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.Hi, my name is Caroline and I would like to offer you a “dreamy” welcome to my website. Well, I say dreamy but if you’re in the same situation I was some months ago, the chances are you’re feeling anything but! Just to give you a bit of background information on why you see this creation before you today, I was in a pretty bad place some time ago and if this is the same with you, I am happy to let you know that a good mattress can really turn your world around. It could be that you’re the same as I was and you’re fed-up with those aches and pains that bug you every morning when you wake-up. It could also be that you’re just looking for a new mattress and have already done a whole load of research on the internet, or have been to your local store and still can’t find a mattress that will suit your needs. Either way, I happen to be an avid lover of memory foam and I also believe that you don’t have to take out a second mortgage so you can pay for it.
So, in the following pages you won’t just find reviews on what I think are some of the best brands of foam mattresses on the market right now, but also a good smattering of other pages that are there for information alone. In fact, I like to think of my website as a place where you can find all the information you need in one place. If you already know what type of mattress you would like, or you don’t have the time to navigate through my website until you find the right one, I have added a comparison table for you. In this table you will be met with straight to the point facts about model, type, size and a whole host of other easy to see facts on the foam mattresses I have here. At the end, if you do have time for that cup of coffee I have also added a link so you can read the full review on the product you’re interested in.I have plenty of informational pages that will help you understand how to choose a memory foam mattress, what type might suit you best and much more. Below is a list of what I have included and you’re more than welcome to click on the link if you would like more information.
If you’ve managed to wade through all of the information above without falling asleep, I now move onto my best picks for memory foam mattresses. Best Memory Foam Mattress Overall For my best overall I choose the Sleep Innovations SureTemp because it’s a high quality mattress for a very fair price. In the review you will find three different depths: the 12 inch, 10 inch and 8 inch model, but the reason I chose this model isn’t just because the sizes will suit a wide range of people, it also comes with a 20 year warranty – something that’s not very common in this price range. Best High-End Quality Foam Mattress OK, so this isn’t the cheapest model I have in my selection of reviews, but the Ultimate Dreams 13” Gel Foam mattress has got pretty much everything. It includes a cooling layer, is available in no less than six sizes and really will help to keep those night-time aches and pains away. In fact, it has been compared to some of the large and expensive brand names out there but comes at a fraction of the price.
Best Mattress for the Money I know many people who have spent well in excess of $1500 on a memory foam mattress, and even more than that in some cases. The models I have reviewed here will not cost you anywhere near that much, yet you still have the benefit of memory foam technology. Even 12 Inch of that if you want, but you can also choose for 6 or 8 Inch and save even more! Best Therapeutic Foam Mattress You may recall that I have mentioned my aches and pains which hardly ever bother me anymore, and I’m a firm believer that it’s because I switched to the DynastyMattress Therapeutic Deluxe. This is why it earns a place as my best therapeutic mattress, although I will say this is for those of you who prefer a firm mattress. That aside, in my opinion this mattress has been my savior this past few months! Best 10-Inch Budget Memory Foam If you get time to go through my website, you will notice that I constantly mention the fact that people complain about becoming overheated when sleeping on a memory foam mattress (especially those in the lower price range).
The LUCID by LinenSpa gets my vote for the best 10″ budget mattress because I think the manufacturer has done an excellent job at using technology that will keep you cool all night long. Best Kids Memory Foam Mattress I couldn’t forget the children could I? After all, we have to remember that growing bones and joints need to be protected and that’s why I have chosen the Sleep Master 6 inch as my best kids mattress. Apart from offering the best overnight support for a little body, this model also comes with an easy zip-off Jacquard cover (for those little accidents), and it won’t break the bank! You thought I had forgotten didn’t you! Well, my website wouldn’t be complete without reviews on mattress toppers as well, and you can find the whole selection here. However, my favorite is the Density Visco 4lb which is 3 inches thick. If you can’t afford a completely new mattress right now, this is the answer! I also happen to think this topper is a great idea if you’re considering moving to memory foam for the first time and just want to give it a try.
Unlike a traditional mattress, a memory foam mattress will need to be cared for slightly differently, and surprisingly maintenance in general can differ from brand to brand. However, there are some basic rules to follow, and you will find out what they are on this page. You can also take a look at this video page I’ve added which shows you how to steam clean a mattress. For those of you who are considering a memory foam mattress for the first time, and would like to know what the differences are between certain types, I have also added these pages for you: And if you’re someone who likes to know how the finished product eventually arrives at your door, you can also take a look at this great video I found that details how latex and memory foam mattresses are made. It doesn’t stop there on the information front! You can also find out more about the different types of foam (and there are quite a few to consider) or the considerations for side-, back- and stomach sleepers.
This last one is probably the most important to at least have a quick look through. The reason for this is the position you sleep in has a lot to do with the type of foam mattress you should consider looking into, and the last thing I want is for you to come away from my website with the wrong product! Gaining the perfect level of comfort does have an awful lot to do with the type of mattress you have, but here are other things to remember that will help you finally get that uninterrupted night’s sleep you’ve been “day-dreaming” about. For one thing, your pillow could be the source of some of the discomfort you experience, and I have added another video with tips on finding the right pillow. Once you have some idea of what type is likely to suit you, I have added a really good cross section of reviews on the best bed pillows I’ve found which you can find here. Just to add the finishing touches for both comfort and aesthetics feel free to take a look at the mini reviews I have for you on the following: