Furniture Buying Guide
BUYING GUIDE
Mattresses
Want a sound sleep every night? One bedroom piece is especially key: a good mattress. Figuring out which one will work best for you can be daunting, but this guide offers smart advice to help you make the right choice so you can rest easy.
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Types of Mattresses
There are four main options, each with different features. Here are the pros and cons to consider:
Innerspring
The core of a basic innerspring mattress contains open coils made of interconnected springs. Those with individually wrapped pocket coils provide less motion transfer. Available in standard or with a pillowtop for extra padding.
Memory Foam
Basic foam mattresses contain high-density foam at the core with layers of lower density foam surrounding it. Memory foam offers firm support that contours to your body. Latex foam has more spring than memory foam.
Gel Memory Foam
Offers the same pain and pressure relief as standard memory foam, but with an added benefit: gel beads or particles that help disburse body heat and enhance air circulation.
Hybrid
Combines the core of an innerspring mattress with layers of foam to provide a combination of support and comfort.
Mattress Sizes
| Size | Dimensions | Details |
| Twin | 39” x 74” | Fits one person comfortably; ideal for kids |
| Twin XL | 39” x 80” | Slightly longer than a standard twin, for taller individuals |
| Double/Full | 54” x 74” | Fits a single sleeper who likes to spread out, or couples who don’t have a large bedroom |
| Queen | 60” x 80” | Popular with singles who sleep with pets, and couples |
| King | 76” x 80” | Popular with couples who enjoy extra space, co-sleepers, and couples with pets |
| California King | 72” x 84” | The extra length is ideal for taller couples |
Another Option: Mattress in a Box
At one time, if you wanted a new mattress, you had to visit your local bed store or mattress retailer. Today, you can go online and buy a "mattress in a box" from an online retailer, and have it shipped right to your door. These mattresses are typically made of foam, or a similar material. Manufacturers compress and vacuum-seal the mattress before placing it into a box for shipping. Once you receive and unwrap your mattress, it expands to its normal size.
Types of Mattress Foundations
Box Springs
Cloth-covered wood frame that contains springs
Foundation
Fabric-covered, slatted structure
Bed Frame
Elevates the mattress off the floor and typically works with or without a box spring or foundation
Platform Beds
Integrated slats provide support, eliminating the need for a box spring or a foundation
The Details
Consider Your Sleep Style
There's an ideal option for each type of position. Find the mattress that's a match for your sleep style.
Side Sleepers
You’re most comfortable with pressure relief and support. The best options include memory foam, latex foam, and an innerspring with a very cushy topper. Avoid overly firm mattresses.
Stomach Sleepers
Memory foam may leave you feeling smothered, while a firm latex, air, or innerspring mattress will give you optimal support.
Back Sleepers
A combination of support and conformity keeps your spine aligned. All mattress types work well, so you can make a choice based on your personal preference.
Mattress - Shopping Strategies
There's no one-size-fits-all approach, but it’s easier to narrow down the options if you ask yourself these five questions before you shop for a new mattress.
Do you like a little bounce?
Innerspring mattresses with 12-gauge coils offer the firmest support, and those with 18-gauge coils offer more give.
Do you have allergies?
Latex and foam both naturally resist mold and dust mites and they are antimicrobial. If you choose an air-filled or innerspring mattress, buy an allergen-resistant cover to encase it.
Are you looking for less motion transference?
Memory foam mattresses give you extra support without the bounce. You'll also notice that your sleeping partner can toss and turn and you won't be disturbed.
Are you a hot sleeper?
Avoid mattresses with a latex or foam topper, which retain body heat. Ideal options include fiberfill-topped innerspring mattresses or memory foam with a gel layer on top.
Do you prefer firm-springiness?
Like memory foam mattresses, latex mattresses come in varying degrees of firmness, but they offer a little more buoyancy than memory foam.
3 Mattress Myths Debunked
1. Firm mattresses are the best option for bad backs
Fact: Firm mattresses can cause pressure point pain. Instead, choose a mattress that combines support with the ability to conform to your body while you're in your favorite sleep position.
2. A new mattress should be perfectly comfortable from the moment you purchase it.
Fact: People typically need approximately 30 days to adjust to a new mattress.
3. You need to flip a mattress every few months.
Fact: Most modern mattresses are made to be one-sided, eliminating the need to flip it. Instead, rotate the mattress 180 degrees every month for the first six months and then every three months after that.
Mattress Acessories
Fact: Most modern mattresses are made to be one-sided, eliminating the need to flip it. Instead, rotate the mattress 180 degrees every month for the first six months and then every three months after that.
Mattress cover
Varieties include hypoallergenic and waterproof covers to suit individual needs
Mattress topper
Plush cotton, memory foam, and memory foam gel toppers add a few extra inches of comfort
Bridge
Handy device that eliminates the gap between two mattresses
Pillows, sheets, blankets, quilts and comforters:
Decorative and functional items that protect the mattress and enhance your sleep comfort