6 Mattress Shopping Tips From Expert Sleep Editors | Forbes Vetted

Key Concepts:

• Pressure Relief
• Motion Transfer
• Support (including edge support)
• Ease of Movement
• Cooling (Temperature Regulation)
• Price, Trial Period, and Warranty

1. Pressure Relief:

• Definition: How well a mattress alleviates pressure points.
• Importance: Different sleeping positions require different levels of pressure relief.
• Testing: Lying in different positions and noting discomfort around the back, hips, or shoulders.
• Side Sleepers: Need pressure relief around the shoulder and hips; soft or memory foam mattresses are typically best. Example: Lisa Superira Chill Hybrid (plush model) offers a soft cradling sensation. Nectar Ultra Memory Foam mattress is good for those who like a memory foam feel.
• Back Sleepers: Need pressure relief beneath the hips, but not too much sinkage. Medium-firm to firm mattresses or those with zoned support are ideal. Example: Bear Elite Hybrid mattress.
• Stomach Sleepers: Pressure is more evenly distributed, so medium-firm to firm mattresses usually suffice. However, stomach sleeping is generally discouraged due to increased risk of neck, shoulder, and back pain.

2. Motion Transfer:

• Definition: How movement travels across the bed.
• Importance: Crucial for those who share a bed with a partner or pet.
• Testing: Having someone get in and out of bed, roll around, or jump into it while another person lies on the other side. Also, placing a glass of water on one side and observing the water level during movements on the other side.
• Best Mattresses: Memory foam mattresses excel at isolating motion due to their foam layers absorbing movement. Modern hybrid mattresses with foam layers and pocketed coils also perform well.
• Less Effective Mattresses: Latex and innerspring mattresses are generally not as strong at motion isolation.

3. Support:

• Definition: How well a bed keeps the spine in alignment.
• Importance: Prevents back pain caused by hips being too high or too low.
• Body Weight Consideration: Sleepers over 250 lbs need more support. Example: Helix Plus mattress is designed for heavier weights.
• Firmness Recommendations (for sleepers between 150-250 lbs):
  • Side Sleepers: Soft to medium mattresses.
  • Back Sleepers: Medium-firm to firm mattresses.
  • Stomach Sleepers: Firm mattresses.
• Adjustments for Weight: If you weigh less than 150 lbs, go softer. If you weigh more than 250 lbs, go firmer.
• Edge Support:
  • Definition: Sturdiness of the bed's edges.
  • Importance: Allows sleeping or sitting near the edge without feeling like you'll fall off. Makes the bed feel larger and easier to get in and out of.
  • Testing: Sitting and lying along the edge to see how much the sides sink down.
  • Example: Saffa Classic mattress has excellent edge support.

4. Ease of Movement:

• Definition: How easy it is to move around and get in and out of bed.
• Importance: Crucial for combination sleepers and those with mobility issues.
• Mattresses with Deep Sinkage: Dense memory foam mattresses can make you feel "stuck."
• Mattresses with a Lifted Feel: Foams reform quickly, allowing for easy movement. Example: Lisa Original Hybrid mattress.
• Example of Slower Moving Foams: Tempur-Pedic mattresses may require more effort to move around on.

5. Cooling (Temperature Regulation):

• Importance: Regulating body temperature is crucial for many sleepers.
• True Cooling Mattresses: Smart beds with cooling technology.
• Temperature Regulation Materials: Phase change material, copper, or gel-infused foams, and pocketed coils promote airflow and prevent heat buildup.
• Mattress Covers: "Cool to the touch" covers may not be sufficient for overheating throughout the night.
• Organic Materials: Latex or organic cotton are more breathable. Example: Avocado Green Mattress is a good organic and cooling option.

6. Price, Trial Period, and Warranty:

• Price Range: $1,000 to $1,500 for a queen size is a good range for quality mattresses.
• Sales: Many favorite mattresses regularly go on sale.
• Lower Priced Mattresses: May not last as long or feature as many comfort layers.
• Higher Priced Mattresses: May have high-end materials like latex or micro coils.
• Trial Period: Aim for at least a 100-night trial period.
• Warranty: Aim for at least a 10-year warranty.

Synthesis/Conclusion:

Choosing a mattress involves considering pressure relief, motion transfer, support, ease of movement, cooling, and price. Different sleeping positions and body types require different features. Testing the mattress during a trial period and understanding the warranty are crucial steps in making an informed decision.