What to Look for in a Mattress

A mattress is a large pad that supports a person as they sleep. A mattress can be made of a variety of materials. Most modern mattresses have an innerspring core and upholstery layers of cotton, polyester, or flexible polyurethane foams. Natural fibers such as straw, feathers, and horsehair are also used in traditional mattresses. The mattress is typically paired with a bed base, which may be solid, as in the case of a platform bed, or elastic, such as an upholstered wood and wire box spring or a grid-top foundation. A divan incorporates both a mattress and a bed base in a single upholstered unit.

The interior construction of a mattress affects its comfort, longevity, and cost. Mattresses are available in a wide range of designs, but most can be broadly classified into five categories: innerspring, foam, hybrid, and latex. What you are waiting for, visit Box Drop Mattress & Furniture of Selah now!

For innerspring mattresses, the primary design factor that affects firmness is the coil gauge. Coils with higher gauges are thinner and feel softer, while those with lower gauges are thicker and provide more support. The number of coils is another important factor, as mattresses with more coils have a greater degree of elasticity and a more resilient feel.

Hybrid mattresses combine an innerspring support core with a foam or latex comfort system. People who want to limit motion transfer often prefer hybrids with memory foam in the comfort layer, while those who want more bounce and temperature regulation lean toward those with micro-coils or latex-like polyfoams.

In addition to internal design and materials, a mattress’s price can be affected by its size and the type of fabric it is covered in. Generally, larger mattresses are more expensive than smaller ones. Specialty fabrics, such as organic or handcrafted, can also increase the price of a mattress.

The average lifespan of a mattress is determined by its ability to resist sagging. A common cause of sagging is repeated pressure on the same area of the mattress by sleepers shifting positions in their beds. This can be mitigated by rotating or flipping the mattress on a regular basis. Mattresses with a traditional box spring should be rotated or flipped every month for the first six months of use and on a regular schedule thereafter.

Comfort

The comfort of a mattress is a subjective term, and there are many factors that influence how comfortable a person sleeps. A mattress can feel too soft or too firm for some sleepers, while others need a balance of both to be comfortable. The amount of support a mattress provides is another important factor to consider, and this typically depends on the body weight and sleeping position of the sleeper.

The material and construction of the mattress are also important considerations for comfort. For example, mattresses with a coil-on-coil construction may have different levels of durability depending on the gauge (thickness) and count (number of coils). Other options include mattresses made with pocketed micro-coils, memory foam, or latex. The specific combination of materials and layers used to construct the mattress is known as the comfort system, and it can make a huge difference in how the mattress feels for each individual.

When shopping for a mattress, the best place to start is by talking with an expert at a specialty store. These stores often offer questionnaires and sleep tools that can help narrow down the search. They can also give customers a chance to test out mattresses in the store or at home during their trial periods.

Regardless of where you shop, you should pay close attention to customer reviews and ratings. While it’s important to take these with a grain of salt, specific patterns in negative reviews can provide helpful clues as to how a mattress performs over time. Look for issues like sagging, loss of support after a few years, and cooling features that don’t work.

Other factors that impact mattress comfort include the thickness of the foam and its ability to absorb and distribute heat throughout the night. Look for mattresses that use breathable materials such as graphite, cotton, Tencel, and wool to reduce heat buildup. Also, consider how much edge support the mattress has, as this can affect whether it’s easy to get on and off of the bed or not. The more edge support a mattress has, the more stable it will be and less likely you’ll roll off of it in the middle of the night.

Durability

Durability is an important mattress feature to consider because a durable product can withstand repeated use for a long period of time. A mattress’s durability can also be a factor in determining whether it is the right fit for your sleep style. Durable mattresses are made with higher-quality materials and tend to last longer than cheaper models.

When you choose a mattress, keep in mind the materials, construction, and manufacturing quality to ensure that it will hold up well over time. The lifespan of a mattress depends on a number of factors, including its materials, manufacturing process, and how it is used. Foam comfort layers, for example, can deteriorate more quickly than other materials. This is why a high-quality mattress will often have a double-sided design to extend its lifespan.

Another factor is how often you move and shift in your sleep position. The average person moves around a lot at night, and a comfortable mattress should be able to support your body as it moves throughout the sleep cycle. A mattress that doesn’t offer enough support can cause pressure points, so it is important to look for a model that offers ample cushioning.

If you are unsure about a mattress, many online and brick-and-mortar retailers offer sleep trials with every purchase. These trials typically last from 30 days to a year, and most companies will allow you to return your mattress if it isn’t comfortable for you. Make sure to read the fine print of each company’s return policy before making a purchase.

Aside from the sleep trial, most mattresses come with warranties that cover defects in their construction. These warranties may cover repairs or replacements for up to 10 years after you buy your mattress. Common warranty-covered problems include excessive sagging, broken coils, and faulty covers.

Durability is also important when choosing a mattress foundation, which is a platform base that supports your mattress. Some foundations have a grid-like pattern, which can help reduce pressure points and provide extra stability for heavier mattresses. These bases are typically more durable than traditional box springs and may be easier to move and store.

Price

The price of a mattress depends on a variety of factors, including size and materials. Generally, twin-size mattresses are the lowest priced, followed by full-size, queen-size, and king-size beds. Mattresses with more complex construction and higher-end materials tend to cost more.

Mattresses in the $1,500 to $2,800 range are typically the most affordable. In this range, you can find quality innerspring, memory foam, and hybrid mattresses that will last up to a decade. You can also find a wide selection of sizes and thicknesses to meet your needs.