Finding the best mattress can feel overwhelming, especially if your old bed is causing you to lose sleep or wake up with back pain. The need to find the right mattress becomes more urgent, and the seemingly limitless options only make the process more difficult. But it doesn’t have to be! Once you’re armed with knowledge about mattress types, your sleep position, sleep disorders, and how all those things affect your mattress choice, you’ll feel more confident in your final selection.

In our article, we discuss our favorite mattresses for 2023, the best mattress types for every sleeping style, and how to find the perfect mattress even if you have budget or space limitations.

10 Best Mattresses of 2023

Best Mattress Overall

Amerisleep AS3

The plant-based Bio-Pur® in the Amerisleep AS3 gives it a signature comfort and responsiveness unsurpassed by other mattress brands. The perfect medium feel means it’s a good fit for couples, side sleepers, combo sleepers, and some back sleepers who like a little cushioning. The HIVE® layer targets sensitive pressure points and makes the mattress cooler than traditional memory foams, while the durable Bio-Core® means Amerisleep can back their mattress with an industry-leading 20-year warranty.

Price: $979

Best Mattress Overall: Amerisleep AS3
Best Memory Foam Mattress: Zoma Mattress
Best Budget Mattress: Vaya Mattress
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers: Nolah Original 10
Best Mattress for Back Pain: Purple Bed
Best Hybrid Mattress: Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid
Best Mattress for Snoring: Aslan Original
Best Mattress for Couples: Alexander Nest
Best Mattress for Kids: Tuft & Needle Original
Best Eco-Friendly Mattress: Avocado Green Mattress

Top Pick

Best Mattress Overall

Amerisleep AS3

• Plant-based Bio-Pur® dissipates heat and bounces back quickly
• Medium feel suits all types of sleepers but especially couples with different sleep preferences
• HIVE® relieves pressure points and supports you even as you change positions in the night

Price: $979

Amerisleep launched their bed in a box mattress brand over a decade ago, and since then their innovative mattress designs have made a good night’s sleep possible for every type of sleeper. Instead of utilizing traditional memory foam, Amerisleep mattresses contain plant-based foams, ensuring you sleep cool and feel supported—you’ll never feel stuck or trapped in an Amerisleep bed.

Their bestselling mattress, the AS3, has a perfectly balanced medium feel. The combination of softness and support appeals to couples, average-sized adults, combo sleepers, and side sleepers. Each layer works together to deliver restorative, healthy sleep.

The AS3 is encased in a soft, stretchy cover that allows you to feel the softness of the top layer, known as Bio-Pur®. This proprietary foam is made with castor oil—a thoughtful replacement for some of the petrochemicals used to make traditional memory foam. The 3-inch thick layer of plant-based foam springs back in seconds and it’s incredibly breathable, unlike other memory foams that trap body heat.

Below the Bio-Pur® are 2 inches of a unique layer called HIVE®. The hexagon-shaped cutouts in this layer move with your body as you change positions in the night. The cutouts are spaced closer together in areas where you need more support, such as in the torso and neck, and farther apart under your hips and shoulders (areas more prone to pressure build-up).

HIVE® stands for Harnessing Intelligent Ventilation Energy, because along with keeping you supported and pressure-free, this layer also circulates air through the mattress so you won’t sleep hot.

The base layer of the AS3 is a 7-inch thick, sturdy foam known as Bio-Core®. Because this layer is so durable, Amerisleep can offer an unprecedented 20-year warranty (the industry standard is 10 years). The Bio-Core® deters sag and maintains the evenness of each layer above it.

All Amerisleep mattresses come with a 20-year, prorated warranty. During the first 10 years of the warranty period, they cover repair or replacement costs for mattresses with sags .75 inches or deeper as well as any other manufacturing defects. After the first 10 years are up, the customer is responsible for a portion of the repair costs.

You can try out the AS3 for a 100-day sleep trial period, during which you may return the mattress for a full refund. Amerisleep will even come pick up the mattress for free, donating it or recycling it depending on your area.

“Their bestselling mattress, the AS3, has a perfectly balanced medium feel. The combination of softness and support appeals to couples, average-sized adults, combo sleepers, and side sleepers. Each layer works together to deliver restorative, healthy sleep.”

 

Right now you can get 30% off any Amerisleep mattress and you can save up to $1500 when you take advantage of the adjustable bed package deal (any Amerisleep mattress with the Amerisleep Adjustable Bed+)

Runner Up

Best Memory Foam Mattress

Zoma Mattress

• Breathable Triangulex™ layer wicks away heat and moisture
• Reactiv™ responds quickly to movement and pressure, isolating any motion transfer
• Support+ ensures there is no sagging in upper layers

Price: $750

The Zoma brand is newer to the mattress industry, but the company brings with them dozens of years of experience and insight. They’ve created a responsive, comfortable mattress suitable for active lifestyles, folks with chronic pain, or couples looking for a good medium feel option.

