2. Chances are, if you’re reading this, you need
a new mattress! But just to make sure,
here are the top seven signs you need a
new mattress:
• You’ve had your old mattress for more
than seven years
• Your mattress has visible lumps and sags
• You toss and turn at night and wake
up often
• You do not feel rested when you get up
in the morning
• Your back and/or neck hurts
• The box spring is very noisy
• You sleep much better in a hotel or
guest room
Do You Need a New Mattress?
Mattress Buying Guide | 2
3. As you know, mattresses come
in a variety of sizes. When you’re
considering size, think about who’s
going to sleep on it and what room
it’s going to be in. Measure the space
you’ve got and then figure out if the
new mattress will fit in the room and,
perhaps more importantly, through
the door. Keep in mind that buying a
too-small mattress is one of the most
common bed-buying mistakes.
Mattress Sizes
Mattress Buying Guide | 3
4. If you like a lot of room to stretch out, or
you want to invite all the kids or pets into
bed with you on Sunday morning, this
is the mattress for you. Sixteen inches
wider than the queen, a king mattress
gives you a luxurious sleeping area with
plenty of room to move around and not
disturb your partner. The king comes
with a split box spring, which is easier to
manage when moving.
Measures 76” x 80”
King Mattress
Mattress Buying Guide | 4
TWIN
39” x 75”
TWIN XL
39” x 80”
TWIN XL
54” x 75”
FULL XL
54” x 80”
QUEEN XL
60” x 80”
KING XL
76” x 80”
KING XL
72” x 84”
5. A queen mattress allows two adults to
sleep comfortably next to each other –
with room for a dog or a couple of cats
– and fits nicely in most bedrooms. This
popular choice is available with standard
or split box springs that make it easier
to maneuver through narrow stairwells,
elevators and doorways.
Measures 60” x 80”
Queen Mattress
Mattress Buying Guide | 5
TWIN
39” x 75”
TWIN XL
39” x 80”
TWIN XL
54” x 75”
FULL XL
54” x 80”
QUEEN XL
60” x 80”
KING XL
76” x 80”
KING XL
72” x 84”
6. Perfect for a teenager who wants a bit
more room or for couples who like to
sleep snuggled up. A full-size bed is also
a good choice for the guest room.
Measures 54” x 75”
Full Mattress
Mattress Buying Guide | 6
TWIN
39” x 75”
TWIN XL
39” x 80”
TWIN XL
54” x 75”
FULL XL
54” x 80”
QUEEN XL
60” x 80”
KING XL
76” x 80”
KING XL
72” x 84”
7. Add extra length to your twin with the
XL, making it a more comfortable
choice for taller people. An ideal choice
for college students.
Measures 39” x 80”
Twin/XL (Split King)
Mattress Buying Guide | 7
TWIN
39” x 75”
TWIN XL
39” x 80”
TWIN XL
54” x 75”
FULL XL
54” x 80”
QUEEN XL
60” x 80”
KING XL
76” x 80”
KING XL
72” x 84”
8. Best suited for one adult or child, a
twin bed fits most smaller spaces like
kids’ rooms, guest rooms, dorms and
vacation homes. Twin mattresses are
also used for specialty beds like trundle
beds, daybeds and hi-risers.
Measures 39” x 75”
Twin
Mattress Buying Guide | 8
TWIN
39” x 75”
TWIN XL
39” x 80”
TWIN XL
54” x 75”
FULL XL
54” x 80”
QUEEN XL
60” x 80”
KING XL
76” x 80”
KING XL
72” x 84”
9. Now that you know what size mattress
you’re looking for, it’s time to decide on
the right style. Mattress manufacturing
has come a long way in recent years,
and all three types of mattresses –
memory foam, innerspring and hybrid
– provide exceptional comfort and
lasting quality. You just have to figure
out which one is best for you.
Types of Mattresses
Mattress Buying Guide | 9
10. Memory foam mattresses offer excellent
support, stability, breathability and
temperature control. Memory foam molds
to the shape of your body, fitting the
contours and relieving stress on certain
areas. When you get up, it springs back
to its original shape (hence the “memory”
part) but will not feel as bouncy as an
innerspring mattress. This style is a favorite
of people who suffer from back and joint
pain. The density of the foam determines
the degree of firmness.
Memory Foam
Mattress Buying Guide | 10
11. Tried and true, innerspring mattresses
are constructed of steel springs and
coils for support, along with layers of
cushioning for comfort. You’ll find a
wide variety of innerspring mattresses
to choose from, including some with
individually wrapped coils, continuous
coil construction, pillow tops and even
gel infusion. Innerspring mattresses
are usually less expensive than
memory foam, making them more
affordable and the most widely sold.
Innerspring
Mattress Buying Guide | 11
12. While relatively new to the marketplace,
hybrid mattresses combine the lasting
support of a steel coil innerspring with
the responsiveness and comfort of
memory foam. This is an ideal solution
for those who are interested in the
benefits of memory foam, but prefer
the springy feel and support of a steel
coil innerspring system.
Hybrid (Memory Foam Innerspring)
Mattress Buying Guide | 12
13. When it comes to soft versus firm,
there’s no right or wrong answer — it’s
just a matter of what you prefer. Some
people like to feel as if they’re sinking
into a cloud; others prefer a more
supportive, stable sensation. When you
go to the store to try out mattresses,
here’s how they’ll be categorized:
Soft, Firm or In-Between?
Mattress Buying Guide | 13
14. Extra Firm
Extra firm is the firmest mattress choice, for
sleepers who need solid, stable support.
Firm
True to its name, a firm mattress has a firm
feel with less give and no sinking feeling. Back
sleepers most commonly choose a firm mattress.
Cushion Firm
A cushion firm mattress has extra cushioning at
the sleeping surface, so you get support
and softness.
Plush
Designed to envelop your body in softness and
gentle support, a plush mattress is popular
with sleepers of smaller builds and anyone who
doesn’t require firm support.
Ultra Plush
An ultra-plush mattress has the softest feel at the
surface to surround you in cloud-like comfort.
Soft, Firm or In-Between? (Continued)
Mattress Buying Guide | 14
15. A mattress is a big investment, so follow
these guidelines to make sure you enjoy
yours for years to come.
• Don’t be shy! It’s essential to lie down
on the mattress, ideally in the position
you sleep in most. You cannot judge a
mattress just by sitting on it.
• Take your time. Any mattress is going
to feel comfy for five seconds. Try to lie
on each one for at least five minutes and
imagine going to sleep on it every night.
• Try out a lot of mattresses. Even if you
think you want a firm one, test out softer
models for comparison.
• Test different brands of the same
firmness. One brand’s firm might feel a
lot different from another brand’s. Find
the one you like the best.
How To Test Out a Mattress at the Store
Mattress Buying Guide | 15
