Considering that most people spend about one-third of their lives in bed, it's hardly surprising that a mattress can have a big impact on your overall health. There are several types of mattresses, each with a particular set of advantages and disadvantages. Traditional innerspring models remain the most popular type, but newer alternatives -- including memory foam, latex foam, air mattresses with adjustable firmness "zones" (as exemplified by the Sleep Number brand) and organic mattresses made of various materials -- have gained favor with owners. One of the big issues with buying a new mattress is that it generally requires a fairly significant cash outlay -- in most cases about $500 for a twin; $1000 or more for a queen or king. Some cost two or three times as much, depending upon features. And that often does not include the box spring or other foundation. However, with as much time as you spend in bed, and the average length of time you'll own the mattress, it pays to buy the best one you can afford.
Figuring out exactly how much a mattress costs can also be difficult. Most mattress companies have a specific line (or several) of a mattress (Posturepedic by Sealy and Beautyrest by Simmons are good examples of this), and then, within that line, have dozens of different models that are not detailed on the manufacturer's website. So, while several retailers may carry the same line, there is little consistency from retailer to retailer. In addition, the same model may be sold under different names at different retailers. Because of that, for the purposes of this report, we don't rate specific mattresses; rather, we rate mattress lines that get the best reviews across the board. As for price, we have quoted the manufacturer's suggested retail price, which are usually much higher than the actual prices you'll find in stores. We discuss price in more detail -- as well as how to get the best deal -- on our buying guide page. Also, if a mattress is just one of several bedroom purchases you're planning, check out our related reports on bed sheets, pillows and mattress toppers.
Innerspring mattresses have been the most popular type for decades, and countless styles, features and options are available. Models vary greatly in cost, from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. Price differences may depend on the number and size of the coils, the amount and type of padding, and details such as fabric and stitching. Compared with other types, innerspring mattresses tend to retain less body heat and come in a wider range of firmness levels. They do tend to transfer more motion, which can be a concern if you share your bed with a partner, but can be a plus during sex. They're also less durable and more prone to sagging than other types of mattresses. Most experts say innerspring mattresses should be replaced after 10 years at most. Memory foam mattresses are made from visco-elastic foam, a type of foam that molds itself to the body. While the best-known manufacturer is Tempur-Pedic, quite a few companies offer less expensive versions. Many owners love sleeping on memory foam because of how well it conforms to the curves and lines of the body.
Memory foam is also a good choice if you have a restless partner as it minimizes movement transfer. Going from innerspring to memory foam can take some getting used to, but most who give it time say making the switch was well worth it. Some people find that memory foam traps heat -- a complaint that makers have addressed with the development of gel-infused memory foam, which is designed to create a cooler sleeping surface. Latex foam mattresses, which are made from natural or synthetic rubber, are springier than memory foam mattresses and don't retain as much body heat. They are also resistant to mold and dust mites. In addition, mattresses made of natural latex are eco-friendly, since natural latex is a renewable resource. Many latex mattresses go for several thousand dollars for a queen set, although some lower-end brands that incorporate synthetic latex and a less expensive processing method can run as low as $3000 (for twin). Some mattresses may help to ease back pain. Experts say that adjustable, permanent-use air mattresses may be the best choice for back pain sufferers.
Don't confuse them with inflatable, temporary air mattresses, though, which we cover in a separate report; those aren't considered suitable for long-term use. Permanent air mattresses, such as those sold under the Sleep Number Bed label, have air chambers that can be adjusted to provide customized support, and are topped with padding. Some even allow each side of the mattress to be adjusted independently. Permanent air mattresses can be expensive, running at least $1,000 for a queen set. They tend to be quite durable though, because, while they rely on mechanical parts that can fail, those parts are replaceable. Although it would seem as if the experiences of mattress owners would be the most crucial aspect of finding the best mattress; in fact, owners reviews are fairly hard to come by for specific mattresses. This may be because, as noted earlier, there is little consistency between mattress models. -- which has compiled more data about mattress satisfaction than any other site.
Factors including comfort, value and durability are included in our analysis. The result of our research is the best mattresses for your best night's sleep. Wellness › Sleep › In Hans Christian Andersen's fairytale The Princess and the Pea, a princess is unable to get a good night's sleep because a pea has been placed under her mattress—which is actually 20 mattresses piled high! One moral to this tale is that the quality of what you sleep on matters to the quality of your sleep. In fact, when we are asleep, our body is compressed by gravity in a different way than when we stand upright, and we need to be fully supported by the mattress and its supporting structures. For this reason, the mattress has been called an "anti-gravity machine" that makes it possible to maintain the natural shape of the spine when sleeping. Although we spend around one-third of our life lying on mattresses, and although it is estimated that about half of all Americans experience at least occasional sleep difficulties, there has been relatively little scientific study of mattress design.
[2] Poor mattress design can create inappropriate body support, and this in turn may cause muscle discomfort and back pain.[3] So what are the features of a good mattress? Does it matter if it's too hard or too soft? Does it matter if it's an orthopaedic mattress? Is a mattress even important? In a recent study of mattress ergonomics that tested 12 women, lying on an incompressible wooden surface was compared with various mattresses. All of the mattresses were judged as significantly more comfortable than the wooden surface, but there were no significant differences between mattress types, even though these included orthopaedic and normal designs. Measures of shoulder, elbow, hip, knee and ankle body contact pressures showed few significant differences, and surprisingly, there were no significant associations between measures and the comfort ratings. However, how hard or soft a mattress feels is thought to be an important factor in reducing or preventing back pain.[5] Comparison of sleeping on a futon or a softer air mattress showed that sleep onset latency, waking after sleep onset, and the sleep efficiency index were comparable for both mattresses, but subjective sleep evaluation tended to be better for the air mattress.
[6] A study of sleep quality and bed firmness showed that 4 of 9 male subjects slept significantly better on the softer mattresses, while 2 slept better on the harder mattress. The greatest difference in sleep quality occurred when changing from the subject's own mattress to one of the test mattresses, and the authors concluded that it may take several days to adapt to a new sleep surface.[7] This may be why business travelers often report sleep difficulties. Guidelines for Choosing a Mattress So what should you look for in a mattress? The Cornell University's Ergonomics group gives some guidelines for choosing your mattress. Look for a mattress that is: Designed to conform to the spine's natural curves and to keep the spine in alignment when you lay down. Designed to distribute pressure evenly across the body to help circulation, decrease body movement and enhance sleep quality. Designed to minimize the transfer of movement from one sleeping partner to the other.
Designed with perimeter edge support. Also, look for a pillow that complements the mattress, and choose pillows that are: Designed to keep the spine in natural alignment. Designed for maximum adjustability. Designed with the ability to be fluffed to fit the unique contour, shape, and sleeping posture of the user. Designed to support different sleep positions: Side sleeper , back sleeper, stomach sleeper. Designed to support the head. Designed to provide tactile softness. Designed to eliminate pressure points. Designed to increase facial air circulation. Remember, you'll spend around some 24 years of your life sleeping, so take time to choose the best sleep system (i.e., the mattress, support structure, pillows, and sheets) that you can, and it will improve your sleep and your quality of life. Back Pain Center: Upper, Mid Back, Low and Lower Back 5 Harmful Habits for Your Spine Facts and FAQs About Sciatica, Low Back and Leg Pain