What Makes A Good Mattress?

By Sakibul Islam

There’s no overstating how vital your mattress is to your health and your life generally.

If your bed is not good enough, you can expect to wake up every morning feeling miserable. This is why you need to invest in a bed that is not only top-notch but also good for you.

The question, however, is what makes a good mattress?

Here, we’ve put together a guide to help you choose a good and right bed for you.

The Complete Guide to Buying a Mattress


what makes a good mattress

Where to Shop for a Mattress


Nowadays, mattress buyers have many options when it comes to how and where to purchase a mattress. Interestingly, shops and stores have stopped being a lot of people’s default mattress buying outlet.

As it stands, several companies are winning new customers over with their convenient shipping and free trial periods. However, the ball is still in your court.

Do you prefer to go the traditional way of checking out beds from store to store, or would you rather order online? While you decide, here are some tips to help you out.

Why Shop for Mattresses in the store?


Visiting the store is the best option if you want to be exposed to a greater variety of mattresses. Also, if you want to be sure about what you’re buying, and would like to feel your mattress before paying for it, then it’s best that you go the traditional route. One other advantage is that the store may offer to help remove your existing mattress.

However, there are quite some disadvantages too. One of them is that you won’t get to compare prices so you can get the best deal. There’s also the possibility that you feel overwhelmed by the different mattresses.

When shopping for a mattress in a store, it is essential that you take your time. Do not rush the decision by hopping onto one bed after the other.

Take at least 10 minutes to test each bed so you can genuinely ascertain that it’s comfortable enough. A final tip on this is not to be afraid to negotiate.

Why Shop for a Mattress online


Of course, shopping online is less stressful, and this is a welcomed alternative for those who don’t like the idea of shopping in stores. When buying online, you won’t have to deal with any salesperson.

Besides, you’ll have limited options to compare. When you finally make the order, the bed will be delivered a few days after at your doorstep. There’s only a little risk involved since the mattress will come with a money-back guarantee.

The only discouraging things about buying a mattress online are that you have to do all the setup yourself, and there’s no negotiating the price. You can get the best beds available online from Casper, Turf and Needle, Layla, or Helix.

How to Choose Your Own Perfect Mattress


The most common Mattresses nowadays are innerspring, adjustable and foam. However, foam mattresses seem to be the most popular, especially among online retailers.

Choosing the perfect bed for you entail more than just the type of mattress or the kind of material used. Here are a few other factors to pay attention to.

Do You Like a Bed With Bounce?


If you prefer a bouncy bed, innerspring is the one. These mattresses are composed of various layers of steel coils which help to provide comfort and support. They are also great for cooling and have excellent edge support.

Do You Prefer a Firm Base?


The bouncy feel of the innerspring is as a result of the layers of coils in them. However, latex and foam mattresses do not have as many, so they aren’t as bouncy.

These mattresses provide a firmer base for sleepers. You do have to pay attention to the thickness and density of the foam, though. How deep you sink into the bed depends on these two factors.

Would You Prefer a Plush Top?


If a plush top is what you want, you could go for an innerspring mattress. The outer foam layer of these mattresses is covered with quilted ticking.

Even so, a bed that is well-quilted but firmer is preferable. You can get your uber-plush feel by covering the bed with a replaceable mattress topper.

Do You Like Variety?


Some air mattresses can be controlled or customized to fit the sleeper’s taste. A bed like Number Sleep offers two side-by-side chambers to couples who may want to have separate firmness settings. Some beds are designed to allow you to move the springs on the inside around.

Do You Sleep on Your Side?


People who sleep on their sides need a bed that’ll conform to their shape while supporting them at the same time. Because the innerspring have better pressure relief compared to foam mattresses, they’re likely to meet the needs of side sleepers better. Soft foams too can work.

Are You a Stomach Sleeper?


For stomach sleepers, a firm bed is the best choice. Memory foams will be too enveloping for stomach sleepers. So, an air mattress, firm foam or dense innerspring will do.

Are You a Back Sleeper?


Back sleepers need mattresses with a little give and plenty of support. Actually, any of the mattress types will work for you if you’re a back sleeper. However, you still need to test your mattress and make sure it’s very comfortable before buying.

Does Your Partner Toss and Turn All Night?


If your partner tosses and turns a lot, then you don’t want a mattress with too much bounce. Usually, any of latex, dual-chamber air-filled, memory foam and innerspring with pocket coils mattresses will do. These beds have good motion isolation.

Does Your Partner’s Preference Match With Yours?


If you and your partner have conflicting preferences, a dual-chamber air-filled mattress will help. This mattress offers dual chambers that can be adjusted differently.

Do You Have Allergies?


An antimicrobial mattress that is resistant to dust and mold like foam and latex is good for people with allergies. You can also cover any other bed with covers that are allergy-resistant.

Do You Have Back Pain?


Even if they don’t totally cure it, latex or memory foam can help reduce backache. They provide good support.

How and When to Replace Your Mattress


Many mattresses have a lifespan of 5 to 10 years. Despite this, you may need to replace your mattress sooner based on some factors.

Signs that your bed needs to be replaced include, waking up with body pain and your mattress feeling lumpy. When you notice these, then it’s time to go mattress shopping. When you get a new bed, you can extend its lifespan by using a mattress protector.

Bottom Line


All in all, the three most important things that make a good mattress are pressure point relief, temperature regulation and freedom of movement.

Now that you know what makes a good mattress, why not go out there and find the perfect bed for you. Remember to pay attention to your own preference.

About the author

Sakibul the founder of Houzmark and co-founder of Houzhold, is a product reviews analyst who researches, compares, reviews, and writes about home appliances. With his extensive knowledge and experience, he provides valuable insights and recommendations to help consumers make informed decisions when purchasing products.