The Dreamiest Beds: Finding Your Perfect Mattress

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Seriously, who doesn’t love a good night’s sleep? And let's be real, that all starts with what you're sleeping on. Having a comfy and supportive mattress is like the secret ingredient to waking up feeling like you can actually conquer the day. So, let’s take a peek at some of the absolute best mattresses out there to help you catch those Zzz's.

Our Top Picks at a Glance:

• Best Overall: Saatva Classic Mattress
• Best Value for Money: Nectar Memory Foam Mattress
• Best for Back Sleepers: Layla Hybrid Mattress

It’s kinda funny when you think about it – these days you can buy a mattress online, like, no problem! But even with all that ease, actually picking the mattress? Still feels like a huge decision, right? Because it is! A mattress is a big deal purchase, and nailing down the perfect one is honestly so important. The mattress you choose is going to have a massive impact on how well you sleep, and yeah, that spills over into everything – your health, your mood, how much you actually get done in a day, all of it!

Everyone’s different, especially when it comes to sleep. What feels like heaven to one person might be a nightmare for another! So, shopping for a mattress is super personal. Good news is, mattress makers are catching on, and the mattresses you can find now come with all sorts of bells and whistles to fit different sleep styles.

We’ve done the legwork and rounded up some of the top dogs in the mattress world, sorted by what they’re best at. We're talking mattresses made with all the newest materials, in all sorts of feels from super soft to extra firm. Plus, we’ve got picks for every kind of sleeper – back, side, stomach – you name it. Keep reading, and we’ll walk you through our best mattress recommendations and throw in some shopping tips so you can finally get that amazing sleep you deserve, night after night.

BEST OVERALL: Saatva Classic Mattress

BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Nectar Memory Foam Mattress

BEST FOR BACK SLEEPERS: Layla Hybrid Mattress

BEST FOR SIDE SLEEPERS: Tuft & Needle Original Mattress

BEST FOR STOMACH SLEEPERS: Helix Dawn Mattress

BEST FOR BACK PAIN: The WinkBed

BEST FOR HOT SLEEPERS: Purple Mattress

BEST FOR BIG AND TALL: Helix Plus

BEST NATURAL: Birch Natural Mattress

BEST FOR KIDS: Lucid 10-Inch Memory Foam Plush Feel Mattress

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How We Picked These Sleep Mattresses

Saatva Classic mattress headboard.

Mattresses are like shoes – what’s amazing for one person could be totally wrong for someone else. Since everyone’s sleep needs are unique, we went broad. We looked at all sorts of top-rated mattresses in a bunch of different categories. To narrow things down, we dove deep into research. We checked out materials, how they’re made, brand reputations, what mattress experts are saying, and most importantly, what regular folks are saying in their reviews. We wanted mattresses from the brands that are known for being supportive and comfy (thinking about firmness, softness, and staying cool), and also, you know, priced fairly. We definitely made sure to include some budget-friendly options, and also a few that you can tweak and customize, even though those sometimes cost a bit more.

But here’s the thing – reading about a mattress is one thing, sleeping on it is the real test. The best mattress on paper might not actually be the best for you. So, we also looked closely at trial periods. We really liked the mattresses that gave you a good chunk of time to try them out. That way, you’re not stuck with something that’s just “okay.” You can actually find the one that's perfect.

Our Top Picks: Sweet Dreams Ahead!

Saatva Mattress

So, mattress shopping on your mind? We've taken a huge chunk of the guesswork out of it. We've hand-picked the best mattresses for all kinds of sleepers. Get ready to say goodbye to groggy mornings and hello to waking up refreshed!

Best Overall Saatva Classic Mattress

Pros:

• Seriously customizable! You get to pick from two heights and three different firmness levels.

• Feels super fancy. Think hotel luxury thanks to its hybrid design and that plush, 3-inch pillow top layer.

• “White-glove delivery” – they bring it in, set it up, and even haul away your old mattress and base. Free of charge!

Cons:

• Got to watch out for that $99 fee if you need to return it or swap it out.

