If you’re shopping for a new mattress, you may have heard some advice: Avoid department stores. Department stores generally have higher prices than online or big-box retailers. Not only are department store salespeople often inexperienced, but they might have worked in another department just a week ago. Not to mention, the high foot traffic in department stores can make testing a mattress awkward. Also, department stores tend to play games with their prices, making the process awkward and uncomfortable. Instead, head to a furniture store where mattresses are treated as pieces of furniture.
Firmness
There are many benefits of firmness when choosing a mattress. Firmness allows you to adjust the level of comfort according to your body weight. Generally, the firmer a mattress is, the better it will support you. Firm mattresses are a great choice for heavier individuals because they won’t sink too deeply, which makes them more comfortable. Firm mattresses are also cooler than their soft counterparts, especially memory foam. The former tends to trap your body heat and will feel warm in the morning, but a firmer mattress will be much cooler.
Firmness is a subjective decision, and what feels comfortable to you may not be for another. Although there’s no universally ideal level of firmness, there are a few criteria you can use to determine what feels right for you. For example, your weight and sleeping position can help narrow down the firmness range. The best level of firmness for you depends on your body type, age, and preferred sleeping position.
For people who weigh 230 pounds or less, firmer mattresses are a good choice. Firmer beds don’t sink as deeply, but they do provide more support. Softer mattresses are suitable for light-weight people, while heavy-weight individuals need to choose something in between. However, it’s not always easy to determine the right firmness for you. If you’re a side sleeper, you’ll need a mattress with a medium to firm feel.
Coil gauge
The coil gauge of a mattress will determine how firm it is. The higher the number, the firmer the mattress. The lower the number, the softer the mattress. The coil gauge ranges from twelve to fifteen. A lower number means a softer mattress, and a higher number means a firmer one. The coil gauge of a mattress is usually found at around 14 or lower. If you want a firmer mattress, go for one with a higher gauge.
You may want to consider the coil gauge if you suffer from back pain, or if you have spinal problems. Although it isn’t necessary to choose a thick coil, thicker coils are more supportive for long-term use. A thicker coil is more durable and won’t break as easily as thinner ones. For those with back pain or other medical issues, a thicker coil mattress will help them recover.
While you are shopping for a mattress, make sure to read the coil gauge. This will tell you how much support each coil will offer, as higher numbers will increase durability. Ideally, a mattress should have a coil gauge of at least 300 for a full, 400 for a queen, and 480 for a king. Higher coil counts will not necessarily increase comfort, but they may be necessary to prevent your mattress from sagging.
Cost
You can spend as little as $300 for a standard sized mattress. Mattresses vary greatly in cost depending on the manufacturer. You can find mattresses with free shipping, but many of them don’t. Expect to pay up to $100 for shipping. Some companies offer free standard delivery, while others charge extra for white-glove delivery. Some mattress retailers offer free delivery and setup, and may even take care of removing your old bed. The delivery cost depends on the brand, size, and type of mattress you choose.
Purchasing a foundation is an important part of a mattress. You may not realize it, but you spend more than one third of your life in bed. You can easily spend over $300 on a foundation, but be prepared to shell out additional cash for this luxury. Depending on your needs, you may also need to purchase an adjustable base. An adjustable base can cost $150 or more. If you have a specific need, a higher-priced foundation or base may be worth the extra money.
Luxury mattresses may cost thousands of dollars. They may also feature massage features, internal heating, or certifications. If you’re on a budget, consider purchasing a mid-range mattress. Look for one that comes with a warranty and a comfort guarantee. You should also consider hidden costs when buying a mattress, including shipping and set-up fees. To save money on your next mattress, compare prices and choose a top-rated mattress.
Size
Choosing the right size of mattress can be confusing. Fortunately, most types of mattresses come in standard sizes. You should consider how you will use your bed and the size of the bedroom when you’re looking for a new mattress. To make your selection easier, here are some tips. The first step is to mark the location of your mattress in your room. From there, measure the size in inches, feet, or metric.
Thickness. Mattresses come in a range of thicknesses, from eleven inches to fifteen inches. Different materials contribute to the thickness of the final product, so you should consider this factor. Thickness will affect the level of comfort you feel. A fifteen-inch mattress offers the ultimate level of comfort, while a twelve-inch mattress offers high-quality luxury. Ultimately, you will determine how much you pay by looking at different mattress thicknesses.
Dimensions. When choosing a mattress, make sure to take the dimensions of your box spring, mattress, and bed. Mattresses can vary in size by up to an inch or two. If your box spring is too high, you may want to consider buying a smaller mattress, which is more comfortable for taller people. And remember, if your bed is too narrow or too large, you will have to buy another one later.
Buying online vs. in-store
The advantages and disadvantages of buying online versus in-store are obvious. While online shopping is convenient and safe, you still have to provide credit card information and address when purchasing a mattress. Buying online allows you to compare prices and read consumer reviews. Moreover, you can read about the materials used to make the mattress, such as organic or hypoallergenic materials, and the social responsibility of the company. Additionally, online retailers usually offer free delivery, whereas in-store stores may charge for delivery.
In-store salespeople can be intimidating. They often try to pressure you into buying. This can range from subtle to outright manipulation. Additionally, they may try to upsell you on other accessories that you do not need. Some shoppers are untouched by these tactics, while others politely decline the salesperson’s offers. Either way, they are not enjoying their in-store shopping experience. However, this doesn’t mean you should abandon the shopping experience altogether – after all, you have a new bed to sleep on!
If you are buying a mattress from a store, make sure to visit the store in person, as they often have sales. Some people prefer to interact with salespeople, while others like the security of knowing that they won’t have to spend their hard-earned money on an unwanted mattress. Whether you choose to buy online or in-store will depend on your personal preferences, so be sure to read customer reviews.
Fit
The first thing to consider when buying a new mattress is whether it will fit your body shape. There are many morphological tables that indicate the weight and size index of different mattresses. These tables can be found at any bedding store. If you weigh less than 100 pounds, you can buy a soft mattress, while people who weigh more should go for a firmer model with more support. You can also use these charts to figure out what kind of mattress will fit your body shape.
In addition to determining your height, you should also consider your current medical conditions. If you have a back or neck condition, talk to your doctor before you start shopping. The ideal position when lying on a mattress is a neutral one, which promotes proper spinal alignment. You should also consider your sleeping position and any sleep issues you may have. You may experience hot sleep or back pain. The mattress you choose should not wake your sleeping partner.
The thickness of a mattress is important. Mattresses with more layers will be more expensive than thin ones. In most cases, mattresses are at least two layers thick, and some are as thick as four. A simple chart can help you gauge which thickness is ideal for you. Thickness allows the mattress manufacturer to design a supportive cushion, which makes the mattress more expensive. You can also check out the firmness of a mattress with a thickness measurement chart.