You’ve had another restless night and you’ve finally decided that the problem may be your mattress.
Maybe your mattress is over eight years old or maybe your mattress is worn and tattered.
Either way, it’s time to look for a new mattress in hopes of a better night’s sleep. But mattress shopping can be a daunting task, especially online.
Luckily, I have compiled a guide of the most common materials, mattresses, and features to look for when shopping online.
Different Types of Mattress to Buy Online
The most common mattresses are composed of foam, innerspring, hybrid, pillow top, latex, and organic materials.
Below, you will find a list of all the types of mattresses found online with an explanation of the benefits of each one.
Memory foam mattresses are known to have plush and dense layers of foam. This type of mattress is most commonly purchased online due to its ability to conform to an individual’s shape. The foam layers minimize rebound when compressed. Certain foam mattresses contain additional components like gel. Gel memory foam mattresses are known for their ability to keep the surface of the mattress cool.
Innerspring mattresses are the oldest type of mattress. They are known to have a support structure composed of coils. These mattresses use individual steel coils for support and then the coils are covered by layers of padding and fabric. Today, fabrics are made of materials containing memory foam and latex, for added comfort.
Hybrid mattresses are a combination of innerspring and foam mattresses. They retain bounciness, produced by the coils, along with the support and comfort of memory foam. They typically boast a “best of both worlds,” sleeping experience.
Pillow top mattresses are defined as a mattress with several inches of additional padding sewn into the top. They are generally paired with an innerspring mattress.
Latex mattresses use latex foam instead of memory foam. These mattresses are composed of natural materials. Latex mattresses are known to last up to twelve years. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly option, this would be a great choice. You may also want to consider an organic mattress.
Organic mattresses are made with natural materials like bamboo, wool, cotton, and latex. Organic mattresses are free from harmful chemicals and go through a tougher certification process than other mattress types.
Shopping for a Mattress Online for Specific Sleep Positions
When looking to buy a mattress online, you may get overwhelmed with all the brands and types you find. However, depending on the online store you visit, you can narrow down the mattress type according to sleep positions.
You will first have to know which sleep position is right for you. Do you prefer sleeping on your side, stomach or back?
If you tend to sleep on your side, you may want to consider a mattress that provides support while also conforming to the shape of your body. A memory foam mattress would support spinal alignment and relieve pressure points while molding to the shape of your body.
If you tend to sleep on your stomach, you may want to consider a firm mattress. Since sleeping on your stomach redistributes body weight and pressure to your torso, you might benefit from a mattress that offers focuses on firmness.
If you tend to sleep on your back. You too may need a firm mattress. Firm mattresses will support spinal alignment and relieve pressure points located in your neck and shoulders.
Buying a Mattress Online Sleeping Conditions
Take a moment to reflect on your sleeping conditions? Do you tend to overheat while sleeping? Are you buying a new mattress with your significant other? Do you consider yourself a light sleeper?
If you’re sharing a bed with another individual or if you are a light sleeper you should consider a bed in a box that minimizes motion transfer.
Motion transfer is the measure of how much movement is shared from part of the mattress to another. A mattress that has high motion transfer is going to move all over when there is movement on any part of the mattress. A mattress with low motion transfer will somewhat isolate movements.
If you tend to overheat while sleeping, consider a mattress that utilizes temperature neutral technology. Our body temperature drops while sleeping, causing us to lose heat that can then be reabsorbed by the mattress and other bedding. The most common option would be a mattress infused with gel material to facilitate cooling.
Additional Tips for Online Mattress Shopping
- Analyze your purpose for buying a new mattress. Understanding the reason why you need a new mattress will aid in narrowing down your search options.
- Consider the delivery time. How quickly would you like to receive your mattress? If you are looking for an immediate solution, consider the amount of time it will take to ship your delivery.
- Compare multiple sites. There are plenty of brands that can cater to your needs. Comparing mattress sites can result in you getting the best deal.
- Shop with reputable companies. Well-known companies tend to have better options and trustworthy service.
- Read customer reviews. Customers who willingly leave reviews on a product are likely to leave an honest comment about the product.
- What are you willing to spend?If you desire a higher quality or eco-friendly mattress, chances are the cost will likely be higher as well.
- Does the mattress come with a warranty? Receiving a product through the postal service always comes with a risk of damage. Make sure your purchase is protected.
- Can the mattress be returned?
- Found out how to maintain it.Since most mattresses have a life of about 8 years, found out what it takes to keep it in prime condition.
- Does the company offer to install the mattress? Having to discard an old mattress and install a new mattress is quite the task. Look to see if the company offers to install or remove a mattress.
Conclusion
What Mattress Should I Consider?
First, realize that there are plenty of choices available to fit everybody’s needs. But the most helpful thing you can do is understand your needs. Once you’ve got that down, you’re well on your way to buying a new mattress.
What Features Should I Look for?
Mattress features are highly dependent on personal preference. But now that you know what mattress and materials you may like, let’s consider some other available features.