If you're after something that feels luxurious and you can really make your own, the Saatva Classic is where it’s at. For loads of bedrooms, this mattress is just right. It’s a hybrid, meaning it’s got a supportive innerspring base, a layer of memory foam, and then that cloud-like 3-inch pillow top (with an organic cotton cover!). All of this together gives it that upscale, hotel-bed vibe that’s a step up from your typical mattress-in-a-box. And get this, it’s made right here in America and doesn’t show up rolled up in a box! They deliver it to your place and set it up for you, no extra charge.

You can play around with the height (11.5 or 14.5 inches) and the firmness (plush soft, luxury firm, or firm) to really dial in your perfect comfort. Now, all this fancy stuff and customizability does come at a cost. The Saatva is one of the pricier options we looked at, though they do have sales sometimes. You get a whole year to try it out (365-day trial!), which is awesome. But, remember that $99 fee if you decide to return or exchange it.

Product Specifications:

• Type: Hybrid
• Firmness: Plush soft, luxury firm, or firm
• Trial: 365 nights

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Best Bang For The Buck Nectar Memory Foam Mattress

Nectar Memory Foam Mattress.

Pros:

• Seriously wallet-friendly for a mattress that stacks up against pricier brands.
• Memory foam top layer is a champ at stopping motion transfer. Great for couples!
• Free shipping, free returns, and get this – a full year to try it out.

Cons:

• Being all foam, it might trap heat and feel too warm for some.

The Nectar memory foam mattress gives you a lot of comfort and customer perks without emptying your bank account. It’s all foam, layered up with a firm base for support, a transition layer that adapts to your body, and a super soft gel memory foam top layer. Because foam can sometimes hold onto heat, Nectar added a cooling cover made of a polyblend material to help keep things breathable.

You can sleep easy knowing all the foams inside are CertiPUR-US certified. It lands at a medium firmness level. That memory foam on top is great for anyone who shares a bed because it really cuts down on motion transfer – you won't feel every toss and turn. Even though it’s kinder to your wallet than some other brands, Nectar still throws in some sweet deals: free delivery, a 365-night trial, and free returns. And keep an eye out, it’s pretty common to find this one on sale!

Product Specifications:

• Type: Foam
• Firmness: Medium
• Trial: 365 nights

Want amazing sleep on a budget? Snag the Nectar mattress at Amazon or Nectar.

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Best For Back Sleepers Layla Hybrid Mattress

Layla Hybrid mattress being flipped.

Pros:

• Genius flippable design gives you two firmness choices in one mattress!
• Super solid edge support thanks to a double-coil system around the edge.
• Copper-infused memory foam works to pull heat away from your body.

Cons:

• Heads up, this mattress is heavy! Flipping it might be a two-person job.

Hybrid mattresses are often a win for back sleepers anyway, and the Layla Hybrid takes it up a notch by giving you options to really fine-tune your comfort. Being a hybrid, it’s got that innerspring layer for the supportive spine alignment that back sleepers need, plus a memory foam top to cushion those pressure points. But what’s really cool is that you can flip it! One side is soft and plush, the other side is firm and supportive. Two mattresses in one!

Unlike a lot of hybrids, the innerspring coils are right in the middle layer to give you solid support no matter which side you’re using. And there’s a double coil perimeter for extra edge support. Plus, each side has copper-infused memory foam, which is awesome for pulling heat away from your body and keeping you cooler. The Layla Hybrid comes with free delivery and a 120-night trial.

Product Specifications:

• Type: Hybrid
• Firmness: Flippable – soft and firm
• Trial: 120 nights

Perfect for back sleepers who like choices! Grab the Layla mattress at Amazon or Layla.

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Best For Side Sleepers Tuft & Needle Original Mattress

Tuft & Needle Original mattress.

Pros:

• Their special Adaptive Foam feels springier than regular memory foam.
• Gives you pressure relief without that “sinking” feeling some foams have.
• Packed with cooling features – graphite, gel-infused foam, and a breathable cover.

Cons:

• Might not be soft enough if you're a side sleeper who loves to really sink in.
• Some folks say the edge support isn’t the best – might not be ideal if you sleep right on the edge.
• Trial period is a bit shorter compared to some other brands.