The cover is breathable and soft, and does not affect the feel of the mattress at all (so you get to enjoy it fully). The comfort layer of the Zoma is a proprietary foam known as Triangulex™, a responsive, zoned foam that offers targeted support to areas where you need it and pressure relief for other, more sensitive spots.

The triangle-shaped cutouts on the foam are concentrated at the head and feet, while the center of the layer relieves pressure build-up at your torso. The carved air channels in Triangulex™ make this layer breathable and moisture-wicking.

Reactiv™, a dynamic transition foam beneath the Triangulex™ layer, closely contours to your body’s shape. As you move, it bounces back fast, minimizing motion transfer and that unfortunate “stuck” feeling common to memory foam. With the latex-like Reactiv™, you can wake up pain-free.

The Support+ core layer is a high-density foam made to last. It maintains even support for the layers above it and ensures your mattress won’t sag, even with years of use.

The Zoma comes with a 10-year warranty, during which replacements and repairs are fully covered. Once you buy your Zoma Mattress, you get to take advantage of a 100-night home sleep trial. If you decide it’s not for you during the trial period, Zoma will come pick it up for free before giving you a refund.

“The Zoma brand is newer to the mattress industry, but the company brings with them 10 years of experience and insight. They’ve created a responsive, comfortable mattress suitable for active lifestyles, folks with chronic pain, or couples looking for a good medium feel option.”

Right now Zoma is running a promotion for $100 off, plus free shipping and free returns to the contiguous 48 states.

Best Budget Mattress

Best Budget Mattress

Vaya Mattress

• Affordable option made in the USA with CertiPUR-US® foams
• Vaya Comfort Foam is breathable and more responsive than regular memory foam
• Supportive Vaya Base Foam ensures the mattress lasts the full 10 years of the warranty

Price: $595

The Vaya is a foam mattress priced for tighter budgets, making it one of the best value mattresses out there.

The entire Vaya mattress is encased in a woven cover made to increase airflow. Beneath it lies the signature Vaya Comfort Foam. The CertiPUR-US® certification ensures this foam is made without toxic chemicals, such as PBDEs, lead, and high concentrations of VOCs (volatile organic compounds, which often cause an “off-gassing” smell). Vaya Comfort Foam responds quickly, so you won’t feel stuck inside your mattress, leading to potential back pain or other discomfort.

The plush feel of the top comfort layer is offset by the support of the Vaya Base Foam layer. Though you won’t feel this layer, it’s responsible for the mattress’s long lifespan, ensuring you can make the most of the 10-year warranty.

The Vaya Mattress is available in all standard mattress sizes, including the California King. You can use it on a flat foundation, a slatted frame, or an adjustable base.

“The Vaya contains CertiPUR-US® certified foams made in the USA. Unlike regular memory foam, the Vaya Comfort Foam responds quickly to pressure and won’t trap heat.”

On their website, you can get the Vaya Mattress with free shipping and free returns, plus a 10-year warranty.

Best Mattress for Side Sleepers

Best Mattress for Side Sleepers

Nolah Original 10

• Temperature-neutral AirFoam™ dissipates body heat to keep you cool
• 4x more pressure relief than other memory foam mattresses
• Deep Supportive High Resilience Foam more durable than latex

Price: $1019

The Nolah Original 10” Mattress is one of the most popular online mattresses for side sleepers, and with a 120-night sleep trial, you can try it out for yourself. The 10-inch height makes it a good option for average or petite-sized sleepers because they won’t sink down too far and hit the firm base layer.

The comfort layer of the Nolah is the 2-inch thick AirFoam™, which gets its name from its cooling ability. It’s a temperature neutral foam that won’t trap heat, unlike traditional memory foam. And according to Nolah, their mattress offers 4x less pressure on sensitive areas like the hips, shoulders, and back.

Beneath the comfort layer is a 1-inch thick transition foam Nolah calls Deep Supportive High Resilience Foam. It’s more durable than latex, so it keeps you lifted and prevents deep sinkage, leading to misalignment.

Finally, 7 inches of high-density base foam makes this mattress 300% more durable than traditional memory foam.

The Nolah comes with a 120-night sleep trial, but you can opt out of it and save $104 if you wish. It ships free, has a 15-year warranty, and is made in the USA.

“The comfort layer of the Nolah is the 2-inch thick AirFoam™, which gets its name from its cooling ability. It’s a temperature neutral foam that won’t trap heat, unlike traditional memory foam. And according to Nolah, their mattress offers 4x less pressure on sensitive areas like the hips, shoulders, and back.”

Right now, Nolah is offering 25% off mattresses, 20% off adjustable bases, and 40% off all bedding, plus free shipping.

