Mattress Buying Guide - What To Consider When Choosing The Right Mattress
Posted on May 02, 2023 By PC Richard Staff You spend a third of your life asleep, and the quality of your sleep directly affects the other two-thirds of your life. When selecting a mattress, it's important not only to find a mattress that's going to be comfortable, but also one that's going to provide proper support. Any mattress that helps you sleep comfortably and wake up feeling refreshed - without pain and stiffness - is the best mattress for you. Unfortunately, there is no single mattress that works for all people, so finding your perfect mattress can be a challenge. Fortunately, we at P.C. Richard & Son have developed a simple process to help you sort through our large selection of mattresses to see which one is right for you. Read on to find out about our 4-step mattress selection process and to find out about what else goes into buying a mattress.
Step 1: Pillow Fitting
Before you can even begin to worry about finding your ideal mattress, you should start a little smaller by choosing your pillow first. You should try to find a pillow that matches up with your usual sleep position. Whether you're a side, stomach, back or all-side sleeper, there are pillows out there that can help you get the best sleep possible. The most important thing to look for when shopping for a pillow is to find one that keeps your spine aligned. A good rule to follow is to find a pillow that supports at least a third of your entire spine as you sleep. Also, you should try to find a pillow that's breathable, and has neck support. If you keep all of these things in mind, you should be able to find a pillow that best suits your sleep style.
Step 2: Comfort Test
The most important thing you need to figure out when selecting a mattress is the level of firmness that you need to be comfortable. There are 5 levels: ultra firm, firm, medium, plush, and ultra plush. The right firmness level for you should be one that helps support you as you sleep, provides you with stability, and is responsive to your movements. Your spine alignment comes into play here too. Try to find a mattress with a firmness level that keeps your spine straight as you sleep to ensure that you get high-quality rest through the night.Step 3: Technology Test
Mattresses have advanced to a point where there are many options to choose from when it comes to their construction. The most popular mattress types are innerspring, memory foam, and hybrid. Innerspring mattresses are known for their exceptional body support. They have quilted tops, memory foam comfort layers in the middle, and a spring support system on the bottom. Memory foam mattresses are ideal for superior pressure relief. They have stretchy fabric as their top layer, memory foam comfort layers in the middle, and a foam support system on the bottom. Hybrid mattresses provide both support and pressure relief. These mattresses have a stretchy fabric top, memory foam comfort layers in the middle, and a spring support system on the bottom. They combine the best parts of each of the other mattress types into one to create a more well-rounded construction. The best way to know which of these mattress types will be best for you is to try them out yourself in one of our mattress showrooms.Step 4: Foundation Option
If you want even more comfort, you can choose to buy a mattress with a specialized foundation. One great option is the adjustable base foundation. Adjustable bed frames can have their structures changed on a whim so you can better support your head and feet. These different configurations can make it more comfortable for you to use your laptop, watch TV, or read in bed. If you sleep in some of these configurations, you'll find that they can help reduce your snoring, acid reflux, and lower back pain. Some models are even designed to give you a head or foot massage as you relax.
Other Considerations
Though our 4-step process should help you find a mattress that will help you get the best sleep possible, there are a few other things to keep in mind when you're trying to find a new mattress. These things have less to do with the mattress itself and more to do with your preferences and the room you plan on putting the mattress into.Mattress Sizes
When choosing the size of a mattress, it's important to take into account the sizes of the people who will be sleeping on it as well as the size of the room in which it is going. Here are some details on the most common mattress sizes.Twin Mattresses (38" x 75")
This mattress is best for one adult or child. The twin can easily fit into small spaces, such as a child's room, dorm room, or guest room. There are certain bed frames like daybeds that typically use twin mattresses.Twin XL Mattresses (38" x 80")
Similar to a twin but with slightly more length, the twin XL mattress is a better choice for a taller individual looking for a comfortable mattress that also fits into a smaller space. These are also commonly found in dorm rooms.Full Mattresses (54" x 74")
This mattress can sleep one or two, but is the smallest option for doing so. Full mattresses are a step up in width from the twin, but still a good option for smaller spaces.Queen Mattresses (60" x 80")
This is the most popular choice for mattress sizes, comfortably accommodating two individuals and fitting nicely into larger bedrooms. A queen mattress is also available with split box springs, making it easier to maneuver through narrow stairwells, elevators, or door frames.King Mattresses (76" x 80")
Want more room? A king mattress is 16" wider than the queen, offering a comfortable amount of room for two individuals to move around without disturbing the other. This mattress is commonly used in master bedrooms and also comes with a split box spring.California King (72" x 84")
The California king mattress is 4" narrower than the king, but it is 4" longer, making this a better option for taller individuals. This is a spacious two-person sleeper that also comes with a split box spring.Mattress Sizes Explained
Transcript:Something you must always consider, is the size of the mattress and the room it's being placed in. Mattresses are available in many different sizes, anywhere from a Twin, to a California King. Twin Size Mattresses are also known as single mattresses. This mattress is 38 inches wide and 75 inches long. Twin XL Mattresses, are roughly the same width of 38 inches, but now extends it to 80 inches in length. A Full Size Mattress, also known as a double mattress is approximately 54 inches wide and 75 inches long. Queen Size Mattresses are the most popular. These are 60 inches wide and 80 inches long. King Size Mattress are roughly 76 inches wide and 80 inches in length. And the California King is 72 inches wide and 84 inches in length. For more information, go to PCRichard.com/learning-center or visit our YouTube channel.Mattress Protectors
Waterproof
Mattresses are difficult to clean and should never come into contact with moisture. Even if you are exceptionally careful with keeping your mattress clean, the average human perspires up to two liters of moisture a night which can leave unexpected stains. If a mattress is not kept dry, mold and mildew may form. The best way to keep a mattress dry and clean is with a waterproof pad or cover. They not only guard against stains and odors while impeding the entrance of moisture, but they also keep the mattress free from allergens and dust mites. This helps to prevent bacteria growth inside the mattress.Antimicrobial
Antimicrobial is the general term for any product or ingredient that kills or inhibits bacteria, viruses, or mold. As we sleep, our bodies give off heat, excrete fluids, and shed old skin and hair cells. These particles make their way down inside our mattress and pillows, creating an atmosphere that is warm, humid, and rich in decaying organic matter - the exact environment where harmful microbes flourish. An antimicrobial mattress protector prevents the growth of harmful microbes inside your mattress.Hypoallergenic
These are specially designed to prevent allergic reactions. Usually, a hypoallergenic mattress is tightly sealed to prevent dead skin and body oils from penetrating the mattress and attracting dust mites, along with other microscopic organisms that can cause allergic reactions. You can also get a hypoallergenic mattress pad or cover that can do the same job.