Side sleepers, listen up! You often need a mattress with a little give, and the Tuft & Needle Original is made with their Adaptive Foam to do just that – give you gentle support. It’s got two foam layers: a firm base to stop you from sinking too much, and a top Adaptive Foam layer that contours to your body. But unlike memory foam, this Adaptive Foam has more of a bounce, not that super sink-in feel. For side sleepers, that bounce can be great for support and easing pressure.

To help with temperature, the Adaptive Foam is open-cell and infused with graphite and cooling gel to pull heat away. And it’s all wrapped up in a breathable cover. Like other top brands, you get free shipping and returns, plus a 100-night trial period.

Product Specifications:

• Type: Foam
• Firmness: Firm
• Trial: 100 nights

Side sleepers, get ready for comfy nights! Find the Tuft & Needle mattress at Amazon or Tuft & Needle.

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Best For Stomach Sleepers Helix Dawn Mattress

Helix Dawn mattress.

Pros:

• Super firm! Just what stomach sleepers (or anyone who likes a firm bed) need.
• Good bounce-back thanks to Helix’s Dynamic Foam latex foam top layer.
• Innerspring layer is great for airflow and really solid edge support.

Cons:

• Being so firm, it’s not going to give you a lot of that plush, pressure-relieving softness.
• Trial period is a bit shorter than some other bed-in-a-box brands.

Stomach sleepers usually do best on a firm mattress, and the Helix Dawn is definitely in that camp – firm and comfy where it counts. It’s rated an 8 or 9 out of 10 on firmness (10 being rock solid!), so it’s seriously firm. Perfect if you like a harder mattress, and especially good if you sleep on your stomach and need to avoid sinking in too much.

It’s a hybrid, with individually wrapped coils for that firm feel and great edge support. CertiPUR-US certified foams on top add some comfort. There’s a high-grade polyfoam layer for a cushioned feel, topped with Helix’s Dynamic Foam layer. This layer is a latex-foam mix that contours a bit but doesn’t sag, giving you that foam softness with the bounce of latex. A cooling cover tops it off. Like other top mattress brands, Helix offers free shipping and returns, and a 100-night sleep trial.

Product Specifications:

• Type: Hybrid
• Firmness: Firm
• Trial: 100 nights

Stomach sleepers, say hello to better mornings! Get the Helix Dawn mattress at Helix.

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Best For Back Pain The WinkBed

The WinkBed

Pros:

• You get to choose from four firmness levels, from soft to extra firm!
• Good for hot sleepers thanks to the innerspring layer and breathable Tencel cover.
• Extra edge support system keeps the edges nice and firm.

Cons:

• On the pricier side for a bed-in-a-box mattress compared to some others.
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If you struggle with back pain, the right mattress can be a game-changer between a restful night and hours of tossing and turning. The WinkBed is a really solid option if back pain is a concern. As a hybrid, it’s designed to help keep your back aligned and still give you cushioned comfort.

The innerspring layer is made of individually wrapped pocket coils, with different zones (including extra support for your lumbar area!) to target back support. Plus, they’ve added extra edge support so you won’t roll off or feel like the edges are sagging. For comfort, the top layer is a gel-infused foam with a Euro-style pillow top – feels denser and more luxurious than your average pillow top. This layer helps relieve pressure on key spots like your back, hips, and shoulders. And with a Tencel cover and breathable layers, it’s designed to keep you cool.

Big bonus for anyone with pain – it comes in four firmness levels: soft, medium firm, firm, and extra firm. Shipping and returns are free, and you get a 120-night trial period.

Product Specifications:

• Type: Hybrid
• Firmness: Soft, medium firm, firm, extra firm
• Trial: 120 nights

Back pain sufferers, relief might be closer than you think! Check out The WinkBed mattress at WinkBed.

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Best For Hot Sleepers Purple Mattress

Purple mattress's GelFlex Grid.

Pros:

• That GelFlex Grid layer? Totally unique. You won’t find it anywhere else.
• The grid is super responsive – flexes with you but doesn’t sink.
• Crazy breathable thanks to all those little air channels in the grid.

