Is Your Mattress Just Right?

Is Your Mattress Just Right?
10 Questions to Achieve Your Best Sleep

Buying a new mattress can be confusing! Remember Goldie Locks and the three bears? Two out
of the three chairs Goldie Locks sat in were not right for her, but they were perfect for the bears
who owned them. She had to sample all three surfaces to determine which one was “just right.”
Mattresses are similar. No mattress is “one size fits all.” They come in many different shapes,
sizes, and styles. Mattresses are created specifically for certain body types, body heat intensities,
and activity levels, including high-performance athletes. Let’s look at the top ten commonly
asked questions about mattresses to determine which one is right for you.

This One is Too Hard… This One is Too Soft…

A mattress is a big investment. How can you possibly know which one will be just right for you?
Check out this list of ten questions to ask and answer for yourself. Be sure to do your research. In
the meantime, here’s a nice jump start to learn more.

1. What mattress type is best for me? While we all have preferences toward hard or soft
   mattresses, there’s a lot more to consider when deciding which mattress is the best for
   you. Maybe the question we should ask is, Which mattress will bring me the best night’s
   sleep? There are many different types of mattresses to consider. Let’s look at a few of
   them:
   • Memory foam – These mattresses don’t have springs. As the name suggests, this
     mattress is made from memory foam and other foams that conform to the position
     of your body when you sleep.
   • Innerspring – Ranging from soft to firm, this mattress is made up of springs (or a
     coil system) and padding. Long lifespan and durability are the best features. They
     have a good amount of bounce, prevent overheating, and are affordable.
   • Hybrid – With a mix of both coils and springs, this mattress mixes styles and adds
     a comfortable layer on top. Though they can differ based on the type of bed, the
     top mattress layer can be made from many different layers such as latex, fiber,
     and/or memory foam. The firmness can range from soft to hard, which is all
     designed to relieve pressure when you sleep.
   • Latex – This is a mattress that uses latex foam. Natural latex is made from the sap
     of rubber trees. Synthetic latex uses materials made with rubber substitutes. These
     mattresses feel bouncy and tend to be firmer and last longer than memory foam.

2. How firm should my mattress be? Extra firm, firm, medium, plush, ultra plush… there
   are so many mattress options to choose from. To answer this question, here’s a little clip 
   titled How to Select Your Mattress Comfort. The position in which you sleep can tell you
   if you need a soft, medium, or firm mattress. Here’s a good basic either/or to choose
   from:

   • Back sleepers need an extra firm or ultra mattress.
   • Side sleepers need a plush firm, cushion firm, or luxury firm mattress. These
     types will give you a good balance of firm and soft. These mattresses are also a
     good compromise for couples who differ on their preferences of hard or soft
     mattresses.

3. What’s the difference between a memory foam mattress and a hybrid mattress?
   With a combination of foam and innersprings, hybrid mattresses won’t let your body
   sink, whereas memory foam conforms to the sleeper’s body and allows you to sleep
   without movement in your bed. Hybrid mattresses are more suited for sleepers whose
   body temperature run hot all night long. By conforming to your body and providing
   cushion around pressure points and joints, in addition to limiting motion, a memory foam
   mattress can relieve pressure. This helps with spine alignment. Determine which mattress
   is best for you by seeking the advice of a sleep expert at your local mattress store.

4. What’s the right mattress size? Note that the size of the room can determine the space
   you have available for a bed. For more determining factors on what size mattress is right
   for you, watch this video on how to Find which mattress is the right one for your
   bedroom. In the meantime, here’s a quick guide to decide:

   • Twin or an extra-long twin bed is good for kids and pre-teens.
   • Full-size mattresses are fifteen inches longer than a twin bed. This is a great bed
     for teens.
   • Queen-size mattresses are six inches wider and five inches longer than a full-size
     bed. This mattress is a great option for couples or for sharing the bed with an
     animal.
   • King-size or California-king beds will give you plenty of extra space, if that’s
     what you desire.

5. Does my bed frame affect my mattress choice? Yes, your bed frame does impact the
   type of mattress you should choose, as well as the type of sleep you get at night. A bad
   bed frame will lead to a sagging mattress and a poor night’s sleep, whereas a good frame
   will give support and comfort. It can even lengthen the life of a mattress by preventing
   uneven wearing. Size compatibility is vital to make sure your body remains stable while
   you sleep. Not to mention, the height of the bed will make it harder or easier to get in and
   out of bed. Here’s a quick guide of different types of bed frames:

   • Adjustable bases - Your mattress may require a specific type of foundation or
     adjustable base. The benefits of adjustable bed frames are vast as you can adjust
     the head and feet. Some bases even allow a couple to adjust each side based on
     the comfort levels of the individuals.
   • Standard bed frame – These frames sit low to the ground and require a box spring.
     They typically have bars with legs underneath. They can be metal or wood. There
     are many different styles that make them versatile in appearance.
   • Platform frame – These frames are also metal or wood, but they do not use a
     boxspring to support the bed. They use a solid slatted surface under the mattress.
     These beds are low to the ground and have a modern look.
   • Wire-grid bed frames – Similar to the platform frame, slats support the mattress
     and do not require a box spring. These slats are metal and durable.
   • Wood and metal bed frames – Both of these materials are solid and can meet your
     design or home stylistic choice. They can be used in standard or platform bed
     frames. Metal bed frames are extremely durable and can support a greater amount
     of weight.