Best Mattress for Back Pain

Best Mattress for Back Pain

Purple Bed

• Purple Grid™ flexes with your body as you move and never sags
• Minimal pressure build-up thanks to the Hyper Elastic Polymer™
• Dual-layered response layer ensures you are supported all night

Price: $1099

The Purple Mattress is one of the most unique beds in a box available on the market today. The creators of the Purple combined their scientific knowledge with a desire for a more comfortable, responsive mattress that didn’t sag. And thus the Purple Grid™ was born.

The Purple Grid™ layer is made of Hyper Elastic Polymer™. Unlike memory foam, this 2-inch layer doesn’t trap heat or sag under weight and pressure. Instead, it reacts to your every move, ensuring you don’t wake up with back aches. The grid design dissipates any pressure points that may build up, because it’s simultaneously supportive and cushioning.

The middle layer is a 3.5-inch, dual-layered foam that acts as a responsive transition layer between the soft comfort layer on top and the firm base layer on the bottom. It helps you maintain that “lifted” feeling everyone wants, instead of sinking and feeling stuck.

Finally, the 4-inch thick, high-density base layer holds it all together and ensures the mattress lasts the full length of 10-year warranty. All Purple mattresses come with a 100-night sleep trial, free shipping, and free returns.

“The Purple Grid™ layer is made of Hyper Elastic Polymer™. Unlike memory foam, this 2-inch layer doesn’t trap heat or sag under weight and pressure. Instead, it reacts to your every move, ensuring you don’t wake up with back aches.”

Purple has a deal for up to $400 off their Sleep Bundle, which includes a new mattress with two pillows and a mattress protector.

Best Hybrid Mattress

Best Hybrid Mattress

Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid

• Bio-Pur® has minimal off-gassing and responds quickly to pressure
• Active Flex keeps you lifted despite the softness of the top layer
• Individually-wrapped coils isolate motion transfer

Price: $2099

The online mattress brand recently added hybrids to their popular all-foam lineup, and they are all based on Amerisleep’s bestsellers. The Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid is the perfect match for dedicated side and combo sleepers who like a little more bounce than the traditional memory foam mattress can provide.

The top layer of the AS5 Hybrid is 3 inches of plant-based Bio-Pur®, a responsive comfort layer with advanced open-cell construction to keep you cool all night. Though this layer is soft, it bounces back quickly so you won’t sink down too far.

The comforting pressure relief of the Bio-Pur® layer is offset by 2 inches of Active Flex beneath it. This layer, only present in the all-foam AS5 and the AS5 Hybrid, ensures you can experience the softness of the mattress without feeling unsupported. It keeps you lifted and flexes as you move, limiting motion transfer.

Finally, the coil support system at the base adds some bounce and targets pressure relief to areas where you need it most. The 8-inch thick coils are wrapped in fabric to limit any motion transfer and complement the pressure-relieving qualities of the two upper foam layers. The coils sit on a sturdy, 1-inch thick foam base, and edge support around the mattress means you won’t fall out or feel stuck.

Like all Amerisleep mattresses, the AS5 Hybrid ships for free to the lower 48 states, and comes with a generous 100-night sleep trial. During the trial period, if you decide to return the mattress, Amerisleep will come and pick it up for you. If you keep it, your mattress comes with a 20-year warranty.

“The Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid is the perfect match for dedicated side and combo sleepers who like a little more bounce than the traditional memory foam mattress can provide.”

Save 30% on any AS5 mattress (including their hybrid or all-foam versions).

Best Mattress for Snoring

Best Mattress for Snoring

Aslan Original

• Gel-infused memory foam for optimal cooling
• Engineered to fit the preferences and sleep needs of all sleep styles
• Active Support Foam layer maintains a neutral spine

Price: $749

The Aslan is a gel-infused memory foam mattress engineered with supportive foams that won’t sink down under your weight. In the top layer, gel beads dissipate any body heat that gets trapped inside, keeping you cool. It contours closely to the body, relieving pressure points and supporting you every night.

Beneath the gel-infused top layer is another layer of memory foam for “all body types,” known as Next Generation Memory Foam. This transition layer supports you no matter the sleeping position you’re in. Thanks to this foam, snorers won’t need to worry about sinking down too far, which often leads to breathing obstructions.

The base foam, called Active Support Foam, helps you maintain a neutral spine as you sleep. No more worrying about back pain.

The Aslan Mattress comes with a lengthy one-year sleep trial, so you have plenty of time to try out the mattress and decide if it’s really the right fit for you. The warranty lasts a lifetime, so as long as you have the mattress, you’re covered.

“The Aslan is a gel-infused memory foam mattress engineered with supportive foams that won’t sink down under your weight. It contours closely to the body, relieving pressure points and supporting you every night. ”

Get the Aslan Original for $250 off, or shop their other options.

