Buying a new mattress comes with its own set of challenges. Since we spend a third of our lives in bed, it’s crucial to have the right combination of support and comfort to help us get the best night’s sleep, but finding the right balance isn’t always straightforward.
That’s because one person’s ideal mattress is another’s nightmare. Fortunately, this guide will help you narrow down your options and find the right mattress and box spring best suited to your personal sleep style.
Start With Size
The easiest way to narrow down your mattress options is to specify your preferred size. Since the costs associated with bedding go up with mattress size, bigger isn’t always better, especially if you’re shopping on a budget.
For those starting from scratch and buying both the bedframe and mattress together, you should factor in both the extra upfront and long-term costs associated with larger mattress sizes. A standard king mattress is the widest at 76 inches, followed by a California king mattress at 72 inches. A standard queen mattress is smaller at 60 inches wide, but it’s still a popular option for couples looking to save on long-term bedding costs.
Bedding for a full mattress or twin mattress is more affordable because less material is required, but these types of beds are more suited to children and single sleepers. Full mattresses, also known as double mattresses, are typically 16 inches wider than a twin.
Once you know which size mattress you need, you can then move on to the next step.
Determine How Much Support You Need
Mattresses are designed in a wide variety of comfort types for a reason: What feels amazing for one person may cause you pain and sleepless nights. That’s why it’s essential to figure out what type of support you need before investing in a new mattress.
Finding the right balance between support and comfort can be difficult, but considering your sleep style can help. For instance, if you sleep on your side, you’ll need more pressure relief than other sleepers. Memory foam or pillow top mattresses are a good option because they cradle your pressure points. A firm mattress will only cause hip and shoulder pain.
By contrast, a stomach sleeper is best served with a firmer innerspring mattress. Plush memory foam will only feel smothering because it causes the body to sink in and it holds in more body heat. If you sleep on your back, you need a healthy middle ground to keep your spine in alignment at night.
The best way to find your ideal blend of support and comfort is to test various mattresses in-store. Even if you plan to buy a new mattress online, there’s no substitute for trying out a few mattress types to make sure you’ve made the right decision.
To test a mattress properly, lie down on it for five minutes on your back and then five minutes on each side. If you’re a stomach sleeper, you may also want to turn on your stomach for a few minutes. Note whether you feel any pressure points.
Consider Your Partner’s Needs
Discovering which type of mattress your body needs is relatively easy, but what if your partner’s preferences don’t match yours?
Medium, cushion firm, and memory foam mattresses can be the perfect compromise between two drastically different sleepers. Even if one partner can’t seem to get comfortable with a mattress decision, a separate mattress topper added to one side of the bed can help. Simply err on the firmer side and add a cushioned topper for the partner who needs a softer sleep experience.
Allergies are another factor to consider when shopping for mattresses. Certain types of mattresses, including latex and foam, are antimicrobial and resist mold and dust mites. If your or your partner’s comfort needs call for another type of mattress that isn’t specifically anti-allergen, simply purchase an allergen-resistant mattress cover.
Decide Whether You Need a Box Spring
Mattresses and box springs are often sold together as a set. These sets are perfect for standard bed frames, but buying a box spring isn’t always necessary.
If you have a platform bed, for instance, you won’t need a box spring because the bed itself is designed to serve as the mattress’s foundation. Innerspring mattresses also feature an enclosed wood frame for added support, so you could get away without buying the box spring.
Certain manufacturers, however, stipulate that you must purchase both the mattress and box spring as a set to receive full warranty coverage. In doing your research, go over all warranty information before deciding which mattress is right for you.
Read Reviews
When you’ve narrowed down your sleep preferences to a particular mattress type of brand, compare customer reviews and feedback on the model you’re considering, even if you’re shopping for a mattress in the store.
The JCPenney website makes it easy to look up the latest reviews and average ratings of all the mattresses we carry. You can even narrow your search results by rating and best sellers. While customer reviews are subjective and your experience can vary, they can help you learn the pros and cons someone else has experienced with the mattress.
Buy a New Mattress Every Decade
After a while, mattresses get worn, lumpy, and even thin in certain spots. The springs may even start to poke through. That’s why experts recommend buying a new mattress eight to ten years for maximum health benefits.
To keep your new mattress in the best shape for even longer, be sure to flip and rotate it regularly according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. View our guide: “How Often Should You Replace Your Mattress” for even more more information.
Enjoy free delivery, special financing options, and an unmatched mattress selection at JCPenney. We have everything you need to take care of your bedding needs.
