Have you been sleeping on the same mattress for nearly a decade? Are you having difficulty falling and staying asleep? Maybe you find yourself unable to get comfortable, and you end up tossing and turning all night long. Does your back hurt no matter which position you lie in?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, it might be time to buy a new mattress (or an entire sleep system).
There are a lot of things to consider when buying a new mattress. Deciding between the level of firmness, the price range, and the material the mattress is made of can seem daunting at first.
With our handy guide, you’ll be able to pick out the best mattress of 2022 to suit your tastes in no time, and learn about everything the SONU Sleep System has to offer.
What Is the Importance of a Good Mattress?
Your mattress might be the most important piece of furniture you own. We spend one-third of our lives in bed — the type of mattress we buy matters. Grab a pen and paper, and get ready to take some notes.
Here’s what you need to consider when purchasing a new mattress.
When Is It Time for a New Mattress?
If you’ve had your mattress for between six and eight years, it may be time to buy a new one.
Some additional signs that it might be time to replace your mattress are:
- You can no longer get comfortable on the mattress.
- There are visible signs of wear and tear.
- The mattress has begun to sag.
- The mattress springs have become noisier.
- You wake up in pain.
- You experience more allergic reactions than normal.
Replacing your mattress can help you address all of these issues. Sleeping on a better mattress will help improve your sleep and reduce any aches or pains that you are feeling. If you experienced allergies or asthma with your older mattress, a new one might clear them up. Old mattresses are often full of dust and other allergens.
Many couples also complain of motion transfer. This movement occurs when one person moves around on or off the mattress; the motion disrupts the other partner’s sleep. Certain mattresses, like memory foam ones, transfer less motion.
If you are tired of changing sleep positions all night, check out the SONU Sleep System. This innovative mattress molds to your unique shape, while the patented Comfort Channel allows space for your arms and shoulders to immerse into the bed, unlike any other mattress, relieving pressure from your arms, shoulders, neck and back for the best sleep of your life.
What Size Mattress Do You Need?
Before buying a new mattress, you should decide which size you want. If you’re going to use the same bed frame, buy the same size mattress you already had. However, if you’re buying a completely new bed, the size of the mattress will have to match that new frame.
Haven’t decided which size bed you need just yet? Here are all the options available.
Twin
Twin mattresses measure up at 38” W by 75” L. They’re perfect for single sleepers. Twin beds are often used as bunk beds, and they’re ideal for small bedrooms and children’s rooms.
Twin XL
At 39” W by 80” L, the Twin XL mattress is slightly longer than the standard Twin. These beds are commonly found in dorm rooms. Like the Twin bed, Twin XL mattresses are ideal for single sleepers. A Twin XL mattress is great if you have a tall child or a teenager rapidly outgrowing their bed.
Full
Full mattresses are 54” W by 75” L. They are ideal for single sleepers or two people who do not mind sleeping together cozily. Many people have Full beds in small rooms or guest rooms.
Queen
A Queen mattress is ideal for two sleepers. It measures 60” W by 80” L. It’s great for small master bedrooms or guest bedrooms.
King
A King mattress is 76” W by 80” L. It can accommodate two adults plus a child or two. Many people have King mattresses in their master bedrooms.
California King
A California King is the largest mattress available at 72” W by 84” L. The mattress is designed for tall people. Two (or more) people can sleep on the California King with room to stretch their legs.
The SONU Sleep mattress is available in sizes Twin through California King, so you can choose the size that fits your needs.
What Material Should Your Mattress Be Made Of?
What type of material do you want your mattress to be made of? The old-school coil and spring mattress isn’t your only choice. Here are some of the most popular types of mattresses.
Innerspring
Innerspring mattresses have steel coils that contract when body weight is applied. They are the most common form of mattresses. Although the springs are incredibly flexible, they can poke through mattress padding over time. Despite that, innerspring mattresses are the most popular on the market because they’re affordable. Their coil system allows better air circulation, resulting in a cool mattress.