Best Mattress for Couples

Best Mattress for Couples

Alexander Nest

• Titanium-infused foam prevents heat build-up
• Customizable comfort layer
• Pocketed coils isolate motion transfer and respond quickly to movement

Price: $1499

The Alexander Nest Signature Hybrid Mattress is unique in that it contains titanium-infused foam along with pocketed coils and excellent edge support. You can choose from three different firmnesses: medium, luxury firm, and plush, but for couples, we recommend the medium for its balance of cushioning and firmness. And during the trial period, you can even add or remove comfort layers to customize the mattress how you wish. The zippered cover makes this process easy and quick.

Under a cover of thermic phase-changing fabric, a thin comfort layer of memory foam sits, known as TitanChill Endurance Foam®. The titanium infusion conducts heat and dissipates it instantly, so you can sleep cool and comfortably without worrying about night sweats or other discomforts.

During the 100-night sleep trial, you can customize this layer to your preferences by adding or removing foam. Simply contact Nest Bedding’s customer service for instructions. A one-inch thick transition foam sits between the layer of TitanChill® and the coil base.

8-inch thick Quantum Edge Pocketed Support Coils respond quickly to movements without trapping you or transferring movement to your partner. That means even if you or your partner are restless, neither one of you will be disturbed by the other’s movements at night. A 1-inch thick base support foam keeps the top layers even, deterring sag.

The Alexander Nest bed is available in internal split options for the couples with opposite sleep preferences. That means you can buy one mattress with two different firmnesses without having to deal with a split mattress (two separate beds side by side) or a flippable one.

Your new Alexander Nest Hybrid comes with a 100-night sleep trial, free shipping, and warranty coverage for as long as you own the mattress.

“The Alexander Nest Signature Hybrid Mattress is unique in that it contains titanium-infused foam along with pocketed coils and excellent edge support.”

Right now, if you buy any Nest Mattress, you get 25% off sitewide on any other Nest Bedding products, including pillows, sheets, and mattress toppers.

Best Mattress for Kids

Best Mattress for Kids

Tuft & Needle Original

• T&N Adaptive Foam® reacts to heat and pressure, keeping you supported
• Open-cell, graphite-infused foam circulates air quickly
• Sturdy support layer deters sag

Price: $595

The original Tuft & Needle Mattress has a medium to medium-firm feel, perfect for kids because of its slight give and strong support.

The top layer is called T&N Adaptive Foam®. It gets its name from its ability to react and respond to movement, heat, and pressure, ensuring you get all the support you need without ever sinking down too far. The open-cell, graphite-gel foam allows air to circulate easily, helping you avoid the problem of trapped heat. Tuft & Needle actually created this layer based on customer feedback, so you’re sure to get your best night’s sleep on it.

The second and final layer of the Tuft & Needle Original is the durable support layer, made to complement the softness of the top comfort layer.

All Tuft & Needle mattresses come with free shipping, free returns, a 100-night sleep trial, and a 10-year warranty. If you decide to send the mattress back within the sleep trial period, Tuft & Needle will come pick up the mattress for you.

“The top layer is called T&N Adaptive Foam®. It gets its name from its ability to react and respond to movement, heat, and pressure, ensuring you get all the support you need without ever sinking down too far. The open-cell, graphite-gel foam allows air to circulate easily, helping you avoid the problem of trapped heat.”

You can save up to 30% on every Tuft & Needle Mattress during their current promotion.

Best Eco-Friendly Mattress

Best Eco-Friendly Mattress

Avocado Green Mattress

• GOTS and GOLS certified wool and cotton are used instead of polyester or flame retardants
• Responsive and comfortable Dunlop latex makes up the durable comfort layer
• Pocketed steel coils provide zoned support and fast responsiveness

Price: $1399

Looking at the Avocado Mattress online, it’s easy to see why so many people choose it. Made with GOLS organic certified latex, GOTS organic cotton, GOTS organic wool, and pocketed coils, this mattress delivers comfort and sustainability for the eco-conscious shopper.

By itself, the Avocado is a medium-firm mattress, but you can add a plush latex pillow top for an additional cost. If you go with this option, the Euro top is sewn on and adds another 2 inches of height to the mattress. The Avocado Mattress is encased in a hand-tufted cotton-wool cover. Wool is a natural fire retardant, so there’s no need for toxic PBDEs or other chemical-based retardants.

If you don’t need the pillow top, the first layer of the Avocado Green Mattress is 2 inches of Dunlop latex. Dunlop is a 100% natural latex, processed using sustainable methods. Dunlop latex is extremely durable, which may account for this bed’s 25-year warranty. It springs back quickly but doesn’t conform as closely as memory foam.

The support layer is made of individually wrapped innerspring coils arranged in five zones for optimum pressure relief.

What’s most impressive about the Avocado Mattress is what it doesn’t have: there are no flame retardants, chemical adhesives, or petroleum-based polyurethane foams. The mattress is even Greenguard Gold certified.

The Avocado Mattress comes with a 1-year sleep trial, free shipping, free returns, and a 25-year warranty.

“Made with GOLS organic certified latex, GOTS organic cotton, GOTS organic wool, and pocketed coils, this mattress delivers comfort and sustainability for the eco-conscious shopper.”

