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.Which is the Best Mattress of 2017? About Best Sellers in MattressesHere you can discover the best Mattresses in Amazon Best Sellers, and find the top 100 most popular Amazon Mattresses. Historically, beds have been sized according to the user's size, not a pre-determined set size. Since mattresses were not factory made, they were essentially customized to the sleeper or the room. Well, that has long since changed. The modern manufacturing methods of mattress has standardized the sizing of mattresses. Now, we have mattresses sized according to a few methods. One of the most popular mattress sizes is the single or twin. Here's a quick look at what you should know about twin mattresses. Twin mattresses are also called single mattresses. In most countries, a twin bed is one of a set of two, hence the name twin, but in the US, it can also refer to just one smaller sized mattress.
North American twin mattresses are thirty-nine inches wide by seventy-five inches long. This size is not consistent around the world. In the UK, Ireland, and Australia, a single mattress is just a bit narrower at thirty-six inches wide and still seventy-five inches long; while in Latin America and the rest of Europe, the bed is narrower still at thirty-five inches wide but a bit longer at seventy-nine inches long. An extra long twin size is popular in the college dorms of many American universities. It's the same width as a regular twin sized mattress, but an extra five inches longer at eighty inches long. We commonly associate twin mattresses with children. After all, these small beds are an economical way to sleep more children in a small space, and provide enough room for them to sleep comfortably. However, kids aren't the only people who sleep on twin mattresses. College dorms are a common place for twin mattresses and many people living alone in studio or efficiency apartments choose the twin because of its small profile.
Historically, the twin bed was originally used by married couples. In the 1890s, it became a popular way for couples to get more sleep, without waking one another up in the night. Alarmists of the time blamed the new trend for an increase in troubled marriages, and forecast an increase in divorce if husbands and wives slept apart. Twin beds were fashionable and soon became a popular choice - to the point where married couples were never shown sleeping together on television. Twin beds were also provided for servants, who had previously slept all together in one room. These days, couples have mostly abandoned the twin bed, and sleep together again. Higher tech mattresses prevent us from waking our bed partners in one larger bed. However, twin beds are still very useful for anyone who sleeps on their own and doesn't want a bed that takes up too much space. Whether you choose a twin mattress for the kids' rooms or because you have a smaller bedroom of your own, make sure you choose and purchase a good one.