We understand choosing a new mattress from all the online options can be an overwhelming experience. There are many things to consider, from your weight to your sleeping position and budget. But don’t fret. By answering a few simple questions, our mattress finder quiz can make personalized mattress recommendations for people of all ages. This mattress buying guide considers factors such as your weight, sleeping position, mattress preferences, and bed-sharing to suggest a range of mattresses that are most likely to work for you.
Benefits of Using the Mattress Quiz
The benefits of the mattress quiz abound. First, mattress shopping is tricky and confusing. There’s a huge range of technologies to compare, and the industry has flooded the market with jargon. For instance, what is zoned support? Is there a difference between mattress firmness and feel? If you find the lingo confusing, our quiz offers you a time-saving mattress shopping experience by clarifying these factors so you can easily arrive at your ideal mattress.
Secondly, a mattress is a significant purchase. It’s not just another sleep accessory. It’s a piece of furniture that strongly influences your energy levels, mood, memory, heart health, immune system, weight management, and so much more.
In most cases, lying on different beds in mattress stores is not enough. How a mattress feels in the few minutes you sleep on it in the store is different from how it will feel at home. For a stress-free mattress buying experience, it’s crucial to have a rough idea of your ideal mattress based on your weight, sleeping position, temperature preferences, and health needs, such as existing neck and back pains. That’s where our mattress quiz comes in.
Our goal with this personalized mattress shopping quiz is to help you narrow down to a mattress technology that best fits your sleep needs. Even better, we scour the mattress market and identify several models from reputable brands that are most likely to work for you.
What Type of Mattress is Best for Me?
Mattresses are not one-size-fits-all furniture. The best mattress in the world may be your worst. And that’s because mattress comfort is subjective and is based on an individual’s body type, sleeping style, health needs, and personal preferences.
Each of the mattress types available on the market today has its strengths and weaknesses. Let’s have a quick overview of the different mattress types, their pros and cons, and their best candidates.
Innerspring Mattresses
An innerspring mattress consists of a support system of coils and a thin comfort layer of soft materials like foam or cotton. There are different types of coils used for innerspring mattresses today, including Bonnell, Offset, Continuous wire, and Pocketed coils. But they all work by compressing when you apply pressure on them and springing back when the pressure is removed.
Innerspring mattresses are the most supportive and bounciest. But they also have the least contouring, particularly compared to foam mattresses.
Pros
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A lot of bounce
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Easy to move on and switch positions
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Tends to be firm and very supportive
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Offer the best edge support
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Excellent breathability
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Relatively more affordable than other mattress styles
Cons
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Minimal contouring
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Coils creak and squeak
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Motion transfer issues
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May aggravate pressure points
Who should buy an innerspring mattress?
An innerspring is the best mattress type for heavy individuals who prioritize support over contouring. Its quick response, bounce, and excellent edge support also make it ideal for combination sleepers and people with mobility issues. Hot sleepers looking for cooling mattresses will appreciate sleeping on an innerspring thanks to its breathable construction and thin comfort layer. Stomach sleepers and individuals who prefer sleeping on a firm mattress will enjoy sleeping on an innerspring mattress. Budget-wise, this technology offers some of the best cheap mattresses.
Who shouldn't buy an innerspring mattress?
Don’t buy an innerspring mattress if you have a partner who tosses and turns a lot when sleeping. Motion transfer is a major problem with innerspring mattresses and may be an issue for sensitive sleep partners. Also, with their minimal contouring and thin comfort materials, innerspring mattresses are not the best for side sleepers and individuals looking for the best mattress for pressure relief.
Memory Foam Mattresses
We are sure you have heard so much about memory foam mattresses. Memory foam was first developed by Charles Yost in 1966 for a NASA project. Its original purpose was to cushion spacecraft seats to help comfort astronauts during take-off. But since then, it has been adapted for other uses, including wheelchairs, shoes, pillows, and, most recently, mattresses.
The ubiquitous “handprint” photos of memory foam are commonly used to justify how it works. Memory foam is sensitive to pressure and temperature. As you lie on it, it softens more where you apply the most pressure and remains at a colder temperature where your body makes the least contact. As such, your body weight is evenly distributed.
