How to Choose a Mattress: 16 Questions to Ask Yourself
Choosing a new mattress is perhaps one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your home. You’re going to be sleeping on this mattress every night, and finding the right option that meets your comfort preferences, provides the right support, and aligns with your lifestyle can be a challenge.
It’s like, where do you even start when considering a new mattress?
Well don’t stress it, because we have got you covered! Here you’ll find the top questions to ask yourself when browsing the mattress market. From understanding your sleep needs to narrowing down your budget, we’ve made it easy for you with our ultimate list of mattress questions.
Read on to learn more about what you should be considering when looking at your mattress options!
Step One: Assess Your Sleep Needs
1. What position do you sleep in most often?
Is there a certain sleep position you prefer as you tuck in for the night? You put pressure on different parts of your body depending on how you sleep, and a mattress that is best for a back sleeper is different from what’s best for a side sleeper.
Here is a general idea of which firmness level is best for your sleep position:
- Side Sleeper: low firmness
- Back Sleeper: medium firmness
- Stomach Sleeper: high firmness
While there are many mattresses to choose from with varying features, this will give you a good place to start in your search for a new mattress!
2. Do you need additional support for pressure points?
A good mattress can help relieve pressure points and provide the support you need. By evenly distributing your body weight, you can get a better night’s sleep and experience comfort while you’re awake and asleep!
3. Do you have pain in your neck, shoulders, or back?
If you are experiencing pain in your neck, shoulders, and/or back, this may be something you’re considering and wanting a solution for when shopping around for a new mattress.
While there are many factors that may be contributing to this, you may want to consider looking at a mattress that has a foam layer. This can help with contouring, which can lend a hand in relieving some of that pain.
4. Do you tend to sleep hot or cold?
Do you tend to sleep hot, or do you sleep cold? Your mattress can help with this!
If you sleep hot, one thing you can keep an eye out for in your mattress is whether or not it’s made with breathable materials. For example, you could seek out a mattress that is made with bamboo, which provides temperature regulation and moisture wicking.
Step Two: Determine Your Preferences
5. Do you prefer a mattress that is soft or firm?
When you picture your dream mattress, do you think of a mattress that is ultra firm? Or do you picture a mattress that makes you feel like you’re sleeping on a soft cloud?
When you’re getting ready to buy a new mattress, this is the perfect place to start in terms of personal preferences.
6. Are you drawn to certain mattress types, such as latex or hybrids?
Do you have any specific preferences when it comes to the type of mattress you sleep on? Do you enjoy a latex mattress? Do you want one with a tufted top? Are you looking for a hybrid mattress that combines coils and comfort layers?
7. Have you had any negative experiences with any certain types of mattresses?
On the flip side of our last question, are there any mattress types that you just can’t stand?
Whether it was an experience on a hotel mattress or visiting family and sleeping on a different type of mattress in the guest room, we have all experienced sleeping on a bed that does not speak to our sleep preferences.
If you know what kind of mattress that is, make note of it and keep it in mind as you browse your options.
8. What size mattress do you currently use? Does it meet your needs?
Are you happy with the current size of your mattress? Or is this new purchase an opportunity for you to upgrade your mattress size?
9. Do you have enough space in your room for a larger mattress?
With mattress size in mind, you’ll also want to take into account how much space you have in your bedroom to accommodate a larger mattress. Measure out your space, considering the standard size of the mattress you’re considering.
If you feel good about a new, larger mattress fitting in your bedroom, you’re set! If not, you may want to think about keeping your current mattress size. In any case, it’s important to consider the size of the room, as well as the size of the mattress you’re considering.
Step Three: Factor in Lifestyle Considerations
10. Will you be sharing your mattress?
Is this going to be a mattress that you sleep in on your own, or do you share it with a spouse or partner?
This question is especially important to consider if you and your partner have different ideas of what comfort looks like. Perhaps you enjoy a firmer mattress, but your partner wants something plush and pillowy.
If this is the case, you may want to consider a dual sided mattress that allows you to customize both sides of the bed to accommodate the preferences of both individuals. The ZipLuxe Mattress is perfect for this! It contains multiple customization options, including the choice between soft and firm coils on either side of the bed.
11. Are hypoallergenic materials or organic certifications a priority for you?
Are you searching for a hypoallergenic mattress, or maybe a mattress that contains a number of clean, sustainable components? It’s understandable for you to want to know what you’re sleeping on, and going with an organic option makes that much easier!
12. Are you sensitive to certain fabrics or materials?
Some people find that they are sensitive to certain materials used in mattresses. For one person, it could be memory foam or polyurethane foam, and for another it could be something completely different, even the adhesives and glues used on the mattress could be irritating!
If you know that there are certain materials and fabrics that cause discomfort for you, be sure to look at what is used in the different mattresses you’re considering so you can be sure to avoid those!
13. Do you have any preferences around mattress cleaning and maintenance?
Are you frequently cleaning your mattress and wishing that it were a little easier? Seeking out a mattress that has a built in cleaning solution could be perfect for you!
The ZipClean Mattress is a perfect option here. The top completely zips off for easy machine washing, and the underside of the top layer is lined with water resistant fabric, keeping the inner parts of your mattress nice and clean.
Step Four: Budget and Value
14. What is the budget for your new mattress?
Is there a certain dollar amount you have set aside for this purchase? Is there a hard number you have to stay under, or is it more of a “around this amount would be great, but I’m willing to spend more if it’s amazing” kind of a situation?
Whatever it is, keep that number and range in mind as you carry out your search.
15. Are there specific features you're willing to pay more for?
Maybe you have an amount you’re wanting to spend, but let’s say you find the perfect mattress that has different coil options for each side of the bed so that you and your partner can personalize your side to meet your comfort preferences, which is exactly the thing you were hoping for in your mattress. Is that something you would be ok spending a little extra for?
Think about what that mattress element might be, as well as how much more you’d be willing to dish out to have it!
16. what kind of warranty or return policy are you comfortable with?
Are you looking for a mattress that provides a sleep trial? How long do you think you need to test out the mattress before you know if it’s a winner?
With most sleep products, you’re going to want to give yourself 30-60 days to allow your body to acclimate. Change isn’t going to happen overnight! If you’re going from a mattress that is ultra firm to one that is cloud-like and soft, there’s going to be an adjustment period as you get used to your new setup.
Opting for a mattress that has a good warranty, return policy, and period of time allotted to get accustomed to your mattress, are all important things to consider.
Your Best Night's Sleep in a Beddy's Mattress
We get it – choosing a new mattress is equal parts exciting, overwhelming, and extremely important! This is the place where you’re spending (hopefully) at least eight hours of each and every day. You deserve a place that meets every one of your needs.
That is part of why we launched our line of Beddy’s zipper mattresses! We don’t think you should have to choose between form and function. With a Beddy’s mattress, you can have it all.
In our collection of mattresses, you’ll find options that make it easy for you to clean and maintain your mattress, as well as mattresses that have multiple layers of customization, making it easier than ever for you to find your perfect, most comfy mattress setup ever.
Check out our Beddy’s mattress collection today!