Cons:

• That grid feel is… different. Might take a bit to get used to if you’re used to traditional mattresses.

The Purple mattress is a foam mattress, but it’s famous for its GelFlex Grid. It’s made from this special polymer and designed with a repeating square pattern that’s made to adapt and bounce back for every person. It flexes with your body but doesn’t droop or sag. And because of the grid design, there’s tons of airflow. That means body heat doesn’t get trapped, which makes it awesome for anyone who sleeps hot.

The 2-inch GelFlex Grid sits on top of two foam layers that make up the base. A firmer support layer and a cushioning transition layer give it a medium-firm feel. We gave the Purple mattress a try and found it super comfy, both for support and keeping cool. The Purple Mattress comes with free shipping, a 100-night trial, and free returns.

Product Specifications:

• Type: Foam
• Firmness: Medium firm
• Trial: 100 nights

Hot sleepers, stay cool and comfy all night! Find the Purple mattress at Amazon or Purple.

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Best For Big And Tall Helix Plus

Big And Tall Helix Plus.

Pros:

• Extra support layer to give bigger folks the support they need.
• Less likely to sag thanks to that high-density foam layer.
• High-density foam, reinforced coils, and top-notch materials all boost how long it will last.

Cons:

• Some users found it can sleep a bit warm. They do have a cooling cover, but it costs extra.

Helix specifically made the Helix Plus for plus-size and big-and-tall folks. It’s got a bunch of features to make it extra supportive and long-lasting. Being a hybrid, it starts with an innerspring layer with individually wrapped springs and reinforced edges. Then, unlike regular Helix mattresses, it’s got an extra supportive foam layer made of high-density foam for max comfort and durability. Transition foam and a memory foam top layer give it a nice bit of sink without losing support. This design really helps stop premature sagging, which is a common worry for heavier sleepers.

Overall, it’s got a medium-firm feel. Like other Helix mattresses, you get free shipping and returns and a 100-night trial period.

Product Specifications:

• Type: Foam
• Firmness: Medium firm
• Trial: 100 nights

Big and tall sleepers, get the support and comfort you deserve! Check out the Helix Plus mattress at Helix.

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Best Natural Birch Natural Mattress

Birch Natural Mattress.

Pros:

• Tons of certifications backing up its natural claims, like Greenguard Gold and GOTS.
• Birch wool layer and organic cotton cover help regulate temperature and keep it breathable.
• No chemical fire retardants here! They use organic wool as a natural fire barrier.

Cons:

• It’s a bit bouncier, which might not be great if you need to really isolate motion.
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Eco-conscious shoppers, the Birch natural mattress is your winner. It’s our top pick for a green night’s sleep. This medium-firm hybrid is packed with natural and organic materials.

It starts with an innerspring support layer with individually wrapped coils and extra edge support. Then comes a natural latex layer to cushion pressure points. An organic birch wool layer adds even more comfort and helps with temperature regulation. And it’s all topped with a breathable organic cotton cover.

Instead of chemical fire retardants, they use organic wool as a natural fire barrier. And no synthetic polyurethane foam here – it’s all natural latex. Birch mattresses have a bunch of certifications for health and sustainability, including Greenguard Gold and Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). Shipping is free (even for returns) and you get a 100-night trial to make sure you love your new natural mattress.

Product Specifications:

• Type: Hybrid
• Firmness: Medium firm
• Trial: 100 nights

Sleep soundly and sustainably! Find the Birch mattress at Birch Living.

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Best For Kids Lucid 10-Inch Memory Foam Plush Feel Mattress

Lucid 10-Inch Memory Foam mattress.

Pros:

• Made with CertiPUR-US certified foams, so no nasty chemicals.
• Parents can pick from three firmness levels to fit their kid’s preference.
• Available in all kid and teen bed sizes, from twin to California king.

Cons:

• No trial period from Lucid. You can’t return it if it’s not a good fit.