As an all-foam mattress, a memory foam mattress lets you sleep “inside” of it as opposed to “on” the mattress, as it’s the case with innerspring beds.
Pros
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Conforms your body to boast the highest comfort factor
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Excellent motion isolation capabilities
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Best for pressure relief
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Best mattress type for chronic shoulder, neck, and back pain
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Hypoallergenic and dust mite-resistant
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Zero noise
Cons
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High-density foam mattress traps heat
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Are challenging to move on due to their slow response
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Lack of bounce, which may affect sex
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Memory foam is known to be off-gas
Who should buy a memory foam mattress?
Memory foam is a good mattress choice for anyone who enjoys sleeping on a mattress with a cradling and hugging feel. That said, there are memory foam mattresses for all sleeping positions and weights. Memory foam is a good mattress material for couples because of its low motion transfer and noise levels. Memory foam also makes the best mattresses for back pain because of its even weight distribution and proper spinal alignment.
Who should not buy a memory foam mattress?
It’s best to avoid memory foam if you sleep so hot at night. Although there are a few models that sleep much cooler than others, such as Nectar, memory foam generally sleeps hotter than other mattress types. Also, if bounce is a top consideration for your best mattress for sex, skip memory foam.
Latex Mattresses
Latex is an eco-friendly mattress made from natural rubber tree sap. There are synthetic latex mattresses, though. Synthetic latex mattresses are made of petroleum products, particularly Styrene and Butadiene. However, they are engineered to perform similarly to natural latex mattresses.
Unlike memory foam that tries to mold to your exact shape, latex allows both sinkage and compression. In other words, latex has minimal contouring, meaning you don’t feel like you’re being buried inside foam.
Latex is more responsive and bouncier than memory foam. Also, natural latex, especially Talalay, tends to sleep cooler than other foam mattresses because it promotes better airflow.
Pros
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Latex is the most breathable foam
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It’s extremely comfortable
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Latex makes the most durable mattresses because it’s dense
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Latex is bouncier and easier to move on than memory foam
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It promotes natural spine alignment
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Natural antimicrobial
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Resist mildew and dust mites
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Natural latex is sustainable
Cons
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Natural latex can be pricey
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Latex is heavier than other types of foam
Who should buy a latex mattress?
Latex is a good alternative for people who want to avoid the deep hug of memory foam. While latex is good for all sleeping positions, it has more support than memory foam. This makes it a better option for heavyweight back and stomach sleepers who prefer an all-foam mattress.
Its above-average breathability also makes it a good mattress choice for people who sleep hot. Also, couples looking for a good, all-foam mattress for sex will appreciate latex. Besides being bouncier than memory foam, latex is more responsive. This makes it much easier to move on and change positions.
Latex is bouncy, meaning it has a degree of motion transfer. But unless you are a super sensitive sleeper, we doubt your partner’s movements on the bed will disturb your sleep.
Who shouldn't buy a latex mattress?
First, budget shoppers! Natural latex mattresses are more expensive than memory foam because they use natural materials. The strict manufacturing processes also drive the price higher.
People who are notorious for sleeping hot at night may also want to look past latex. While natural latex is more breathable than other types of foam, we can’t compare it to innerspring mattresses.
Also, latex is not a good choice for people who need to move their mattresses frequently. Latex is denser than other mattress materials. Although this makes it the most durable, it also makes it super heavy to lift.
Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrid mattresses have taken the mattress world by storm. Reason? It’s all in the name! A hybrid mattress is a combination of innerspring and foam mattresses. It features a coil-based support system, memory foam and latex comfort layers.
In short, hybrid mattresses offer the best of both worlds: the support, bounce, and breathability of innerspring and the pressure-relieving and motion-isolation attributes of foam. That said, you can look forward to a lot more comfortable sleep.
Pros
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Top-notch joint and back support
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Great pressure point relief
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Above-average cooling capabilities
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A decent amount of bounce
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Highly responsive for easy mobility in bed
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Foam layers help with motion isolation
Cons
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A higher price tag
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Memory foam layers can retain some heat
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Hybrid mattresses heavy to move around
Who should buy a hybrid mattress?