Avocado ships their mattresses for free, and with every purchase you get a 1-year sleep trial and a 25-year warranty.

What Should You Know Before Buying a Mattress?

Buying a mattress is a big investment, and even if you’re getting a good deal, you want your bed to last a long time. After all, you spend one-third of your life sleeping in it. If it loses support or cushioning within a few years, that can set you back in your budget and your sleep. 

Some people mistakenly believe the universal “best mattress” is soft. Indeed, when we try out mattresses in showrooms, many of us gravitate to a softer mattress. However, after sleeping on one for a few nights, you might find it doesn’t work for you and you wake up with aches and pains. On the other hand, some people who are used to sleeping on a firm bed their whole lives might realize a soft bed is indeed the ideal choice. 

How can you tell which mattress is best? Besides thinking about mattress firmness, you should consider mattress type, your sleeping position, your budget, and the company’s policies (including sleep trials and warranties).

Preferred Mattress Type

The traditional mattress, also known as the innerspring, is quite popular despite the fact that it ranks fairly low in customer satisfaction. Older innerspring models are made with a base layer of steel coils and a thin layer of cotton or foam called the pillow top. The coils are bouncy and responsive, but they tend to create sags on the surface of the mattress after only a few years, disrupting your sleep.

Modern mattress innovations have provided more comfortable and versatile options each with a different firmness level for all sleeping styles. Let’s go over the different mattress types and what they offer.

Innerspring

Innerspring mattresses were invented in the early 1800s, and they’ve come a long way since then. Steel coils make up the base of every innerspring bed and give them that signature “bounce.” Above the coils are one or two layers of foam or fabric (or both). These layers prevent the sleeper from feeling the coils and act as a cushion. When it comes to innersprings on the market today, this top layer is either a pillow top or a Euro-top.

Euro tops are usually softer and higher quality than pillow tops and they are sewn directly onto the top of the mattress. Pillow tops are usually thinner and they sit “on top” of the mattress instead of being flush with it as a Euro-top.

Innersprings are popular in dorm rooms, hotel rooms, and in homes across the United States. But their popularity is being surpassed by the rise of memory foam beds, which relieve pressure points better than innersprings.

Coil beds tend to circulate air fairly well, so they’re great mattresses for hot sleepers. But the same coils that make innersprings breathable also cause them to develop sags, leading to back pain, feeling “stuck,” and just poor sleep overall.

Memory Foam

Memory foam is also known as viscoelastic foam—viscous because it’s soft and squishy, and elastic because it springs back quickly under pressure. Although memory foam feels naturally soft, it’s available in different firmnesses to accommodate plenty of sleep styles and preferences. That means everyone can enjoy the pressure relief, motion isolation, and noiselessness of memory foam.

All memory foam contains petrochemicals—they are the key to memory foam’s springy feel. But these same petrochemicals, while not harmful, can release an off-gassing smell when you open your new mattress. The smell should dissipate within a few days, but you can open a window or turn on a fan to speed up the process. 

Because of its dense structure, memory foam can also trap heat, presenting a problem for sleepers with night sweats or other temperature control issues. However, many of the best mattress brands have begun releasing mattresses with cooling technologies and foams, such as gel memory foam, graphite-infused foam, or plant-based foam. 

Latex Foam

Latex conforms closely and contours to the body just like memory foam, but it’s a little bit more responsive and its lifespan is slightly longer (about 5-10 years, give or take). Latex foam is made from rubber tree sap. The harvesting and manufacturing process is very eco-friendly and sustainable, making latex a viable “green” alternative to memory foam. And latex foam mattresses have been known to last up to 15 years.

The main downside to latex foam is the cost. A queen-size latex foam mattress may run $3,000 or more. If you love the feel of latex foam but don’t have the budget for it right now, you can try blended latex (a mixture of natural and synthetic latex) or 100% synthetic latex, a hypoallergenic option. Both of these materials have the same feel as latex, but they’re more affordable. However, because they are not 100% latex, they won’t last as long.

Hybrid

Hybrid mattresses are a combination of both foam and innerspring coils. To be a true hybrid, a mattress must contain at least 2-3 inches of foam. Most hybrids have even more than that to offset the bounce of the coils with pressure-relieving foam. The purpose of the hybrid is to bring you all the benefits of both memory foam and innersprings without their downsides. 

Another unique thing about hybrids is the coil layer. Like innersprings, the coils in a hybrid are usually made of steel. But in a hybrid, each coil is wrapped or “pocketed” in a piece of fabric or foam (hence the name “pocket coils”). This enables the coils to react individually to movement on the surface of the mattress, so you won’t feel stuck or trapped, and sags won’t develop.

The lifespan of a high-quality hybrid is about 6-7 years, but if well-maintained, a good hybrid could last 10 years or longer. 

What is the Difference Between Hybrid Mattresses and Memory Foam Mattresses? 

