How to choose a mattress, according to sleep experts

What to look for in a mattress

One way we assess edge support is by measuring how much a mattress sinks when we sit on it.

Erin Brains

Several other factors that are hard to spot can also play into your mattress choice. Here are a few important ones: 

Comfort and Firmness:  Comfort is probably the most important factor when picking a mattress, but it can definitely be subjective. Firmness is a good indicator of what to expect comfort level-wise.  Mattress firmness ranges from ultra-soft to ultra-firm and is typically on a spectrum range of 1 to 10, with 10 being the firmest option. Most mainstream mattresses typically range from 3-7. Some brands offer top models in various firmnesses so that you can choose. The table below identifies what firmness may best suit you based on your body and sleep position. If you're not sure, medium is a good place to start.

Firmness rating

Firmness feel

Best for

1-2

Ultra soft

Petite side sleepers

3

Soft

Petite side sleepers

4

Medium soft

Side sleepers, older individuals, petite sleepers

5

Medium

Should suit most sleep types of average-size

6

Medium firm

Back sleepers, heavy side sleepers, back pain sufferers

7

Firm

Back and stomach sleepers

8-10

Extra firm

Heavy individuals who sleep on their stomach or back

Motion isolation: When your partner moves around, you don't want your sleep disturbed. A mattress with good motion isolation will dampen their movements so you can stay asleep. You can test this in the showroom by lying on one side and having your partner roll around a bit on the other. How much do you feel their movement? Leesa mattresses generally have good motion isolation, especially the Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid. For the best motion isolation, consider a split king bed, which is basically two side-by-side twin XL mattresses.

Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid Mattress (Queen)

The Leesa Sapira Hybrid Mattress has great edge support and motion isolation. The mix of memory foam and pocket springs leads to an average firmness that makes it an outstanding solution for back pain sufferers of any sleeping style.

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Breathability: Do you tend to sleep hot? If you find yourself overheating at night, you'll want a breathable mattress. This is hard to assess when shopping online or in a showroom, but mattresses featuring "phase change material" in their cover tend to stay cooler. Hybrids generally have more airflow, too. I've found Saatva mattresses dissipate heat well. 

Saatva Classic Mattress (Queen)

The Saatva Classic Mattress is designed to suit a variety of sleeping styles and features a plush top for luxurious comfort.

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Pressure relief: This aspect is particularly important for side sleepers since your hips and shoulders may need to sink in more than other areas to maintain a neutral spine while sleeping. Without pressure point relief, you may experience soreness. I've found mattresses featuring "zoned support" have the best pressure point relief since they are more cushioned where you need it most. I've also found Tempur-Pedic's proprietary foam does an excellent job. 

Tempur-Pedic LuxeAdapt Mattress (Queen)

Available in soft and firm options, the Tempur-Pedic LuxeAdapt Mattress is designed for optimal pressure point relief, thanks in part to the body contouring foam. With this latest sale, you can save $300 off its regular price and get $300 worth of free accessories using promo code 300FREE at checkout.

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Edge support: The better the edge support, the more comfortable you'll be on the periphery of your mattress. If the edges sag, you might feel like you're going to fall off the bed, which can disturb sleep. It's also nice to feel supported as you sit on the side to put on socks. Fortunately, this is something you can feel in person. Lie on the very edge of the bed. Do you feel like falling off? If so, you might want to consider a different mattress. I've found Helix mattresses consistently nail edge support, especially the Helix Midnight.

Helix Midnight Mattress (Queen)

With medium-firm support and pressure point relief, the Midnight Mattress is best for side sleepers or sleepers who toss and turn.

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