For a kid’s room, the Lucid 10-Inch memory foam mattress is a great bet – it’s affordable, safe, and comfy. It’s made with three layers of foam: a bamboo-based foam, transition foam, and a thick 3.5-inch gel-infused memory foam top. It’s CertiPUR-US certified, so you can relax knowing it’s low in those volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

To fit different kids’ sleep styles, it comes in plush, medium, and firm options. And it’s available in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king sizes to fit any bed frame. It works on any type of frame too, even adjustable bases or box springs. While there’s no trial period, it’s a really budget-friendly choice.

Product Specifications:

• Type: Foam
• Firmness: Soft, medium, and firm
• Trial: None

Kid-friendly comfort that parents will love! Get the Lucid mattress at Amazon or Lucid.

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Jump to Our Top Picks

Mattress Types: Your Sleep Style Guide

Foam, Innerspring, Latex, and Hybrid Mattresses.

First step to mattress success? Figuring out what type of mattress is going to be your best bet. There are a few main types, each made with different materials and designs. The big ones are foam, innerspring, latex, and hybrid mattresses. Each type has its own pros and cons when it comes to support, temperature, and overall comfort, so let’s break it down.

Foam

Foam mattresses come in all sorts of feels, from super soft and body-hugging to really firm and supportive. There are different kinds of foams too, like polyurethane foams and the super popular memory foam. Lots of foam mattresses use layers to balance support and softness.

Foam mattresses can be pretty affordable, and there are tons of options out there. They can be comfy and supportive, but some people just don’t like that sinking feeling. Also, cheaper foam mattresses can sag over time, so it’s worth investing in a warrantied foam mattress from a good brand. Foam can also trap heat and not breathe as well, but the best foam mattress makers are adding features to fix that.

Innerspring

Innerspring mattresses are the classic kind, with a bottom layer of metal springs or coils for support. Compared to foam mattresses, innerspring mattresses have more of a bouncy feel, not a sink-in feel. And because they’re not made of dense foam, they tend to breathe better.

Innerspring mattresses can have either continuous coils or pocket coils. Continuous coils are more old-school, with a bunch of coils all linked together. They can give great support and that classic bouncy feel, but they’re not the best at stopping motion transfer. Pocket coil innerspring mattresses have coils that are wrapped individually instead of linked. This setup is way better at limiting motion transfer, which is great for couples – you’re less likely to feel your partner moving around.

Latex

Latex mattresses can be a more natural alternative to foam, and they have a similar soft-yet-supportive feel. The latex can be natural (from rubber trees) or synthetic, so if you’re looking for something eco-friendly or healthier, natural latex is an option.

Latex mattresses tend to be bouncier than foam, but not as springy as innerspring. They also tend to sleep a bit cooler than foam. One thing to know is that latex mattresses can be pricier than foam, especially the natural latex ones.

Hybrid

Just like it sounds, hybrid mattresses mix features from two different types. Usually, they have a supportive innerspring base with a softer foam or latex top layer for comfort.

Hybrid mattresses are great if you want the best of both worlds – a firm, supportive base and a soft, contouring top. They often combine the breathability of innerspring mattresses with the pressure relief of foam or latex, making for a really comfy sleep.

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What to Think About When Mattress Shopping

Guide to mattress considerations.

Picking the right mattress can feel like a lot, but breaking it down into a few key things can make it way easier. Your sleep style, any body pain, your body type, if you get hot or cold at night, if you share a bed and need motion isolation, and what kind of materials you prefer – these are all things to consider. Let’s dig into each one a bit more.

Your Sleep Position

The right mattress is all about balancing support and softness, and how soft or firm you need can depend on how you sleep. Your ideal mattress depends on if you sleep on your back, side, or stomach.

• Back sleepers: Usually, medium-firm mattresses are a sweet spot for back sleepers. They keep your back aligned but still have a little give for pressure points like your shoulders and hips.

• Side sleepers: If you sleep on your side, you probably want a mattress with some give. Medium-soft to medium mattresses can hug your body and ease pressure on your shoulders and hips while still supporting your spine.

• Stomach sleepers: Stomach sleepers need a mattress that doesn’t sink too much, so your spine doesn’t arch backwards. Generally, a medium-firm or firm mattress will give you enough support.