You should buy a hybrid mattress if you enjoy the traditional feel of coils but would appreciate a thicker comfort layer. A hybrid mattress will also interest couples thanks to its bounciness and quick responsiveness that make sex more enjoyable. Its above-average motion isolation also helps minimize disturbance.
Hybrid mattresses are the most versatile in terms of sleeping positions. Hybrid mattresses with a thin comfort surface tend to work best for back and stomach sleepers. Side sleepers prefer hybrid mattresses with a slightly thicker comfort layer because of the increased pressure point relief.
Who should not buy a hybrid mattress?
People looking for cheap mattresses will want to consider other mattress technologies. A hybrid mattress is not as pricey as an organic mattress. However, its price is still higher than standard all-foam mattresses.
Hybrid mattresses tend to be heavier than other mattresses because of their steel coils. This makes them less ideal for people who want a mattress they will be moving around a lot.
What Firmness Level is Perfect for Me?
Mattress firmness refers to how the mattress feels when you lie on it. Is it soft, firm, or medium? Choosing the right mattress firmness is crucial because it affects mattress comfort level, support, temperature, and durability.
Mattress firmness is affected by construction materials. Innerspring mattresses are typically firmer than foam mattresses because you are literally lying on a system of steel coils. Latex is firmer than memory foam and other foam mattresses.
We like to remind our readers that mattress firmness is subjective. Your perception of how a particular mattress feels is dependent on your body shape, size, and weight. Most mattress brands score their mattresses on a 10-point firmness scale, where 1 is the softest, and 10 is the firmest.
Here’s a quick overview of what soft, medium-firm, and firm mattresses feel and who might prefer each.
Soft Mattresses
Soft and plush mattresses score 3-4 on the mattress firmness scale. A soft mattress is characterized by a deep hug and plenty of body contouring. These attributes make a plush mattress the best for pressure relief. However, a soft mattress does not offer a lot of pushback, meaning you will most likely sleep “in” instead of “on top” of the mattress. This deep sinkage also makes soft mattresses more susceptible to heat build-up.
Soft mattresses are ideal for people who weigh less than 130 pounds. They are particularly the best match for lightweight side sleepers because they require additional cushioning around the shoulders and hips to promote even spinal alignment.
Medium Soft to Medium Firm Mattresses
Medium mattresses are beds in the middle of the mattress firmness scale. They are typically scored in the 5 to 6.5 range of the mattress firmness scale. Mattresses in this range have considerably more support than their softer alternatives but still contour noticeably to promote pressure relief.
Medium-soft to medium-firm is the most popular mattress firmness because it balances support and pressure relief. Also, because foam mattresses in this range don’t hug the body closely, they tend to trap less heat than softer models. The best mattresses on the market today are in this range. These are the best mattresses for people weighing 130 lbs to 230 lbs. A medium-firm mattress usually accommodates different sleeping positions, which is also why it’s ideal for combination sleepers.
Firm Mattresses
Firm mattresses are rated 7 and 8 on the mattress firmness scale. These mattresses are designed with extra support in mind. Most employ high-density poly foam or pocket springs with lower coil gauges (13 and below) to minimize sinkage as much as possible.
A firm mattress is ideal for heavy people who weigh 230 lbs and above, especially back and stomach sleepers. Side sleepers sleeping on a firm mattress may experience pressure buildup around the shoulders and hips because these mattresses have less hug.
An ultra-firm mattress has plenty of pushback that allows you to sleep on top of the mattress. As such, it’s less likely to trap heat and cause you to sleep hot.
Adjustable Firmness Mattresses
Choosing mattress firmness can be challenging owing to all the factors at play. And it’s even more difficult if you are buying a mattress for two. A mattress in the medium to medium-firm firmness range is best for couples and most individuals below 230 lbs.
Another option is to get a mattress with adjustable firmness levels. An adjustable firmness mattress allows you to move the foam layers around for customized comfort and support. The market also has flippable mattresses. A flippable mattress has a different firmness level on each side. Our top recommendation is the Layla memory foam mattress, which has a medium-soft side (4/10) and a firm side (7/10).
