Tired of sleepless nights? A new mattress could be just what you need to feel more rested and recharged.
Today’s market offers a wide selection of mattresses, making your search for the right one a bit more complicated. Learning more about mattress styles and how they’re built can help you determine which mattress style and size is the best fit for you. We’ve put together a shopping guide with everything you need to know, from sleeping styles to comfort levels to mattress recommendations, so you can get a good night’s rest every night.
Functional Components of a Mattress
All mattresses, regardless of the type, are built with three main components, each serving a different function.
Support
This component provides support for neutral spinal alignment and can be made from coils or latex foam.
Comfort
This component is designed to provide pressure relief and can be made from latex, memory foam, gel and wool. These materials can be used on their own or combined together to achieve different comfort levels: from a softer, plush feel to a firmer feel.
Base
Often called a box spring, the base component can be made from wood or coils and helps provide overall structure and support to the rest of the mattress.
Types of Mattresses
Mattress types are also broken down by materials. The three main mattress types are: innerspring, memory foam and hybrid. There are a variety of subtypes within each one of these categories as well.
| Innerspring Mattress | Memory Foam Mattress | Hybrid Mattress |
| The innerspring mattress is the oldest and most popular type of mattress. It is made of spring and coils, offering an extra bouncy and cushioned surface that you’ll love with plenty of edge support. | A memory foam mattress is made of responsive and cooling foam material that conforms to your body. It relieves pressure points and minimizes motion transfer, which is especially helpful if you sleep with a partner. | Made of both memory foam and springs, a hybrid mattress offers the best of both worlds. You can enjoy the bounce of a traditional innerspring mattress with the responsiveness of memory foam. |
Materials Used in Mattresses
Mattresses are made with a wide range of materials, all designed to give you a comfortable night’s rest. Some mattresses even have special materials that can provide unique benefits such as “cooling”.
These materials include:
Foam
A soft, movement-absorbing material that helps regulate temperature and relieve pressure points. Some common types of foam include memory foam (also known as viscoelastic), gel memory foam, and polyurethane foam.
Steel Coils
Open coils or pocketed coils can be used in mattresses and are a key structural component that help provide a firm base.
Adhesives & Quilting
Adhesives help bond the multiple layers and their seams. Some mattresses also use a quilting technique that strengthens the adhesive bond.
Polyester Batting
This is used as a filler for pillow top mattresses and mattress covers.
Cotton
Used both on the inside and outside of the mattress.
Wool
Used for extra padding and temperature regulating to help keep you cool.
Gel Beads
These beads help to pull the heat away from the mattress surface and keep you cool throughout the night.
Flame Retardants
All mattresses sold in the United States are required by law to use flame retardants for fire resistance.
Mattress Firm Level
Mattresses have three (3x) comfort/ firmness levels: Firm, Soft and Plush. Depending on your sleeping position, you might prefer one comfort level over another, or perhaps you may want to consider a combination of comfort levels, such as Medium-Firm or Medium-Soft.
- A firm mattress is usually the top choice for back sleepers.
A firm mattress offers a flat and even surface, allowing you to keep your back and spine aligned to ensure maximum support during the night.
- A soft mattress is neither too firm nor too soft, perfect for stomach sleepers.
A soft mattress is designed to sink just enough to help relieve pressure points, which is especially beneficial for stomach sleepers who tend to put a lot of pressure on their lower back, spine and neck.
- A plush mattress is usually the go-to for side sleepers.
The most common type of position, sleeping on your side tends to put weight on your shoulder, hips and spine. That’s why we recommend a plush mattress that sinks deeply and conforms to your body completely.
Mattress Size
If this is your first time buying a mattress online or you’re deciding to go up a mattress size, it’s important to know the different sizes available to you. Whether you choose a twin or king really depends on what you’re looking for, who it’s for and how much free space you have.
Twin and Twin XL Mattresses
A typical twin mattress measures 39” wide by 75″ long. This is perfect for kids who are transitioning into their big boy/big girl beds. There is also the option of a twin XL mattress which is five inches longer, ideal for high school or college students, a guest room or for those who live in a smaller space.
Full Mattress
A full mattress measures 54” by 75”, ideal for a growing teen or single adult. You can also place a full mattress in a guest bedroom, however, keep in mind that it may be a tight fit for a couple to share.
Queen Mattress
Our most popular size is a queen size mattress, which typically measures 60” by 80”. This allows you and your partner to sleep next to each other comfortably. Plus, there’s space for your children and pets to relax with you. Even if you’re not sharing the bed, a queen mattress is still a great option if you love to stretch out.
King Mattress
Need more room? A king mattress is the largest size, measuring 76” by 80”. It is perfect for your master suite, offering a grand look and ample room to share with a partner. Plus, if you’re children or pets love to sleep over sometimes, a king mattress gives everyone the chance to spread out and doze off.
Lifespan of a Mattress
How long should a quality mattress last? The longevity of a mattress depends on several factors, including the amount of use (wear and tear) and the quality of materials used to construct it. Some memory foam and latex mattresses can last up to 15 years, which is much longer than the average innerspring. Using a mattress protector cover can help prolong the life of your mattress. Mattress protectors help to keep some dead skin cells and other bodily fluids off of the mattress.
Mattress Costs
You never want to spend more than you can afford, but just remember that you’re not only buying a new mattress, you’re also investing in a good nights’ sleep for years to come. So make sure to carefully read and compare the features and benefits of each mattress before making your decision. You may find that the prices are worth it, especially if you’re getting cooling technology, a customizable surface and a comfort level that matches your sleeping style – all in one.
Average price ranges for mattresses range from low/budget to high/luxury. Budget mattresses are typically foam or innerspring and are made using basic materials. Mid tier mattresses can be foam, innerspring or hybrid and are assembled with high-quality materials. Luxury mattresses are hybrid (foam & innerspring) and are built with high-end technologies.
What to Look For When Buying a Mattress
There are so many factors to consider when looking for a new mattress, so here’s a quick checklist list of everything you need to know to get started right now:
- Unique body needs (side sleeper, back sleeper, back pain, snoring, etc)
- Amount of use (daily, guest room, etc)
- Your own personal comfort preference
- Desired longevity of mattress (do you plan on changing the mattress any time soon?)
- Budget
- The return policy in case the mattress is not working out for you
Still unsure where to start? Check out some of our expert recommendations!
Mattress Recommendations
If you don’t feel ready to jump into our endless selection of mattresses, we’ve got our top three picks for each sleeping style right here. Don’t forget to pair your mattress with a pillow or adjustable base. These accessories make all the difference when experiencing a new mattress.
| Comfort Level: Firm |
| Ideal for: Back Sleeper |
| Benefits: – advanced pressure relief – responds to your body’s unique shape – cool-to-the-touch technology – high-quality firm foam for more support – a cover system that regulates heat |
| Comfort Level: Plush |
| Ideal for: Side Sleeper |
| Benefits: – responsive foam for cradling comfort – cools and relieves pressure – anti-microbial technology that keeps it clean and fresh – fabric that is both eco-friendly and durable – increased airflow and breathability |
| Comfort Level: Soft |
| Ideal for: Stomach Sleeper |
| Benefits: – foam that relieves pressure – innerspring system that adapts to your body – advanced cooling technology – edge support – two comfort layers |
With our comprehensive shopping guide, you have everything you need to start shopping for a brand-new mattress online. But if you’re still unsure which is the best mattress for you, visit one of our El Dorado Furniture showrooms, where our mattress experts will be more than happy to help!