Dominant Sleeping Position

The way you sleep has a big impact on your overall health, though you might not realize it. Most of us are combination sleepers⁠—we move a lot during the night to avoid numbness or cut-off circulation. But many of us have a “dominant” sleeping position we spend the most time in. If you’re not sure what your favorite position is, pay attention to how you wake up every morning. 

Side Sleeping

Side sleeping is the most popular position, with 40 percent of sleepers choosing to sleep this way every night. It’s also the healthiest way to sleep because it can reduce the effects of acid reflux, snoring, and back pain. Since side sleepers carry all their weight to one side while sleeping, they’re at risk for numbness or pressure build-up. To avoid this, side sleepers should choose a mattress with a balance of cushioning and support.

A favorite mattress among side sleepers is the memory foam mattress. It contours closely to the body while being incredibly responsive, so it alleviates those pesky pressure points. Hybrid mattresses can work well, too, as long as they have a strong support layer to prevent sagging on the surface. We don’t recommend innersprings for side-sleepers because the coils can develop sags quickly, leading to a “stuck” feeling. 

As for firmness, side sleepers will rest most comfortably on a medium, medium-soft, or soft mattress. 

Back Sleeping

Sleeping on the back is great for spinal alignment and waking up pain-free, but it has some downsides, too. If you’re prone to snoring or other breathing problems while you sleep, lying on your back can make those issues worse. Snoring is caused by the soft tissues of the throat collapsing and blocking the airway. This obstruction causes a vibrating sound—snoring. 

Snoring is also a sign of sleep apnea, a more serious sleep disorder that can cause long-term health problems like cardiovascular or neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re a back sleeper with snoring or sleep apnea problems, practice sleeping on your side. You can start by using a body pillow on one side to get used to sleeping on your side. 

Back sleeping keeps your spine neutral, so you don’t usually wake up feeling sore because of bad posture. But if back sleepers choose a too-soft mattress, their hips could sink down, causing misalignment and, potentially, pain. To avoid this, back sleepers should choose a medium-firm or firm mattress. In some cases, a medium mattress could work as long as the support core is quite firm. 

Back sleepers can sleep comfortably on a firmer mattress made of memory foam, latex foam, or hybrid materials, but we don’t recommend innersprings because they sag very quickly.

Stomach Sleeping

Sleeping on the stomach is almost as popular as back sleeping; about 7 percent of people sleep on their stomachs, while 8 percent sleep on their backs. However, it’s not as healthy—stomach sleepers are at risk for back pain or even injury because the weight of their midsection pulls the body downward, misaligning the spine, hips, and pelvis. 

If you’re not ready to switch to side sleeping just yet, you need the right mattress. The best mattress for stomach sleepers is firm or medium-firm. Anything softer can lead to sinkage and eventual pain or stiffness. Stomach sleepers also need to choose the right pillow since one that’s too soft or thick can hurt the neck. Some stomach sleepers find they don’t need a pillow at all.

Mattress and Bed Budget

Of course, when you’re investing in something like a mattress, you want to get your money’s worth. The fear is that if you spend too little, your mattress won’t last, and if you spend too much, you might realize the features that made it expensive don’t help your sleep at all. 

So how do you determine what is a “good” deal? And how can you be sure the money you invest in your new mattress will be worth it? First, know what contributes to the cost, including materials, warranties, and special features. Second, set your budget parameters, considering non-negotiable things you need from your mattress versus things you don’t. Third, know when a “deal” is actually just a marketing tactic.

What Affects a Mattress’s Price?

Before you can answer this question, you need to figure out where you want to buy your mattress: in a brick and mortar store, or online. If you buy in a mattress store, your dream mattress may come with quite a markup to account for overhead costs. And buying in-store usually doesn’t come with free home delivery or even a sleep trial, allowing you to try out the mattress in your own home for up to 3 months. Instead, most mattress store policies only come with a 30-day customer satisfaction guarantee, and despite that, you can’t always return the mattress for a full refund if you end up disliking it. 

Buying a mattress online may seem risky because most of the time, you can’t try out the bed before you buy it. But with the sleep trials, you can sleep on the bed for a month or longer and return it for a full refund if you decide you find it’s not a perfect fit. What’s more, most online mattress brands will pick up the mattress and recycle or donate it for you, so it’s hassle-free and risk-free. Since online brands don’t have to account for in-store costs, they can offer high-quality mattresses at a more affordable price point. Mattress stores less likely to mark up their beds are direct-to-consumer shops that cut out distributors, wholesalers, and middlemen.

If all you need is a basic mattress, don’t feel obligated to spend extra money on special features like edge support or White Glove Delivery (when the company sets up your new mattress and removes your old one). But maybe you suffer from back pain or your sleep hot—if so, opting for a mattress with cooling gel memory foam or zoned support could be worth the extra cost.