Sleeper and Body Type Matters
Buying a mattress based on your body type and sleeping position is crucial for support and pressure relief. That said, there is a mattress for different body types (petite, average weight, and heavyweight) and different sleeping positions.
Body Type
Petite people (below 130 lbs)
People with petite bodies prefer softer, hugging mattresses. If you weigh below 130 pounds, you should consider a soft (2-3), medium-soft (4), or medium (5) mattress. The best mattresses for lightweight people are all-foam mattresses or hybrid beds with thick comfort layers.
Average-weight people (130-230 lbs)
Average-weight people weigh 130 to 230 lbs. People in this weight range prefer a mattress that balances gentle conforming with a slightly firmer support. We advise average-weight sleepers to buy a medium soft (4), medium (5), or medium-firm (6) mattress.
Heavyweight people (above 230 lbs)
People weighing 230 lbs and above prefer medium-firm, firm, and ultra-firm mattresses. These are supportive mattresses that promote spinal alignment to avoid waking up with a sore back. Mattresses in this firmness range also tend to resist sagging, which, in turn, ensures durability.
Heavy people prioritize support over close conforming. As such, they prefer coil-based mattresses, particularly innerspring and hybrid beds with individually pocketed steel coils.
Sleeping Positions
Your ideal mattress needs to properly cushion the areas of your body that are in direct contact with it.
Side sleepers
The best mattress for side sleepers should have significant cushioning to prevent pressure buildup on the shoulders and hips. Side sleepers weighing below 130 lbs should consider soft (3) to medium (5) mattresses. If you weigh 130-230 lbs and sleep on your side, we recommend a medium (5) to medium-firm (6.5) mattress. Heavyweight side sleepers (above 230 lbs) should consider medium-firm (6.5) to firm (7) mattresses.
Back sleepers
The best mattress for back sleepers needs to be supportive enough to keep their spine aligned. But you also need to have enough contour to take pressure off of your shoulders and buttocks. Lightweight back sleepers will enjoy a good balance of comfort and support on a soft (3) to medium (5) mattress. If you weigh 130-230 lbs and sleep on your back, you should consider a medium (5) to firm (7) mattress. Back sleepers weighing over 230 lbs prefer firm (7) to ultra-firm mattresses.
Stomach sleepers
Stomach sleepers prefer a mattress with enough pushback to prevent the belly from sinking in and to keep the hips and shoulders aligned. That way, the spine stays in neutral alignment, alleviating the risk of back pain in the morning.
The best mattress for stomach sleepers weighing 130 lbs and below should be medium (5) to medium-firm (6.5). Stomach sleepers in the 130 to 230 lbs weight range should be considered a medium-firm to firm mattress. Lastly, a good mattress for heavy people who sleep on their bellies must be firm or ultra-firm if they are way past the 230-pound mark.
Special Issues That Can Affect Your Mattress Choice
Body type and sleeping positions are the most important factors when buying a mattress online. However, health considerations such as back pain, hip pain, allergies, and overheating should not be taken lightly.
Hip, Back, and Joint Pain
The best mattress for back pain is medium-firm because it allows adequate sinkage around the shoulders and hips. Dreamcloud, Nectar, and Helix Midnight are our top recommendations for the best mattresses for back pain.
Side sleepers looking for a mattress for hip pain should consider a bed that balances support and cushioning. It should neither be too plush to cause the hips to dip nor too firm to add extra pressure to your spine and hips. Beds in the medium to medium-firm range often make the best mattress for joint pain and hip pain.
Sleeping Hot
You should consider a temperature-regulating mattress if you overheat at night. A cooling mattress has designs that promote airflow or materials that draw excess body heat away from your sleeping surface.
Hybrid and innerspring mattresses are best for hot sleepers because the space in their coil structures allows air to move freely, keeping temperatures down. Latex mattresses tend to sleep cooler than memory foam because they don’t conform closely to block airflow.
Memory foam mattresses have significantly improved regarding temperature management, too. If you sleep hot but want memory foam, consider a high-density model with a cooling cover and gel or graphite infusion.
