How to Buy the Best Mattress for You Sleep Better Without Pain

Mattresses are like mates: They should be comforting, supportive and firm in all the right places. Yet most people’s mattresses are lacking. And some may not have stepped into a mattress store in decades. If you’re tired of waking up feeling like you just slept on a tree stump, read our no-nonsense shopping guide to find the best mattress… At bedtime, you toss and turn before drifting off, only to awake cranky and unrefreshed. Peeling away the mattress pad reveals a horror show: lumps, sags and wayward springs. Your once-springy mattress has lost that lovin’ feelin’. Relationships can be rehabbed. But mattresses? Not so much. Don’t wait – buy a new one now, says William Kohler, M.D., medical director of the Florida Sleep Institute in Spring Hill, Fla. “If you sleep on a worn-out mattress, you will suffer,” he says. “You’ll wake up feeling tired and maybe stiff and sore.” Squirming and searching for a comfortable position on an old mattress makes you more likely to sleep contorted, he says. Then you wake with pain – not just in your back, but also in your joints, knees, hips, wrists, elbows and shoulders. Most mattresses need to be replaced within 10 years, advises Jennifer Solomon, M.D., a physiatrist (rehabilitation specialist) at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. But some break down within five years. That’s partly because some materials, like memory foam and latex, don’t last as long as others. But how you sleep can also affect mattress wear. If you consistently sleep on a certain side, it won’t last as long as if your weight is evenly distributed. We asked the experts for tips on buying the best mattress. Here’s what they said: 1. How to find your best match The best mattress should be firm enough to support your spine comfortably, with enough padding to rise up and cushion your waist, says Scott Bautch, D.C., CEO of Allied Health Chiropractic Centers in Wisconsin, and a spokesperson for the American Chiropractic Association’s National Campaign to Promote Better Sleep. Still, everyone’s needs are different when it comes to comfort and sleeping without pain. And the wide variety of sizes, types and prices can be confusing. First, determine what size you want and what your bedroom can accommodate. Here are the standard measurements: A king, 76x80 inches; California king, 72x84 inches; queen, 60x80 inches; full or double, 53x75 inches; and twin, 38x75 inches. Then consider your budget. A basic, no-frills innersping mattress and box spring set can cost less than $500, but a sturdy, comfortable model will set you back $1,000-$2,000. Then there are vanity editions, like the ultra-deluxe Tempur-pedic memory foam, at a whopping $6,000. Of course, department stores frequently run sales, and chain mattress shops are often willing to haggle. 2. The first date Mattress shopping is a lot like dating, says Alan Hedge, Ph.D., director of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Laboratory at Cornell University, who created mattress-selection guidelines for Cornell’s School of Hotel Administration. You can’t judge how compatible a mattress will be without taking it out. To try before you buy, mattress experts advise following these steps: Wear loose, comfortable clothes so you can experience it in a relaxed position. If you use a mattress topper (such as a memory foam pad) at home, bring it along. Lay it on top of the mattress before you settle in for your trial. If you’ll be sharing the mattress, try it out with your partner. Take turns rolling over several times to see if the movement disturbs your bedmate. Settle in. Take off your shoes, close your eyes and relax. If possible, test it for 30 minutes, suggests Kohler. Don’t feel rushed or self-conscious. It’ll take a while for your body to adjust to the new surface. A firm mattress may not bother you at first, for example, but eventually may leave your joints feeling sore. Similarly, a softer surface may take a while to adjust to your weight. If you can’t handle half an hour, give it at least 10-15 minutes. Listen to your body. “If a mattress isn’t right for you, you can feel your hips and shoulders sagging,” says Karin Mahoney, spokesperson for the Better Sleep Council. “Look for a mattress that supports you as if you were standing with good posture.” 