Here are some of the more common mattress features and company policies that can influence the price:

• White glove delivery
• Cooling foam (popular infusions include gel, charcoal, graphite, or copper)
• Zoned support (usually in the form of extra layers or wrapped coils)
• Edge support 
• Hand-sewn buttons
• A Euro-top (usually only found in innersprings)
• A longer than average warranty (the industry standard is a 10-year warranty)
• Pocketed coils (often found in hybrids)

Besides added features, mattress type and firmness also play a big part in the overall cost. Generally, softer mattresses cost more because they contain more materials. And latex beds are spendier than memory foam because they’re made with organic materials that last a long time.

When it comes to value, compare the cost with the average lifespan of your mattress. If it only costs you $300, that’s clearly a cheap price for a mattress, but what if it only lasts for 2-3 years? Then you’ll be out a mattress again and have to buy a new one. 

Company Policies 

Brand transparency is huge when you’re buying a mattress. You want to trust that the company you’re buying from will back your purchase with a generous warranty, a simple return process, and of course, good customer service.

First, read mattress reviews written by other customers. Check for reviews from customers that have tried out their bed for a good while—at least for the length of the sleep trial—and look for mentions of sleeping issues similar to your own. For example, if you deal with back pain, look for reviews from other back pain sufferers to see how the mattress alleviated their pain (or made it worse). Some reviews might not mention the mattress at all but instead, focus on the customer service or ease of the return process. Take all of these things into consideration before you buy.

What’s the difference between a sleep trial and a return policy? Well, a sleep trial usually lasts anywhere from 30-100 days (sometimes even up to a year). With a sleep trial, you get to try the bed out in your own home with your own bedding, and if you don’t like it, you can return the mattress within the sleep trial period for a complete refund. 

A return policy comes with more risk than a sleep trial. Instead, you only have 30 days to return the mattress, and some companies won’t allow you to return it if you’ve already slept on it. What’s more, they usually won’t pick up the mattress either, so you have to figure out a way to get rid of it on your own. 

Finally, look at the warranty. A standard mattress warranty lasts 10 years, which happens to coincide with the lifespan of most high-quality beds. If the mattress you’ve got your eye on doesn’t have a warranty, look elsewhere. A warranty protects you from having to repair or replace a mattress with manufacturer defects or other problems that can affect your sleep quality, such as deep sagging.

Most mattress warranties cover the following (with variation from brand to brand):

• Sags below a certain depth (usually 1 inch or deeper)
• Broken or burst coils
• Broken zippers
• Bunched or torn foam

Warranties do not cover damage from poor use, such as deep sags from using your bed on the wrong foundation. Always use a mattress protector. It will shield your mattress from dust mites, bed bugs, and stains that can ruin your bed and void your warranty. Protectors are affordable, too, and buying one can save you from having to purchase a new mattress when the one you have is irreparably damaged. Read the fine print of your warranty so you can understand the mattress foundations to avoid and any other issues for which you may be responsible.

Mattress Sizes

Choosing the perfect mattress size for you is probably the first thing you thought about when you decided to buy a new bed. If you live in a small apartment with limited walking space or room for other furniture, you’ll probably have to opt for a queen size bed or smaller. Queen beds are the most popular mattress size, thanks in part to the fact that they work well for couples, and they’re usually offered at a pretty standard, affordable price.

Besides the popular queen mattress, you can choose from twins, full size, kings, and other less common variations. You can find a mattress for every space and every budget.

Additional Considerations When Shopping for the Best Mattress

After you set your budget and determine the best mattress type for your specific needs, you need to think beyond the basics. If you have sleep disorders keeping you awake, your mattress can affect them—for better or worse. And you need to consider where you want to keep your mattress, as well as how many people will be using it.

Do You Have Any Sleep-Related Health Issues?

If you struggle to fall asleep or staying asleep, the problem could be exacerbated by a bad mattress. Of course, not all the risk factors of sleep deprivation can be linked to your bed, but a few of the most common sleep disorders can be alleviated when you find the right bed.

According to a 2017 survey published on Statista, 34% of 18-29-year-old respondents said they experienced back pain when sleeping, while 28% of the 30-59-year-old age group also dealt with back pain issues at bedtime. Other common issues impeding participants’ sleep quality included insomnia, neck pain, trouble sleeping through the night, and room temperature. 

Lower back pain affects millions of Americans and it’s the #1 reason they miss work. A good mattress certainly can’t cure any illness or disorder, including back pain, but it may alleviate the symptoms. If your mattress is 7-10 years old, has developed deep sags, or leaves you waking up achy and sore, it could be time for a new one. 

Since sleep-related health issues can affect your sleep, finding a mattress that won’t make them worse is key. 

Will You Be Sharing Your Bed?

If you’re a single sleeper, a twin or full size mattress works for most body types. And even the smallest of apartments can usually fit a twin or full size bed. However, if you sleep with a partner, and each of you have different sleep preferences, you will have more to think about. 