Does coil count matter? What matters is the quality and strength of the coils overall. The thickness of the coils is also important. The thinner the coil gauge, the gentler the springs in the mattress will be.
If you purchase an innerspring mattress, more than likely, you will need to buy a box spring as well to help keep the mattress sturdy. This will not be the way to go if you're looking for something silent — innerspring mattresses are notoriously noisy. Also, innerspring mattresses do not conform to your body.
Memory Foam
Memory foam mattresses are made of high-density viscoelastic foam that perfectly cradles the contours of your body. The entire body receives pressure point relief. There are multiple densities of memory foam, whether you want something on the lighter or heavier side. And if you are someone that suffers from allergies, most memory foam mattresses are made from hypoallergenic material.
Memory foam can often feel hot against the body. If you prefer to sleep cool, consider gel memory foam as an alternative. Memory foam can also be stiff to the touch, so it may not be ideal if you prefer a more flexible mattress. This type of mattress is great for couples with different sleeping habits; one person’s movements will not be felt by the other.
If you purchase a memory foam mattress in the United States, make sure it is Certi-PUR US certified. This certification ensures that the mattress is environmentally friendly, made without formaldehyde and other toxins, and does not affect the air quality in your room.
Hybrid
Can’t decide between an innerspring mattress and a memory foam one? With a hybrid mattress, you don’t have to. This mattress takes the best features of both the memory foam and innerspring mattress to create one product. The base will have strong, sturdy coils, while the top of the mattress will have memory foam that fits every curve of your body.
Hybrid mattresses can be heavier than either the innerspring or memory foam mattresses, making them harder to transport. They also tend to be more expensive.
Latex
Latex conforms to the body like memory foam, but it is notably gentler. It’s great for spine alignment. Latex doesn’t retain much body heat, allowing you to sleep cooler.
Latex has a bouncier feel than other mattresses do. It’s possible for them to sag, but they are less inclined to sag than other types of mattresses. Be aware that latex mattresses tend to be more expensive than other mattresses.
Be careful not to select a mattress made of toxic chemicals like petroleum-based chemicals and synthetic latex. They may even include flammable chemicals. Nontoxic mattresses made of bamboo, natural latex, and organic cotton are good options for avoiding toxic materials.
Check to see if the mattresses you’re interested in meeting the Global Organic Textile Standard or Global Organic Latex Standard. You should also check to see if the mattress meets the Oeko-Tex Standard 100, which limits the amount of chemicals allowed in products.
How Firm Should My Mattress Be?
Do you know how firm you need your mattress to be? Firmness is determined by how much your body sinks into the mattress. Your sleeping style, possible pain issues, and other factors determine how soft or firm you want your mattress to be.
Ultimately, it all comes down to a matter of taste. The following are different types of mattress firmness.
We will use a firmness scale ranging from one (softest) to ten (firmest) here.
Soft
We rate soft mattresses you can easily sink into at level three or less. Soft mattresses do not have a lot of support, so they are best for people 130 pounds or less (sorry). The softness may not be sufficient for stomach sleepers of any body size.
Medium
Medium softness to firmness is rated level four through six. There is more support than a soft mattress, but not enough to be considered firm. People between 130 and 230 pounds may find spinal alignment support from a medium-firm mattress.
Firm
A mattress with a firmness rating of seven to 10 allows minimal to no sinking into the mattress. The sleeper’s body remains on top, and the mattress does not contour against the body. People with severe back pain and those who prefer to sleep on their stomachs may prefer the rigidity of a firm mattress.
The SONU Sleep System features sink-in support and is made from several types of foam, including a plush serene, for the most comfortable sleep. With this mattress, your body is supported from head to toe for spine alignment and an unforgettable sleeping experience.
How Does Sleep Position Influence Mattress Type?
We all prefer different sleeping positions. When choosing a new mattress, consider the positions you prefer to sleep in. Different mattress densities favor certain sleep positions over others. The following positions are some of the most popular.
