Best Mattress 2023

With so many mattresses on the market, it can be overwhelming to know which mattress is ideal for you. What firmness should I get? What type of mattress? Fortunately, there are key benchmarks to consider when looking to buy a mattress.

When it comes to a good night's sleep, having the right mattress can make all the difference.

Keep in mind that one mattress doesn't fit everyone's needs. Read on to learn more about key things to consider when looking for the ideal mattress for you.

How To Choose A Mattress

Choosing a mattress can be a complex process because of the hundreds of mattresses made by different manufacturers. However, you can narrow down your options by keeping the following criteria in mind:

• Look for materials and features for nighttime comfort: Mattresses will have different levels of breathability, firmness options, and motion transfer. Some soft mattresses give you a soft, sinking feeling as you sleep, while firmer versions may have more pushback and flexibility for support. To determine which mattress is comfortable, try different mattress firmness levels.
• Consider any possible allergic reactions: Be mindful of any allergies you may have and the materials in the mattress you are looking to buy.
• Make the most out of your budget: Sleep is an investment. Find a mattress that is comfortable and supports you within your budget.
• Read mattress reviews: If you can't try out a mattress in person, mattress reviews can help you make a more informed decision. Don't rely on just one – read multiple reviews to see how they performed for people with a similar body type and sleeping needs. An alternative is to see if a mattress company offers sleep trials so you can return it within a certain period if you're unsatisfied.

What To Look For In A Mattress

These are the following properties that you should look for in a mattress purchase. By keeping these in mind, you'll have a balance of comfort and support for your body weight, position, and personal preference.

• Durability: A high-quality mattress should be able to comfortably support your body weight every night. It should withstand regular use for many years so you can make the most out of it before it needs replacing.
• Pressure relief: Your body weight digs into your mattress as you sleep, causing some parts to build up pressure. A lack of pressure relief can cause you to toss and turn at night to find a comfortable sleeping position. Look for the right combination of flexible, responsive high-quality materials that can provide this important feature.
• Breathability: Keep in mind the temperature you sleep in. Is it hot or cold? Look for mattresses that help you sleep cooler.
• Motion transfer: A mattress that reduces motion transfer is best for those who co-sleep with a partner, child, or pet. This feature will keep you from waking your co-sleeper up if you change sleeping positions or get out of bed.

Types Of Mattresses

Confused by the hundreds of mattresses available on the market?  While mattress models from different brands are made with different materials and features, they will have commonalities in construction that place them firmly within a certain type. Keep reading to learn more about the most common mattress types you can choose from.

GelFlex Grid Technology

A GelFlex Grid mattress is an injection-molded GelFlex Grid that cushions and supports your body. 

Key features: Instantly adapts to your body to provide comfort and support.

GelFlex Grid instantly adapts to your body regardless of your sleeping position, weight, and size. Purple mattresses are offered in various firmness levels to support individual preferences and needs.

Innerspring Mattresses

Definition: Innerspring mattresses are made with coil construction for their base layer. The core of metal coils can be made with either connected coils or individually pocketed coils. This core is then topped with a comfort layer made from latex foam or memory foam.

Key features: Affordability and temperature control

Traditional innerspring mattresses are manufactured by most mattress companies, so you'll have plenty of choices at different price points if you prefer this mattress type. When topped with latex foam or memory foam with air channels, this mattress type can promote plenty of airflow during sleep. This may appeal to hot sleepers worried about being disturbed by sweat and excess body heat at night.

Memory Foam Mattresses

Definition: Memory foam mattresses are made with several softer comfort layers of foam on top and a firmer layer of foam for stability at the bottom. The top comfort layers can be made with open-cell foam, gel-infused foam, or traditional viscoelastic foam.

Key features: Cradling and support for pressure points

If you prefer a cushier, plusher mattress, look into body-contouring memory foam mattresses to see if they're supportive enough for your sleeping position. Ask a mattress company assistant what type of memory foam they're using for their mattress, as some foam types are more cooling or more likely to trap excess body heat.

Latex Foam Mattresses

Definition: Latex foam mattresses can be made from natural latex, synthetic latex, or foam layers with a combination of these two latex types. These mattresses are known for being very breathable, with an open-cell foam structure that keeps them airy and cool.

Key features: Breathable, durable materials

Environment-conscious shoppers looking for an eco-friendly, comfortable choice should consider a natural latex foam mattress. Because they're highly cooling, latex foam mattresses are also a good option for hot sleepers.

All-Foam Mattresses

Definition: An all-foam mattress typically consists of a supportive base layer and softer, adaptive foam on top. These mattresses are often made with a combination of polyfoam (polyurethane foam) and memory foam comfort layers.

Key features: Cushioning, responsive surface

Body-contouring memory foam can cradle your body while you sleep. Some sleepers could find this mattress type highly comfortable because of its cushioning. Hot sleepers who are considering getting an all-foam mattress should look for open-cell foam or gel memory foam. This foam type will keep excess body heat from being trapped and causing sweaty, sleepless evenings.