Body Type and Aches & Pains

Getting the right support from your mattress can make a big difference if you’re dealing with aches and pains. If you’ve got back pain, think about a medium-firm mattress. Some studies say that medium-firm mattresses give that balance of softness and support that can help with back pain. But really, the best way to know if a mattress helps (or at least doesn’t make things worse) is to try it out. Since lots of mattresses have trial periods, it’s pretty low-risk to test one out.

If you’re shopping for a mattress, keep your body weight in mind too. Most mattresses are made to support around 250 pounds per side (but double-check, it can vary). If you weigh more than that, look for a mattress with a recommended weight limit. Sticking to that weight limit will help make sure you get enough support and help your mattress last longer. If you’re heavier, you might want to look at mattresses designed for heavier bodies – they often have extra support layers for better comfort and durability.

Temperature at Night

Feeling too hot or too cold can mess with your sleep. Mattresses can play a role in how hot or cold you feel at night, so it’s something to think about if you tend to be a “hot” or “cold” sleeper. “Hot sleepers” are people who often wake up feeling overheated, and “cold sleepers” are the opposite.

Generally, a lot of good mattresses have features to help with temperature, like breathable materials and air pockets to boost airflow. But if you’re really hot or cold, you might want to look for specific features. Material matters – foam tends to be dense and less breathable, so it can sleep hot (which is good for cold sleepers!).

Hot sleepers looking at foam mattresses should look for breathable covers, cooling gel, or even copper in the materials – those can help pull heat away and regulate temperature. Same goes for hybrid mattresses, they can have cooling stuff in their top layers. On the flip side, innerspring mattresses are usually pretty breathable because of the coils, so they can be comfy for hot sleepers.

Motion Isolation and Edge Support

If you share a bed, motion isolation is a big deal. No one wants to wake up every time their partner rolls over! One downside of old-school innerspring mattresses was that they were bad at motion isolation, but newer pocket coil systems are way better.

Softer surfaces usually mean less motion transfer. Foam mattresses are generally good at motion isolation, especially soft, body-hugging memory foam. Other foam and latex mattresses will vary based on how soft they are. Hybrid mattresses with a soft top layer can also be good at isolating motion while still giving you the support of springs.

Edge support is about how well the mattress holds its shape and support all the way to the edge. A good mattress won’t sink or sag too much, even right on the edges. Edge support is important if you move around a lot in your sleep. Innerspring mattresses usually have good edge support because the coils help spread weight, while foam mattresses can sometimes be lacking. If edge support is important to you and you want a foam mattress, look for one with reinforced edges.

Certifications and New Mattress Smell

You can expect a bit of a smell when you first unwrap a new mattress, especially those mattress-in-a-box types that are vacuum-sealed. There’s usually a scent, but it’s generally not considered harmful. But if you want peace of mind, there are certifications to look for:

• CertiPUR-US: This means the foams are certified to meet standards for material safety. They’re made without certain harmful chemicals and are shown to have low VOC emissions.

• Oeko-Tex: An Oeko-Tex Standard 100 label means the mattress fabric and textiles have been tested and deemed safe for human health.

• Greenguard Gold: Greenguard Gold certified products meet strict chemical emissions standards and have low chemical emissions.

• Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): If you’re after an organic mattress, look for GOTS certification. It means the textiles are made of at least 70% organic fiber and meet standards throughout the manufacturing process.

• Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS): Similar to GOTS but for latex. GOLS certification means the latex is at least 95% natural, organic, and meets health and environmental criteria.

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FAQs: Quick Mattress Questions Answered

Q: Best time to buy a mattress?

Look for sales around big shopping holidays like Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Fourth of July. Also, March to May can be good – mattress companies often bring out new models in June, so they’re trying to clear out older stock.

Q: Hard or soft mattress – which is better?

It totally depends on you – your sleep style, weight, preferences, and any pain issues. The best way to know is to sleep on it! Good thing many mattress companies have trial periods so you can test it out at home.

Q: Most popular mattress size?

Queen size mattresses are usually cited as the most popular.

Q: How long should a mattress last?

A good mattress should last you around 7 to 10 years.