Side
It turns out that sleeping on your side can help fight insomnia and sleep deprivation. Sleeping on your side is also good if you snore or have sleep apnea. Acid reflux sufferers are also better off sleeping on their left side.
It is also recommended that pregnant women sleep on their left side. Putting a pillow between your knees while sleeping on your side helps reduce hip pain and pain in the lower back. The SONU mattress was made with side sleepers in mind, and the Comfort Channel allows side sleepers to immerse their arms and shoulders into the bed for relief from pain and pressure.
Back
Aesthetically, sleeping on your back will keep you from getting pillow imprints on your face — no one likes those little lines! Some people say sleeping on their backs alleviates their lower back pain, while others say it makes it worse. You’ll have to see what works best for you.
Sleeping on your back allows your weight to be distributed evenly and is the best position for correcting your posture. You can even try to roll up a towel and put it under your knees to take pressure off your back while you sleep.
Stomach
Sleeping on your stomach can reduce sleep apnea and snoring, but it is not the best position to sleep in overall. As much as you may enjoy it, sleeping on your stomach strains your back and neck. People who sleep on their stomachs experience more restlessness than other sleepers, too.
If you still prefer to sleep on your stomach, sleep with a low, soft pillow under your face that won’t force your neck into an awkward position.
Combination
A combination sleeper changes positions throughout the night. They may start on their back but wake up sleeping on their stomach or side. These people usually experience some restlessness, resulting in them moving around a lot and having to readjust themselves.
Other Positions
According to the Better Sleep Council, these positions are also popular with sleepers:
- Fetal: on your side with knees curled toward the chest.
- Freefall: on your stomach, head turned to the side, and arms wrapped around a pillow.
- Yearner: on your side with arms outstretched in front of the body.
- Starfish: on your back with arms placed up by the ears.
- Log: on your side with both arms straight down.
- Soldier: on your back with arms down and held close to the body.
What Special Mattress Features Are Worth Looking For?
Do you need a bed that you can adjust to sit up? Or maybe you’re looking for a mattress that accommodates side sleepers. Many mattresses on the market today have special features that allow you to customize your experience.
Immersive
Side sleepers, rejoice! One of the most annoying parts of sleeping on your side is figuring out what to do with your arm. You can’t lie on it lest the arm goes numb under your weight. And out-stretching your shoulder by putting your arm under the pillow can be uncomfortable and not sustainable throughout the night.
SONU Sleep has the solution.
The SONU Sleep System incorporates the patented Comfort Channel, a space within your mattress to comfortably immerse your arm while you sleep. The ten-inch deep negative space allows you to submerge your arm, so you don’t have to worry about adjusting and re-adjusting all throughout the night trying to get comfy.
While you sleep, you simply put your arm in the negative space beneath SONU’s amazing support pillows. Immersing your arm into the mattress aligns your spine and removes pressures from your vertebrae, easing shoulder pain, back pain, and neck pain all in one move.
Adjustable
Adjustable beds come with the mattress and the base. You can lift or lower the sides of these mattresses so you can sit up in bed, elevate your legs, or create any other kind of support you need.
Some adjustable mattresses are dual, which means each sleeper can control their side of the mattress–the entire thing does not need to be adjusted the same way on each side. So if you prefer to elevate your legs and your partner prefers to elevate their head, you can do so with a dual adjustable mattress.
Adjustable beds look just like regular beds. If you are worried about them sticking out like a sore thumb, don’t! Adjustable beds coordinate perfectly with your existing bedrooms.
What Should a Good Mattress Provide?
What primary features should a mattress provide you with? You should be comfortable, and you should have ample support.
Temperature Regulation
Some people prefer to sleep cool, while others prefer to sleep warm. The type of material a mattress is made of will determine how well it retains heat or coolness. A mattress absorbing heat from your body also helps prevent night sweats.
Responsiveness
Note how a mattress responds to your movements while you sleep. Low responsiveness means the mattress isn’t adequately adjusting to keep you comfortable.
