firmness is ideal in this case. If your mattress is too soft or too firm in this position, you risk not having proper alignment.
- Combination sleepers: Opt for medium firmness to best support your various positions if you move around at night.
Body type
- Heavier body weights: A firmer mattress is best for heavy people because more weight means more pressure on the bed. Too much pressure can cause the bed to sink in and jeopardize spine alignment, leading to back pain. Some top-performing mattress brands also make models designed specifically for people over 250 pounds.
- Lighter body weights: Smaller frames are better served by a softer mattress because they aren't putting much pressure on the bed. If the bed is too firm, you won't sink in enough to relieve pressure on the joints.
Factor in both your sleep position and weight when deciding on your best firmness level. For instance, if you're a lightweight stomach sleeper, you can choose a medium firmness to compromise between soft and firm.
One more thing regarding firmness: Brands sometimes describe their mattresses on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest. These ratings can help you compare firmness levels when you shop, but don't get too hung up on the specific number. We often ask our mattress testers to rate firmness on a 1 to 10 scale, and their responses typically don't match what the brand specifies.
The best mattress for every firmness level
Sleep concerns
Besides picking out the right mattress type and firmness level, you should also take into account any specific needs you may have. Here are some common issues and what to look for with each:
Hot sleepers
A cooling mattress can help you stay at a comfortable temperature throughout the night, especially if you overheat in your sleep. While many factors — like physical conditions and summer heat — can contribute to night sweats and a mattress won't make them magically disappear, the right bed can certainly help alleviate discomfort.
Just note that not all cooling materials are the same, and memory foam tends to be the worst offender at trapping heat. Here are common types of cooling features that you'll see when you shop:
- Built-in cooling technology: Embedded metal particles (like copper), gel and phase-change technology are often used in foam beds to draw heat away from the body. Metal and gel can help prevent overheating, but their cooling effects tend to be less noticeable. Phase-change technology has the ability to store and release heat so it's your best bet for all-night temperature regulation.
- Cool-to-the-touch materials: Sometimes, you'll notice cooling covers that have an instant chilling effect. These draw in heat immediately but won't stay cool all night.
- Breathable construction: Innersprings and some hybrids (with more coils than foam) will allow for more airflow than all-foam mattresses.
- Electric cooling: There are plug-in options that use water or air to cool the bed. These are ideal for keeping your mattress continuously cool, though they're more high maintenance and have additional components, like a cooling unit next to your bed.
Back pain
The best mattress for those with back pain will have at least some foam for pressure relief and a medium firmness level for support and spine alignment. We've consulted doctors who specialize in back pain. They say that while an underlying issue is likely causing the back pain, the right mattress can be one step in alleviating discomfort. In fact, studies have shown that the right mattress can improve pain, stiffness and sleep quality by 50% to 60%.
Organic materials
For anyone who prefers an organic mattress made of natural materials, it's important to make sure the entire mattress follows strict organic standards and not just one component. Sometimes brands use an organic cover and call it an organic mattress, which is essentially greenwashing, making it seem more eco-friendly than it is. Memory foam can never be organic, so instead look for a latex or innerspring mattress. Check to make sure the bed is certified organic by a trusted organization, including:
- Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): This provides a standard for fabrics (like cotton and wool) and ensures the entire manufacturing process follows strict requirements, as opposed to just the growing of the fiber. We often see the GOTS certification misused in bedding, but you can verify a specific brand in the organization's public database.
- Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS): It's similar to GOTS because it sets standards for the entire production process, but it's focused on latex.
Note that other certifications may be used for beds with green claims, like OEKO-TEX, GREENGUARD and CertiPUR-US. These let you know that the mattresses have been tested to ensure there are no unsafe levels of harmful chemicals, but they do not validate any organic or natural claims on their own.
Construction features
Certain specifications about how the bed is made may not be top of mind when you shop, but factoring in these features can play a big role in how satisfied you are with your bed. Here's what to look for if any of these issues are important to you:
- Motion isolation: If you or your sleeping partner moves around overnight, a mattress that prevents motion transfer is ideal to keep you both sleeping soundly. Foam beds cancel motion better than innersprings, and we've found that luxury foam beds do the best job.
- Modular firmness: For sleeping partners with different preferences, a split bed with interchangeable firmness levels is a great option, especially if you prefer a traditional mattress over one that's adjustable. Plus, these beds are easy to take apart for moving or to replace your firmness level over time. Naturepedic and Bedgear both offer modular mattresses with great reviews in our tests.
- Edge support: A common complaint we hear from mattress owners is that their beds sink in at the sides. This can be uncomfortable if you sleep near the edge, but it mostly makes it difficult to sit on the side of your bed. Low-cost beds and all-foam mattresses that ship in a box typically have less edge support.
- Mattress height: A taller mattress that's 14 inches or higher often has more layers and feels more luxurious to lie on. That being said, a shorter mattress (around 10 inches) may cost less and be easier to set up. A lower mattress also makes it easier to put on a fitted sheet.
