Mattress 101
INFORMATION YOU SHOULD HAVE WHEN BUYING MATTRESSES SETS
WHAT SIZE MATTRESS DO I NEED
Twin Size 38” x 74”
Full Size 53” x 74”
Queen Size 60” x 80”
Cal Queen 60” x 84”
King Size 76” x 80”
Cal King 72” x 84”
Keep in mind measurements on mattress may very ¼” to 1 ½” however they will fit the corresponding size frame.
HOW HIGH DO YOU WANT YOUR SET TO SIT ON YOUR FRAME?
Ideally, you won't need to strain your body to lift yourself out of a bed that's too low to the floor or struggle to get into a bed that's too high. The average bed is 25 inches high and allows a person of average height to sit comfortably with their feet on the ground.
With this in mind you want to know how high your bed frame is off the floor.
How tall you are in comparison to average which is 5’9” for men and
5’ 4” for women.
WHAT FIRMNESS DO YOU WANT?
SIDE SLEEPERS - To allow your body to sink into the mattress, a softer and thicker comfort layer is needed. In most cases the average side sleeper needs a comfort layer that is about 3 inches thick, give or take an inch.
BACK SLEEPERS - The recessed space in the lumbar area is really the only major gap created when you sleep on your back. That being said, it is a pretty important part of the body that needs to be supported, but it does not require a comfort layer quite as thick as what’s needed by side sleepers. A thinner top layer actually works best. Most back sleepers are more than satisfied by a 2-inch comfort layer.
STOMACH SLEEPERS - Firm, thin comfort layers are ideal. There can be an inch of softness to provide cushioning to bony areas, but the firmness should be met by the body quite quickly to avoid creating an unnatural backwards curve of the back.
The overall concern no matter which position you sleep in is to keep your back aligned.
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Be aware that firm mattresses aren't always better for your back. Think twice before buying a hard or firm mattress, as some research has shown that the best mattress for low back pain is a medium firm mattress rather than a firm mattress. There is a difference between firm support and firm feel. You want firm support with a comfortable feel. Comfort will be determined by your personal preference.
Pillow tops aren't for everyone. Very light-weight people don't need big thick pillow top mattresses because they don't weigh enough to compress the foam to even touch the underlying coils/support system. On the flip side, larger/heavier people tend to feel more comfortable with a little extra cushion between them and the coils.
TAKE YOUR MATTRESS FOR A TEST DRIVE
When shopping for a mattress, try to lie on the mattress in the store for at least 10 to 15 minutes. Don't feel self-conscious or let the salesperson hurry you along. It's a big purchase, and if you don't try it for at least 10 minutes you're not going to get a real feel for it. Couples should test out the mattress together.
WATCH FOR GIMMICKS
Mattress sellers will label mattresses as "orthopedic" or "medically-approved," but there is no medical organization that officially certifies mattresses to carry these labels. They may have orthopedic-friendly features, but no medical group has verified this.