Motion Transfer
Motion transfer is how much of your movement from your side of the mattress your partner can feel. Ideally, the person on the other side of the bed will not be disturbed by your movement.
Spine Alignment
Posture is important, even while you sleep. Your mattress's ability to keep your spine in alignment is key to the health of your spine. Poor alignment leads to pain.
Pressure Relief
How well a mattress distributes your weight is pressure relief. You want to feel less pressure on your neck, spine, and joints. If you feel like your current mattress applies too much pressure on those areas, then you need a new mattress.
Durability
Durability is how long a mattress will last. You want a mattress that will hold up for up to eight years, not one that will quickly sag or become lumpy after one year.
Firmness
Firmness is the measurement of how much your body sinks into the mattress. It can be measured on a scale of one to ten, with one being the least firm and ten being the firmest. The position you sleep in will dictate how much firmness you need. For example, someone sleeping on their back may need a mattress with a firmness of seven or eight.
Edge Support
This one, you may not hear very often. Edge support is the encasement that goes along the outside or rim of a mattress. Not many people think of it when they’re purchasing a mattress, but it turns out that edge support is pretty important. If you sleep toward the edge of the bed, you need strong edge support to provide resistance and keep you from rolling off the mattress.
How Much Does a Mattress Cost?
The price range for mattresses is broad. Standard mattresses, like innerspring mattresses, typically cost less than foam or hybrid mattresses.
When creating your budget for buying a mattress, remember that your sleep quality is more important than the price. Also, keep in mind that your goal is to buy a mattress that you will be sleeping on for several years. The upfront cost outweighs the long-term benefits when you select the right mattress.
The average prices for a plain, Queen-sized mattress may be as follows:
- Innerspring: $1,050
- Foam: $1,250
- Hybrid: $2,250
- Latex: $2,600
What Factors Influence Costs?
Mattress prices vary due to a few factors: the material, the size, where you buy it, and the warranty.
As mentioned previously, hybrid mattresses tend to be more expensive because two materials are used to make them. Viscoelastic/memory foam tends to be more expensive than polyfoam. Latex is considered a luxury material, so latex mattresses come with a hefty price tag.
Mattress size also correlates with the price of the mattress. Smaller mattresses, like Twin and Twin XL, cost less than Full, Queen, King, or California King mattresses.
Where you buy the mattress also matters. Mattresses in brick-and-mortar stores are often marked up by 900%. Purchasing a mattress online will help save you money due to lower overhead costs.
Warranties are optional fees that can be added to mattress purchases. These warranties may repair or replace a defective or damaged mattress.
Shipping and delivery are two additional costs you will have to account for if you are not picking up your mattress from the store. Having the company bring the mattress inside your home is more expensive than having the mattress dropped off outside. If you have your old mattress picked up and disposed of, that is another cost to consider.
And finally, the last cost you’ll have to consider is a foundation for the mattress, should you choose to use one. A box spring is additional support that many people purchase along with their mattresses. Platform bases, bunkie boards, and slats are other types of mattress supports you may need to buy.
What Else Should I Consider When Mattress Shopping?
Once you know which type of mattress you want, you should take time to read reviews. See what other buyers have said about the mattress and the store you are considering buying it from. If you know someone who has the same mattress you’re interested in, ask them about their experience.
Due to COVID-19 and social distancing policies, you may not be able to go into a store and try out a mattress like the good old days. If you do plan on going into a store to view mattresses, call ahead and ask them whether or not you’ll be able to lie on a mattress and try it out. At the very least, you should be able to feel the mattress. Push down on it to test the density.
If you like more than one mattress and feel stuck, ask a salesperson for help. If you are shopping online, see if the retailer has a chat feature to speak to someone in customer support.
Look for mattress retailers that offer 45-day trial periods at least. SONU Sleep offers a 100 Night Trial — take your pick, take your time, and take it back (though they’re sure you’ll sleep so well you’ll most certainly skip step three).
Find out what the return policy entails if you end up dissatisfied with your purchase. Make sure you read the return policy thoroughly — sometimes stores will offer total replacements of mattresses instead of refunds. This is something you need to know upfront.