The best mattresses for specific needs
Mattress sizes
Check the mattress dimensions before you buy to ensure it'll properly fit into your room. Queen is the most popular mattress size, but King (which is equivalent to two Twins side by side) is ideal for two sleepers if you have the space. Here is a guide to the dimensions for each mattress size:
Twin
38" x 75"
Twin XL
38" x 80"
Full
54" x 75"
Queen
60" x 80"
King
76" x 80"
California King
72" x 84"
Where to buy a mattress
Of course, when it comes down to it, convenience plays a big part in the shopping process. There are clear benefits and downsides to both in-store and online shopping.
Shopping in stores
The main benefit is that you get to feel the mattress for yourself. If you're going to invest the money in a new bed, it's certainly worth knowing what it's going to feel like in real life. That being said, in-store mattress shopping can be more time-consuming, feel overwhelming and make it harder to compare models. Plus, it's difficult to know how you're going to sleep on a mattress just by lying down on it for a few minutes in a store. Before you shop, it's worth doing some research online to make sure you're not overpaying. Don't be afraid to ask for a price match or discount if you find the mattress listed online for less.
Shopping online
This newer route is a great alternative if you have trouble making decisions since online direct-to-consumer brands often streamline their assortment. Not to mention, it's easier to compare models and you get the comfort and convenience of shopping from home! Note that some online brands say they can offer a better price because they don't have the markups of a brick-and-mortar store, though we've found that can be a marketing trick to mislead shoppers.
Mattress trial periods, return policies and warranties
It's difficult to know whether your mattress is a good fit without actually sleeping on it, and the last thing you want is to be stuck with a new mattress you don't love. The good news is that most companies offer an any-reason return period of at least 100 nights. Just check whether there are any hidden return fees and how you go about making the return to avoid a headache later on. Many companies will arrange for free pickup and then donate or recycle your mattress, then you'll get a full refund.
Unlike trial periods and return policies, in which you can get a refund for any reason, warranties cover defects from the manufacturer over a longer period. However, it can be difficult to prove that damages like sagging, indents and regular wear and tear are caused by a defect. We recommend focusing on return policies and trial periods rather than warranties.
Mattress delivery
Another aspect to think about is whether the mattress comes with in-home setup or if it gets delivered to your door for DIY setup.
In-home setup
Some brands provide a delivery service that brings the mattress into your home and sets it up on your bed. Often it's included in the price of the mattress, but sometimes you can opt to pay a fee for the addition of white-glove delivery. Besides not having to carry and set up the mattress on your own, these services often haul away your old mattress at no extra cost.
DIY setup
Foam bed-in-a-box brands typically ship a compressed mattress to your door through a regular delivery service like UPS or FedEx. Our testers often prefer this because they can set up the bed in their own time rather than waiting around for a scheduled delivery. Plus, it's contact-free, so no one has to enter your home. Just keep in mind: Mattresses can be heavy, so you'll likely need an extra set of hands to help you carry it into your bedroom.
Mattress cost
Our evaluations and feedback from proprietary consumer research show that a good mattress typically costs between $1,000 and $2,000 for a Queen size. That being said, you can still find a good mattress for under $500 if you're on a budget, and there are plenty of picks over $2,000 that are well worth the splurge.
Pricing is mostly determined by the materials and layers in a mattress. A two-layer foam mattress is going to cost significantly less than a seven-layer hybrid, and an organic model is going to cost more than one made of polyurethane foam. Still, if you utilize our shopping tips then you can figure out exactly what you need without having to overspend.
One thing to note: Mattress prices have increased significantly in recent years due to industry-wide supply chain issues. We're seeing popular brands regularly increasing their prices, and we anticipate this trend will continue in the coming months. Still, you can frequently find discounts when you shop to avoid paying full price.
The best time to buy a mattress
Popular shopping periods and holiday weekends are when you can expect to find deals on mattress purchases. These shopping events include:
Unless your purchase is time-sensitive, it's a good idea to wait for a sale to avoid paying full price. Mattress companies offer discounts all year long, but these holidays and events are when you'll see consistent and competitive offers across various brands.
When to replace your mattress
While there's no set expiration date on your bed, you should expect a good mattress to last at least 8 to 10 years. Instead of following a timeline, focus on warning signs that it's time to replace your mattress — like lumps or indents — and whether your mattress is causing difficulty sleeping or pain upon waking.
If you need a quick fix or want to upgrade the feel of your bed, a mattress topper is the easiest way to add a layer of comfort and support. It also costs less than buying an entirely new mattress.
Also keep in mind: The better you take care of your mattress, the longer it'll last. Make sure to use a mattress protector to prevent damage from allergens, dust, spills and wear and tear. And it's a good idea to clean your mattress every few months to keep it fresh.
Lexie Sachs (she/her) is the executive director of strategy and operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute and a lead reviewer of products in the bedding, travel, lifestyle, home furnishings and apparel spaces. She has over 15 years of experience in the consumer products industry and a degree in fiber science from Cornell University. Lexie serves as an expert source both within Good Housekeeping and other media outlets, regularly appearing on national broadcast TV segments. Prior to joining GH in 2013, Lexie worked in merchandising and product development in the fashion and home industries.