Allergies and Asthma
If you suffer from allergies or asthma, you have probably heard that you need to get a hypoallergenic mattress. A mattress for allergies means that the mattress is made with materials that naturally prevent allergens, such as dust mites, bed bugs, and bacteria, from thriving on your bed. Latex and memory foam are naturally hypoallergenic, making them the best mattress types for allergy and asthma sufferers.
Think About Your Budget When Buying a New Bed
How much you are aiming to spend on a new bed will greatly impact the type of mattress you get and its features. The mattress niche is one area where you get what you pay for.
We don’t mean that cheap mattresses online are necessarily bad. But even if you are shopping for affordable mattresses, it’s important that you get something that’s comfortable and supportive. And that means not skimping on mattress materials and crucial features, especially pressure relief, temperature regulation, and motion isolation - if you have a sleep partner.
You’ll be hard-pressed to get a decent-quality mattress under $500, particularly if you want a durable mattress for your master bedroom. Although this is possible during mattress sales, a value-for-money mattress will cost you over $500.
At Mattress Verdict, we consider the best budget-friendly mattresses to be between $500 and $1500, depending on the type. Mattresses in this range tend to have above-average durability and performance, especially above $700.
Luxury mattresses have a price tag above $1500 before discounts. At over $2000, you are looking at some of the best mattresses in the market in terms of support, comfort, and durability.
How Do I Purchase a Mattress?
There is a lot that goes into buying a mattress online. In addition to getting a mattress that meets your sleep needs, it’s important to consider other things, such as financing, shipping, return, and warranty policies.
The first thing you must consider when ordering a mattress online is the trial period. A mattress trial period of at least 30 days is enough to break into the mattress and decide whether it’s a good match for your body. Mattress brands that allow you to test the mattress for 60-90 days are preferable.
Even after selecting the best mattress type, there’s no guarantee it will be a good fit. A key part of a safe online mattress buying experience is dealing with a brand or manufacturer with clear return guidelines. The best online mattress stores, like Nectar, offer free returns and collect mattresses from your doorstep.
Lastly, don’t overlook the tiny details of the online mattress warranty. Understand what’s covered and what can void the warranty. A mattress warranty protects your investment against manufacturing defects like premature sagging, split seams, and broken coils.
What Size Bed Is Good For Me?
Mattress size matters because it impacts the amount of sleeping space. Consequently, the available sleeping area impacts temperature regulation, motion transfer rate, and the ability to turn without bumping into your sleep partner.
Of course, choosing a mattress size is easy if you are buying a new mattress for your existing bed frame. Otherwise, you’ll want to consider room size, body type, and whether you share the bed with your partner.
The twin mattress is suitable for children and solo sleepers under 6 feet tall. Single sleepers will enjoy the additional 5 inches that a twin XL offers. A full-size mattress may work for couples who love cuddling, but it’s better suited to solo sleepers who want more space to spread out than a twin offers.
The Queen mattress is the best mattress size for couples. It can fit most average-sized bedrooms while offering enough sleep space for both sleep partners. And it’s still small enough to promote a sense of closeness.
King mattress dimensions are 76” (W) by 80” (L). We recommend king-size mattresses to couples, sleep partners, and individuals who plan on sharing their sleep space with a kid or pet.
A California king is 72” wide and 84” long. It’s ideal for tall couples and pet parents who let their fur kids sleep in the leg area.
Compare and Contrast the Best Mattress for You
It’s true that buying the best mattress 2023 is a daunting task, especially with the 175+ bed-in-a-box companies in operation. But that’s where our mattress quiz comes in. Our mattress finder quiz uses your response to basic questions and a detailed mattress comparison to match you with the best online mattress brands!
Conclusion
Your mattress is arguably the most important piece of furniture in your house. While you spend only a third of your time on it, it significantly affects the other two-thirds of your awake time. As such, you must do your homework well to ensure you are finding the perfect mattress for your body type and health condition.
The first step when buying a mattress online is understanding your body type and unique sleep needs. Ensure you factor in your body type, sleeping position, bed sharing, and health issues, such as back pain, hip pain, and sleeping hot. Alternatively, leave it to our mattress finder quiz to help you find a high-quality mattress for your needs!