Multi-Layer Mattresses

Multi-layer mattresses are made with separate layers of different types of foam. The base layer is typically made with the firmest layer of foam for stability, while softer foam layers are placed above for comfort. However, its layers can easily be swapped around so you can adjust it to your desired firmness.

Key features: Customizable foam layers

Not sure if you prefer softer or denser foam for your sleeping position? The all-foam mattress could help you find a custom combination that feels most comfortable to your pressure points and body type.

Hybrid Mattresses

Definition: Hybrid mattresses are multi-layer mattresses made with a core of metal coils and foam comfort layers on top. Some hybrid mattresses may have a middle layer of transition foam for additional support.

Key features: Combination of temperature control and support

Hybrid mattresses promote airflow thanks to their combination of foam layers and coil construction. Combination sleepers who continually shift sleeping positions at night should try sleeping on hybrid models. Hybrid version mattresses have a responsive, supportive design that can be comfortable for different sleeping positions.

Airbed Mattresses

Definition: Airbeds are made with foam comfort layers on the outside and inflatable air chambers inside. You can adjust the air levels inside using a remote control or mobile device app to customize mattress firmness.

Key features: Adjustable for a variety of sleeper types

For those who've recently switched sleep positions or don't know if they want a softer or firmer mattress, try sleeping on an airbed. This mattress type's softness can quickly be adjusted with external controls until you reach your desired firmness level.

Couples who are thinking of getting this mattress type should look for versions that allow them to adjust air levels on different sides of the mattress. This lets them sleep in the same bed while enjoying their preferred mattress firmness.

How To Find The Best Mattress For You

We've put together several guides that will help a variety of sleeper types find the best mattress for them based on their sleeping position. Finding the best mattress type for you will depend on a variety of factors. Some of these depend on your body type preferred firmness and desired temperature. Check our recommendations out to see if they're suitable for you!

Best Mattress For Side Sleepers

If you're a side sleeper, consider getting hybrid models. A hybrid mattress' combination of foam and sturdy metal coils may provide the flexibility and cushioning you need for a good night's sleep.

Strict-side sleepers may also try sleeping on body-contouring mattresses. Comfort layers can cushion pressure points and support the body's natural alignment while you snooze. If you're concerned about sinking too deeply into your mattress, try getting one that more firm

Best Mattress For Hot Sleepers

Key features in this sleeper's ideal mattress type include high airflow, low retention of excess body heat, and moisture wicking.

Look for mattresses that have features that support sleeping cool. If you are a hot sleeper, getting a mattress that sleeps cool can make all the difference.

Best Mattress For Stomach Sleepers

Stomach sleepers may want to consider getting a firmer model to prevent the neck and spine from arching back too far. If you're a strict stomach sleeper, try resting on a medium-firm to firm mattress to make sure you don't sink in too deeply.

Best Mattress For Adjustable Bed

Adjustable beds can ruin a mattress that's not compatible. Consider a mattress from the same mattress company that manufactured your adjustable base to ensure compatibility. Speak with your mattress and adjustable bed manufacturer to ensure they are compatible.

Best Mattress For Back Sleepers

Back sleepers should look for a medium-soft to medium-firm mattress, which has been shown by studies to promote neutral spinal alignment. 

Back sleepers may consider a hybrid mattress that has added support coils. 

Best Mattress For Couples

The best mattress for couples is one that ideally caters to your and your partner's sleep preferences.

Couples with varying sleeping positions and preferred mattress firmness may consider getting a split mattress. This allows you and your partner to customize your sleeping surface in terms of supportiveness, mattress firmness, and material.

However, if you're not big on getting a split bed and don't have too big a difference in mattress preferences, try a mattress in-store with your partner to find a balance that you both prefer.

Choosing The Best Mattress FAQs

How much should I pay for a good mattress?

Don't skimp on this, as you'll be sleeping on your mattress every night for years to come. The quality of your mattress will have a big effect on your sleep quality – and consequently, on your physical and mental health.

What is the most comfortable mattress in the world?

The most comfortable mattress in the world will depend on your sleep style, firmness preferences, and preferred temperature for sleeping. There's no one-size-fits-all perfect mattress for everyone, as sleep positions, weight, and desired temperature will all affect what you find "comfortable".

However, there are some things you can keep in mind to help you find the most comfortable mattress in the world. Here are some questions you should ask yourself before making your mattress purchase:

• Is this a supportive mattress for things like my hips and shoulders?
• Do I want a firm or soft mattress?
• How breathable is this type of mattress?
• Do I want a mattress that keeps me cooler or warmer when I sleep?
• Is there enough space and edge support to keep me from rolling off the bed?
• What materials are used to make this type of mattress, and do they feel comfortable to me?

How often should I replace my mattress?

You should replace your mattress every seven years, on average. Some mattresses last longer when given proper care and maintenance. You may want to ask yourself the following questions when considering replacing your mattress:

• There's sagging deformation or low dips in the mattress material.
• Your mattress has stains that won't come out despite regular cleaning.
• Your mattress has persistent foul smells.
• You wake up with aches and pains.