It’s a good idea to research the companies you want to purchase from. Go onto the Better Business Bureau website to see if the business is accredited or if other customers have filed complaints against that retailer before.
When Is the Best Time To Buy a Mattress?
Everyone loves a good deal. Once you know which mattress you want to buy, you can set up alerts with the manufacturer that will let you know if that mattress is going on sale. Some other good times to look for mattress deals are holiday sales.
Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Labor Day–you name it. There’s always a sale happening around the holidays. You just might get lucky and find that mattress you’ve had your eye on for a deep discount.
You can buy a mattress directly from the manufacturer or you can look for one with another retailer. Don’t go with the first store you find–shop around and see which store offers the best deal on the mattress you want. Factor in the cost of shipping and delivery when you are perusing different offers. This takes us to our next question.
Where Should You Buy a Mattress?
Online
Go online, and you will find a ton of companies selling mattresses. Online stores like Amazon have thousands of mattresses for you to choose from, along with ratings from customers. With the internet, you can shop for a mattress from the comfort of your home. You can purchase from an online retailer or direct-to-consumer (which is what we do here at SONU, saving you on the cost of a middleman and giving us the ability to offer financing for your mattress, too).
Furniture Stores
Furniture stores like Bob’s, Pottery Barn, West Elm, and Ashley’s all sell mattresses in addition to their other home furnishings. Shopping from one of these stores is convenient because you can purchase an entire bedroom set along with your mattress and have it delivered to your home, though the markups on everything is considerable.
Department Stores
JCPenney, Sears, Macy’s, and other department stores offer mattresses. However, prices may be a bit steeper in department stores compared to furniture stores and online retailers. They may offer home delivery services, but you may also have to arrange a pickup for your mattress yourself.
Big Box Retailers
For years, big box stores like Costco and BJ’s have offered mattresses and other furniture. The one drawback here is that you have to be a member in order to purchase a mattress from them and possibly receive a discount.
Mattress Stores
Last but not least, there’s always the actual mattress store. Stores like Mattress Firm have been around for years. And unlike department stores or big box stores, mattress stores have in-house specialists who can answer all your questions about mattresses. These sales specialists will take more time to help you find the best mattress for your needs, but again, price markups are very, very real since it’s not their own brand of mattress they’re selling.
Should You Buy a Used Mattress?
Used mattresses can be sold in the United States if they meet certain requirements from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. They must bear red or yellow tags, which indicate that the mattresses have been used and/or rebuilt. Each state has different stipulations for whether you can reuse a mattress.
For example, some states require the mattresses to be sanitized and reupholstered. The mattresses must also meet certain flammability requirements.
There is no way to guarantee that a mattress has been sanitized to your liking. Consider whether or not buying a used mattress is worth that risk. Even though buying used might save you money, you may just come out better by purchasing a new mattress for sanitary reasons.
Who doesn’t want peace of mind about the mattress they’re going to be sleeping on most nights?
Conclusion
When shopping for a mattress, how you feel about a mattress is what matters. The right mattress should make you feel supported, comfortable, and well-rested. Focus on the quality of the mattress itself and not the price or popularity of the style.
If you’d like to learn more about mattresses that are designed to accommodate your body, check out SONU’s line of products. They offer everything from the innovative negative space mattresses to cooling sheets and supportive pillows, all designed to work together to create the best sleep of your life.
The best mattress you’ll ever experience is only a click away.
Sources:
How Much Does a Mattress Cost? | Sleep Foundation
7 Ways to Buy a Better Mattress | Consumer Reports
Mattress Sizes and Dimensions 2022 | Sleep Foundation
How to Choose a Mattress | Sleep.org
Choosing the Best Sleep Position | Johns Hopkins Medicine
How Much Does a Mattress Cost? | Sleep Foundation
When Should You Replace Your Mattress? | Sleep Foundation
BBB Tip: Shopping for a mattress? Do your research | Better Business Bureau
