How to choose a mattress — tips from a Certified Sleep Coach

When you’re choosing a new mattress, the number of options online and in store might leave you needing a lie down. As a mattress editor and Certified Sleep Science Coach, I’m here to guide you through the mattress buying process. With a few simple pointers, you can get the bed of your dreams.

My Tom’s Guide team has tested over 140 beds to find the best mattresses you can buy online for every sleep style. I know first-hand how sleep position, body size and mattress type can impact your comfort, so I’m breaking down each category to help you get started. But first, my golden rule: choose a mattress with a sleep trial.

A trial period, typically lasting 100 nights, lets you test a mattress without a commitment. This is particularly important when shopping online, as you might not feel the bed until it’s in your room. With that in mind, here’s my complete guide to choosing a mattress. Read this, then head to our mattress sales page for all the latest deals from Saatva, DreamCloud, IKEA, Amazon, and more.

Mattress types explained

There are six main types of mattress for you to choose from. If it's been a while since you last shopped for a bed, then familiarize yourself with these terms — it'll make the process much easier.

The following mattress types are widely available to buy online and in store, and each type has its benefits and drawbacks:

Hybrid: Hybrid mattresses contain two types of materials. Springs, which provide support, and foams, which add cushioned pressure relief. These versatile beds suit most people and the open springs help them sleep cooler. However, hybrids are bouncier than all-foam mattresses and typically more expensive. The best hybrid mattress right now is the Saatva Classic, a luxury innerspring hybrid that delivers a hotel bed feel at home (read our Saatva Classic mattress review).

Foam: These mattresses use multiple layers of foam to deliver comfort, without a spring in sight. All-foam beds tend to hug the body, often giving them excellent pressure relief, but they do retain warmth more than other types. Tread carefully if you’re prone to overheating. The best memory foam mattresses also excel at motion isolation, as the dense foams absorb the movements of your partner so your sleep isn't disrupted.

Innerspring: This traditional mattress type is often mistaken for a hybrid due to its coil-based support system. However, while hybrids use thick comfort layers, most innersprings place just a thin layer of foam or fiber between you and the springs. They're bouncy and affordable but deliver minimal pressure relief. Innersprings also increasingly rare, although you can find budget-friendly options from retailers such as IKEA and Mattress Firm.

Latex: Natural latex foam is a durable eco-friendly material. Most of the best organic mattresses employ latex foam in some way but pure latex mattresses are constructed with layers made entirely of latex. They're naturally cooling and typically long lasting (particularly Dunlop latex) but come at a high price. Synthetic latex foams are also available, which are made from petroleum.

Air mattress: Not to be confused with your blow up guest bed, air mattresses use air chambers to form an adjustable support core. These chambers can be inflated via remote (or app if there’s smart functionality) to allow you to control the firmness. They're great if you don't know what feel you like best, or if pain means you regularly have different needs from your bed.

Smart mattress: These app-controlled beds come fitted with sensors that can track your sleep quality and quantity. While the best sleep trackers tend to be wearables that take limited measurements, smart beds can take readings from across the body. Smart mattresses and smart beds often offer added functionality such as cooling and heating (for each side individually), or custom firmness for you and your partner, based on your tracking data.

How to choose a mattress firmness level

Mattress firmness is measured on a scale of 1 to 10 and while firmness is subjective, these numbers are a good indicator of the overall feel of a bed. I recommend letting your sleep position and body weight do most of the talking. Both factors have a big impact on the firmness you’d find most comfortable.

Here’s a guide to the different firmness levels and who they suit most:

How to choose a mattress thickness

Mattress thickness refers to how tall a mattress measures from the base to the top. Thicker mattresses tend to be the most luxurious (and most expensive) but 8" or taller should provide enough support for an adult body.

Thickness can affect the overall feel of the mattress and, as with firmness, body type and sleep position are key to choosing the right height. Your bed frame and mobility are also important factors (you shouldn't have to stretch to get into bed). Here's a quick breakdown of mattress height:

How to choose a mattress for your sleep position

The way you sleep is a big factor in what type of mattress you should choose. I’ll be speaking in broad terms in this article, but here’s how to choose a mattress according to your sleeping position:

Side sleepers: The best mattresses for side sleepers deliver constant pressure relief around your hips, shoulders and knees — the areas that press deepest into the bed when lying on your side. Softness and contouring is needed here to help you sleep comfortably. A soft to medium-firm mattress is the best choice for side sleeping, and look for a design with top layers of cushioning.

Back sleepers: Choose a mattress with ample support layers and a focus on lumbar support. You want to remain on top of the mattress without sinking in. This holds your spine straight and can help prevent back pain. Medium-firm is ideal for most people, with heavier persons leaning towards firm back sleeping mattresses. Consider a pillow-top for an immediate hit of softness without the sinkage.

Stomach sleepers: Stomach sleeping puts pressure on the spine, so you should choose a mattress with plenty of support. Any dip in your lower back will crate pain that can travel up to your neck. The best mattresses for stomach sleepers are medium-firm to firm mattresses. Softer beds are a no-no for this position.