3. Narrowing the field Pillowtop? Memory foam? Futon or adjustable? Entering the store, you may be overwhelmed by all the bells and whistles. But don’t assume they provide more comfort. You may prefer a basic model, says Peter Cancelli, a veteran mattress salesman and author of The Mattress Expert Blog. If you’ve had a particularly good night’s sleep at a friend’s house or a hotel, ask about the brand. Here are the benefits (and drawbacks) of different models: Innerspring What it is: The most common mattress in the U.S., it’s made of tempered steel coils surrounded by layers of upholstery. Best for: Those on a budget or looking for a mattress with a long lifespan. Keep in mind: A model with individually pocketed coils will do the best job of conforming to your body, Cancelli says. If you want extra padding or softness, try adding a down or latex topper. If you choose latex, look for one at least 1.5 inches thick – or 2 inches if you’re more than 5% over the target weight for your height, suggests Bautch. Pillowtop What it is: An innerspring mattress with a foam or latex cushion. Best for: People who want support and cushioning in one convenient package. Keep in mind: The top cushion breaks down quickly, shortening the mattress’ life. If you buy a mattress like this, you may need to replace it within five years. “When the pillowtop wears out, the whole bed is shot,” Cancelli says. Instead, consider purchasing a basic innerspring model and adding your own topper, so you can replace it as often as you like. Memory foam What it is: Made of so-called “visco-elastic foam” foam, this mattress got a lot of press because it was originally designed for astronauts to cushion them from G-forces while soaring through space. It’s made of polyurethane that’s specially treated for added density, warmth and resilience, so it responds to body heat, softening and conforming to your contours. The top designer brand is Tempur-Pedic, but there are others too. Best for: People who like “a cushiony feel,” Mahoney says. Keep in mind: The constant softening can cause the mattress to break down quickly, so you may need to replace it within five years. Because it works by absorbing body heat, some people complain it gets hot during sleep, Mahoney says. Latex What it is: A foam mattress, made from natural rubber latex, synthetic latex or a combination of the two. The foam gives a softer feel than an innerspring mattress while still offering back support to help you sleep without pain, Cancelli says. This is the most durable type of foam mattress. Still, you may need to replace it within 5-7 years. Best for: People who like the feel of a foam mattress but also want durability. Keep in mind: If you have a latex allergy, avoid a mattress made from natural rubber latex. Choose a synthetic model instead. Air mattress What it is: Also known as “sleep number beds,” they’re made of padding around an inflatable air chamber. With the touch of a button, you can increase firmness or make it softer. Select Comfort is the most well-known brand. Best for: This may be the best mattress for couples. Because there’s a separate air chamber on each side, you can adjust your side of the bed to the firmness you prefer. Keep in mind: If you and your partner can’t agree, this isn’t your only option. You can also purchase two twin mattresses of any type and put them on a king frame with a foam “bed bridge” or connector, a thin slice of foam that fills the gap. Water bed What it is: A water-filled bladder forms the core of this mattress. You can control the firmness by adding more water. Best for: People who like the “cradling” feeling some waterbeds offer, or who want the flexibility of adjusting the surface they sleep on and don’t mind movement during sleep. Keep in mind: These beds were popular in the ‘80s, but have fallen out of favor because some models leaked. For this reason, they may not be allowed in some rental apartments and condominiums. They may not offer enough support for people whose weight is concentrated around their middle, says Bautch. Adjustable bed What it is: A flexible mattress on an adjustable frame that allows you to raise the head or feet. Best for: People with health conditions that make it necessary for them to adjust the bed. If you have gastroesophageal reflux disease, for example, you may find it helps to raise the top half of your bed. Some people with congestive heart failure may need to sleep with their feet elevated. Keep in mind: If you aren’t elevating your head or feet for health reasons, you’re better off on a flat mattress, which keeps your spine in a neutral position, Bautch says. Also, the flexible mattress may not be as supportive or long-lasting as a standard innerspring. Futon What it is: A thin, simple mattress, usually filled with cotton or foam, that can fold into a chair or sofa during the day. Best for: People living in small spaces, or who frequently entertain out-of-town guests. Keep in mind: They don’t have a lot of “give,” Bautch says. If you use one, you’ll probably want to add a down or latex topper for better sleep. In the end, you’ll want to buy a mattress based on your own individual needs, Kohler says. “There’s no perfect mattress for everybody,” he says, “but there is a perfect mattress for you.” For more information, visit our Sleep Health Center. Are You Smart About Sleep? Do you wake up feeling rested on most days of the week, or are you just not a morning person? Getting a good night's sleep affects every aspect of your day, including your mood and your ability to be productive. And if that doesn't get your attention, listen up: Your sleep habits can even affect the number on the scale.