Many couples prefer a medium mattress because it’s equal parts soft and firm, which suits most sleeping styles. If you’re both average weight, a medium should be supportive enough. However, if you, your partner, or both of you are on the heavier side (230 pounds or more), choose a firm or medium-firm mattress that won’t sink too much under the weight, leading to premature sagging. Sleepers who weigh 130 pounds or less can be comfortable on a softer bed since they won’t compress the layers very deeply and therefore, don’t run the risk of hitting the firm support core layer.

Some couples need more sleeping space than a queen size mattress can provide, but there are plenty of other size options available. See our mattress sizes section above for more info.

Where Will You Put Your New Mattress?

Technically you could put your new mattress on the floor, but we don’t recommend it. The floor will prevent easy airflow through the bottom of the mattress, leading to potential mildew or mold build-up. Instead, check with the mattress company and the warranty so you know which mattress foundations to avoid. Remember, using the mattress on the incorrect foundation can void your warranty.

A note about adjustable beds: it’s not recommended that you use an adjustable base with an innerspring mattress because the coils can’t really flex as the mattress moves up and down. Also, pay attention to mattress thickness. A mattress thicker than 14 inches might have difficulty bending on an adjustable base, too. 

What Should You Look for in the Best Mattress?

• Pay attention to the warranty, sleep trial, and return policy. The sleep trial should last at least 30 days and the mattress warranty should be at least 10 years. If the return policy stipulates you have to return the bed yourself, it might not be worth the hassle.
• Choose a mattress type and firmness based on your sleeping position. 
• Do you have any sleep disorders or other health problems affecting your sleep? Take that into consideration as you shop.
• Don’t forget size! Most people don’t think twice about the best mattress size, but the amount of personal space you have while you rest can affect your sleep quality.

FAQs

What’s the best mattress for back pain? 

It used to be that people assumed a soft mattress was best for back pain, but studies have shown a medium-firm or firm bed is actually best. That’s because a bed that sinks down too far, like a soft mattress, can cause spinal misalignment, joint pain, neck pain, and yes, back pain. 

What are key things to look for in the best mattress for me?

Select your best mattress based on your sleep style, material preference, health needs, room size, and budget. Then, evaluate options that at least have an extended sleep trial and warranty so you can test your new mattress at home with a money-back guarantee. 

How do I know it’s time to replace my mattress?

If your mattress is around 7-10 years old and you’re noticing you have a lot of pain upon waking, it’s probably time to replace your bed. Other signs of an old mattress include sagging, a musty smell that’s hard to get rid of, squeaky coils, or bunched foam. A simple test to see if it’s time for a new bed is to try sleeping anywhere else. If you get better sleep there, it’s probably time to go mattress shopping.

How much should I budget for a new mattress? 

The best mattresses cost between $500-2,500. Although that’s a wide range, it’s important for you to consider your needs to see if you require any of the extra features that would justify a higher price. However, we recommend making your next mattress a long-term investment, so aim to budget between $1,000-1,500. 

Is memory foam safe?

Yes, the EPA has determined that memory foam is safe. If you notice a slight off-gassing odor when you open your new bed, this is normal and should dissipate within a few days. The odor comes from VOCs, or the Volatile Organic Compounds used to make memory foam. Though VOCs sound toxic, many modern foams are made with such low amounts that they don’t cause much harm. For some, the off-gassing smell can lead to runny or itchy eyes or some breathing issues. If you’re prone to allergies, just look for CertiPUR-US® foams. This certification means the foams are made with low VOCs, no formaldehyde, ozone-depleters, PBDEs, or other harmful chemicals.

Will a mattress topper change the feel of my bed?

Yes, mattress toppers are meant to make your bed feel either softer or firmer. Softer toppers are often made with memory foam, while firmer ones are made of latex or even poly-foam. A topper is an easy and affordable way to change the feel of your mattress without having to go buy a new one that suits your preferences. Toppers do add a couple of inches of height to your bed, so keep that in mind so you can purchase sheets that fit over it. 

What’s the difference between a mattress topper and a protector?

A mattress protector is different from a topper, though they are often confused for the same thing. A topper adds cushioning or support, and a protector is a thin cover you place over the mattress to protect it from spills, stains, bed bugs, and dust mites. We suggest investing in a mattress protector as soon as you buy a new mattress. It will not only shield your mattress from damage, but it will also keep your warranty intact (many mattress brands will void the warranty if the mattress has stains or spills). A protector keeps your mattress in like-new condition and may even extend its lifespan.

Conclusion

Shopping for a new mattress takes time and effort, but it’s well worth it if you can find the best mattress for your needs, comfort level, and preferences (and your partner’s!). Bed in a box brands have made mattress shopping easier than ever, and more affordable, too. You don’t have to sacrifice comfort and quality for cost anymore. Just do your research, including reading mattress reviews and taking advantage of sleep trials, and you’ll be on your way to better sleep in no time.