How to choose a mattress for your body type

In addition to your sleeping position, your body weight is an important consideration when choosing a mattress. Why? Because lighter bodies don't sink into a mattress as much as heavier bodies. That affects the way the spine is aligned, how pressure points are relieved, how motion is isolated and other key factors. Here's what you need to know about mattresses and body weights:

People weighing under 130lbs: Choose a softer mattress with good contouring, especially if you sleep on your side. Light builds don't sink far into the bed, so you need the mattress to adapt to you to prevent pressure build up. I recommend a memory foam mattress or a soft to medium-soft hybrid as the best option.

People who weigh 130lbs to 230lbs: This is considered 'average' body weight by most mattress brands, so you have a greater choice available to you. I recommend a medium-soft mattress if you're closer to 130lbs, particularly side sleepers, or a medium-firm if you're closer to 230lbs and sleep on your stomach or back.

People who weigh over 230lbs: Choose a firm mattress with plenty of support to stop you from sinking too far into the surface. A firmer bed will also be easier for you to move around on, with mattresses for heavy people designed using durable materials to help them last longer under a higher body weight. Avoid anything too soft, as the sink can put pressure on the spine.

How much do mattresses cost by size?

Mattress pricing is affected by the type of bed, the quality of the materials, and the intricacy of the design. The delivery method also has an impact: the best mattresses in a box are often cheaper than traditional, flat-shipped beds that arrive via White Glove Delivery.

In recent years, mattress prices have consistently tracked upwards. This is due to a variety of factors, including rising material costs and tariffs. You can still find budget beds from retailers such as Amazon, Costco and IKEA, however.

Here's how much a mattress costs, on average, this year:

What to avoid when buying a mattress

'The best sleep of your life' is a tempting promise, so it's easy to get carried away while mattress shopping. Particularly if you're lost in the mattress jargon. I've helped countless people choose a good mattress for their sleep needs, body and budget, and over the years I've come up with a list of things to avoid when choosing a mattress.

So to keep from getting swayed by marketing language, make sure to follow my advice below:

Tip 1: Choose a mattress that comes with a sleep trial – this is my number one golden rule. A sleep trial enables you to try the mattress at home before fully committing. Yes, you still have to pay for the bed upfront, but if you change your mind during the trial period, it's easier to return or refund. It takes around 30 days to break in a new bed, and a typical trial gives you 100 nights to test is out. Just make sure you take care of the mattress during the trial period (and beyond). I suggest using the best mattress protector you can afford, as you won't be able to return the bed if its damaged or stained.

Tip 2: Set your budget and never buy based on discount alone. There are huge mattress sales most months, so you can regularly get a top-rated mattress for up to 50% off. If you can't find a deal on a mattress that suits your sleep position and body type, wait a few weeks for a new round of discounts to roll in.

Tip 3: If you've bought a boxed bed, remove it from its packaging as soon as it arrives. Leaving it in the box for too long may compromise the materials within the mattress, reducing its ability to expand properly to provide the comfort and support you need. And while it's tempting to sleep on a mattress while it's expanding, this can also compromise shape and performance.

What to remember when choosing a mattress

Choosing a mattress should be a fun experience and when you get it right, you can level up your seep. The more knowledge you arm yourself with ahead of shopping, the easier it is to find the right mattress for you.

Make sure you know which mattress size suits you best (standard sizes in the US include twin, twin XL, full, queen, king and Cal king, and in the UK you can find single, double, king and super-king). Generally speaking, queen size (US) and king size (UK) mattresses suit most couples, but get clear on mattress dimensions before you buy. It's a good idea to measure your bed frame before shopping, so you're completely aware of the size you need.

Understand the different types of mattress and how they each affect your physical comfort and the quality of your sleep. For example, memory foam is a good choice for people needing deep pressure relief and body-hugging comfort but it can trap heat and might be too warm for hot sleepers.

Only buy a mattress that comes on a trial period and that has a clear returns policy. Most sleep brands offer free returns, but a few, such as Saatva, charge an admin fee to cover shipping and exchanges.

When to buy a mattress

When is the best times to buy a mattress? There are five major bed sales throughout the year, and these tend to offer the lowest MSRPs and the biggest discounts on a wide range of mattresses. In order of the biggest savings, the sales to look out for are:

• Black Friday: The last Friday in November and the biggest mattress sales period (see our Black Friday mattress deals guide)
• Cyber Monday: The Monday directly after Black Friday, when lots of deals hang around (see our Cyber Monday mattress sales guide)
• Presidents' Day: The third Monday in February, this mid-size sale has been growing in recent years (see our Presidents' Day mattress sales guide)
• Memorial Day: The last Monday of May and Black Friday's biggest rival when it comes to discounts (see our Memorial Day mattress sales guide)
• Labor Day: The first Monday in September and a sale that's grown over the years (see our Labor Day mattress sales guide)

Of these, Black Friday is traditionally the biggest sale day of the year, while Memorial Day is a good chance to save before the summer (when prices typically rise slightly). Popular sleep brands such as Saatva, Helix, and Brooklyn Bedding tend to launch their biggest savings over these periods.

However, some brands run evergreen sales. These year-round deals might fluctuate slightly month by month, but for the most part, you’re getting the same price whenever you shop. Nectar, DreamCloud, and WinkBed run these types of sales.

Other sales to look our for include Amazon Prime Day, IKEA sales events and Walmart deals days. These fall outside major holiday sales events but can offer big discounts on budget beds.

Today's best prices on popular mattresses