Mattresses Buying Guide

The quality of your sleep affects your day, which is why choosing mattresses should be given some serious thought. Mattresses come in a wider variety of sizes, materials and construction than ever before, which means it's easier than ever before to find a mattress that's just right for you. However, so many options can also be a little bewildering, so doing a little homework on the different kinds of mattresses that are available -- spring mattresses, memory foam mattresses, latex mattresses and air mattresses -- can simplify your decision and help you find just the right bed.

Buying a Mattress:

1. Spring mattresses: Coil-spring mattresses are the mattresses you're probably most familiar with, the ones that use a set of coiled springs to make the mattress both comfortable and supportive. Spring mattresses have been the most common type of mattress for years, and with good reason. They offer a good combination of support and comfort, and with so many different kinds of spring mattresses available today, you can find one that suits just about anyone's preferences. When you shop for a spring mattress, pay attention to the gauge of the springs and the spring count.

   Coil Gauge and Spring Count

   • Coil gauge: Coil gauge measures the thickness of the springs inside a mattress. Contrary to what you might think, the higher the gauge, the thinner the spring. If you like a bed that feels springy, look for a mattress with a coil gauge of between 14 and 15.5 (1.63 and 1.37 mm). If you like firm beds, 12.5-gauge (1.94 mm) coils are as thick as they come.

   • Coil count: Like it sounds, coil count is the number of springs in your mattress. While coil count makes a big difference in the quality of a mattress, don't assume that the mattress with the most coils is the best mattress out there. The type of coil construction, the number of turns in a coil and the quality of the coil all make a big difference in the durability and comfort of your mattress, so do some research on the brand you're looking into before making a purchase.

2. Memory foam mattresses: While spring mattresses still sell the most units, memory foam mattresses have become a competitor in the last decade, thanks to memory foam's ability to mold to the shape of a person's body. While memory foam mattresses aren't as springy as spring mattresses, they can offer customized support that people who enjoy firm mattresses or who have back trouble often appreciate; in fact, the initial firmness of memory foam surprises most people. If you're shopping for a memory foam mattress, pay attention to the firmness of the foam as well as the construction of the mattress.

Memory Foam Density and Construction

• Memory foam density: There isn't a "best" firmness of memory foam. Low-density memory foams, usually around a 3-pound density (that means a cubic foot of the material weighs 3 pounds) offer more give than higher densities, but not as much durability. High-density foams offer great support and durability, but they are fairly firm, especially when you first lie down. Keep in mind that memory foam softens as it warms up, which means that any density of memory foam will feel a little stiff when you first lie down. If you're worried about durability but you want a soft sleeping surface, consider buying a memory foam mattress with a pillow top.

• Memory foam mattress construction: If you haven't shopped for memory foam mattresses before, you may assume that they're simply a slab of foam. While many are, nowadays there are several variations on the theme, from spring mattresses that feature a thin slab of memory foam in place of a pillow top to mattresses that are half memory foam and half latex foam or some other material. All these varieties have their bonuses, but make sure you carefully read the mattress product descriptions while you're shopping so you know exactly what you're getting.

3. Latex foam mattresses: While not as popular their memory foam cousins, latex mattresses have a solid niche in the mattress industry and appeal to mattress shoppers for a few particular reasons. One unique appeal of latex foam mattresses is that they are the only mattresses that are offered in 100 percent organic, renewable materials, since latex rubber is made from the sap of rubber trees; however, don't assume that a particular mattress is organic unless the description states this. Latex mattresses are also naturally hypoallergenic, a big bonus if you have dust-mite allergies or mold allergies. Like memory foam, latex foam comes in different densities, so you can tailor your mattress to fit your preferences, but unlike memory foam, latex foam feels soft as soon as you lie down on it. Also, a mattress made from quality latex foam is very durable and can last for well over a decade.

4. Air mattresses: Few people use air beds as their everyday mattress, though recent innovations that have made air mattress more comfortable and practical than ever before have also made them an inexpensive mattress option for students and travelers as well as a simple, comfortable go-to mattress for visitors and camping trips. If you're interested in investing in a new air bed, look for features like pillow tops and built-in air compressors.

Tips from Overstock.com:

1. Box springs won't make or break your sleeping experience quite like a mattress will, but they do make a difference. Most mattresses come with a new box spring; even if your current box spring is in good shape, you may want to consider buying the box spring that comes with the mattress, since many mattresses and box springs are designed to work together and box springs are relatively inexpensive. Also, keep in mind that box springs come in different heights. Standard, high-profile box springs are nine inches in height, whereas low-profile box springs are five inches in height. They will both support your mattress equally well, but the low-profile design can make getting in and out of bed easier, especially with extra-high pillow-top mattresses.

2. Speaking of pillow-top mattresses, one thing to pay attention to is the cushion on the top of the mattress. Pillow-top mattresses, mattresses that have a thick layer of quilted foam over the springs of the mattress, are becoming more and more popular. While pillow-top mattresses are luxuriously soft, occasionally they are made from low-quality foam and are used to cover poor-quality springs, so make sure you do your homework on whichever bed you're buying.