Shopping for a mattress can be streamlined by focusing on six key factors identified by Forbes Vetted’s sleep experts. These tips help buyers navigate features like pressure relief, cooling, and budget while aligning with personal sleep needs.
Mattresses should cushion joints while maintaining spinal alignment. Side sleepers often benefit from softer surfaces that cushion hips and shoulders, while back and stomach sleepers need firmer support. Memory foam and hybrid designs excel in pressure relief by contouring to the body.
Couples should prioritize mattresses with low motion transfer to avoid disturbances from movement. Memory foam and pocketed coil systems absorb motion effectively, unlike traditional innerspring models.
Firmness levels depend on sleep position and body weight:
– Soft to medium
– Medium-firm to firm
– Softer than standard recommendations
– Firmer options for durability.
Combination sleepers and those with mobility issues need responsive materials like latex or coil hybrids. These allow easier repositioning compared to dense memory foam.
Gel-infused foams, breathable covers, and airflow-enhancing designs (e.g., Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe) combat heat retention. Avoid all-foam beds if overheating is a concern.
Balance cost with quality: budget options like Nectar Classic start under $1,000, while luxury picks like Saatva Classic offer long-term value. Always verify trial periods, warranties, and return policies.
Edge support and durability testing (e.g., Saatva Classic’s reinforced perimeter) are additional factors for those who sit or sleep near the bed’s edge. Experts recommend at least 30 days to adjust to a new mattress, emphasizing patience during the break-in period.