6. Will this mattress help with my back pain? While over a third of Americans report
   having back problems, we can’t rule out an age-old, worn-down mattress as the cause.
   According to this article, Best Mattresses for Back Pain, published by Consumer Reports,
   the best way to combat back pain is keeping your spine neutral when you sleep. The best
   mattress to achieve this is a medium-firm mattress with a firmness score between five and
   seven.
   According to Consumer Ranking, the 2025’s Top 10 Mattresses for Back Pain consist of
   the following brands:

   • Puffy
   • Tempur-Pedic
   • Leesa
   • Amerisleep
   • Sleep Number
   • Helix
   • Saatva
   • Purple
   • Dreamcloud
   • Nector

   While consumer rankings are great for researching star-ratings, reviews, mattress
   information, and prices, what it can’t do is determine how the bed is going to feel on your
   back or if the mattress will help with your specific back problem. According to this
   article in Statista, Back pain in the U.S. – Statistics & Facts, “Back pain is one of the
   more common medical problems worldwide,” (Elflein). For specific health concerns with
   back pain, have a conversation with your health provider. Then physically walk into your
   local mattress store, talk to a sleep expert, and lay on mattresses to try out the comfort
   level with your back. All back problems are not the same. One mattress is likely to work
   better for you than a different mattress might work for someone else.

7. What mattress has cooling or heat-regulating technology? From products that keep
   you cool at night, such as a cooling bed pad, an electric cooling blanket, a cooling
   mattress topper for hot flashes, to a mattress with cooling technology, all are designed to
   regulate your body heat, decrease night sweats, and give you a more comfortable night’s
   sleep. If you are moving into a time of life where staying cool is a priority, ask your sleep
   experts questions about mattresses that provide technology to keep you cool despite the
   fact that your normal tendency is to sleep hot.

8. What is the best way to care for my mattress? Check out this blog, Spring Clean Your
   Mattress, for an in-depth look why you should clean your mattress and pointers on how to
   do it. In the meantime, here are a few steps to do just that:
   Dead skin cells, dust mites, and dirt collect on your mattress every time you sleep on it,
   whether you see it or not. It’s an unpleasant fact. But did you know that you can clean
   your mattress? Now, you can dust off your mattress and lay down at night feeling
   refreshed. Check the mattress tag for cleaning instructions or use these simple steps:

   1. Strip the bed and wash all your linens, including your mattress protector.
   2. Vacuum the surface with a special furniture attachment.
   3. Clean any visible stains. (Baking soda is great for lifting dirty spots).
   4. Air out the bed to give it time to dry.
   5. Put a clean, fresh mattress protector back on the bed.
   6. Remake your bed with clean linens.

9. How do I know if the mattress is of good quality? A mattress can last up to ten years.
   While it might be showing signs of age, there are real signs of aging that can cause true
   problems while sleeping, such as sagging or divots in the mattress. Note that our bodies
   change, we age, and we gain or lose weight. Even the best quality mattresses wear out.
   As always, the best way to know the quality of a mattress is to go into the store and ask
   your local sleep expert questions. In the meantime, research consumer ratings and
   reviews to determine the length of the mattress life and quality as other’s have
   experienced it.
   Here’s a great article by Consumer Reports to get you started called 9 Best Mattresses of
   2025, Lab Tested and Reviewed. Here you will find the best innerspring, foam, and
   adjustable air mattress for you. Remember, just because a mattress has a high rating and
   good reviews doesn’t mean it is a perfect fit for you. This is just a good starting point to
   understand what makes a mattress good quality and how they get rated.

10. Is the mattress made with safe, non-toxic materials? A good way to know if a mattress
    is made well is to look for the following certifications for safety and sustainability:

    • CertiPUR-US is a certification that tests for toxic chemicals.
    • Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) is a certification assuring the mattress is
      95% organic and free from damaging additives.
    • Global Organic Latex Standard (GOTS) certifies textiles in mattresses are 95%
      organic and manufactured in a naturally sustainable environment.
    • OEK-TEX Standard 100 tests mattresses for unsafe substances, making sure it’s
      safe for human health.
    • Greenguard ensures there are no (to minimal) Volatile Organic Compounds
      (VOC) emissions, which keeps indoor air quality safe.

    Here’s an article titled 5 Things to Know Before Buying a Natural & Organic Mattress to
    go deeper into this topic and help you chose the best mattress for you.

This One is Just Right!

Now that you’ve had time to think through the top ten questions and have an idea of what
mattress is right for you, take the Goldie Locks approach and go to your local store to try them
out. Have a conversation with a sleep expert and take time to experience the physical differences
between mattresses. After all, your sleep is on the line. You need to find the mattress that is just
right. Still not sure if you need a new mattress or not? Here’s a video titled When Does Your
Mattress Need to be Replaced? For additional questions about prices, delivery process, warranty,
and return policy, have a conversation with your local sleep experts as prices and policies might
differ from store to store.

Sleep Well, Wake Up, and Be Happy

Now that your questions are answered, it’s time to embrace what you have as your best choice or
shop for a new mattress. If you are convinced a different mattress would ensure your best night’s
sleep, start here to view our mattresses. We have a wide selection to meet your needs. Question-
free sleep is just a perk of our mattresses. Above all, we want you to relax, sleep well, wake up
and be happy with Beautyrest Sleep Gallery.

References:

Christian, Tanya A. “9 Best Mattresses of 2025, Lab Tested and Reviewed.” Consumer Reports,
16 February 2025, Consumerreports.org.

Claro, Danielle. “Best Mattresses for Back Pain.” Consumer Reports, 15 January 2025,
Consumerreports.org.

Elflein, John. “Back pain in the U.S. – Statistics & Facts.” Statista, 1 February 2025,
Statista.com.

“5 Things to Know Before Buying a Natural & Organic Mattress.” Essentia, 8 September 2023,
Myessentia.com.

“Memory Foam Vs. Hybrid Mattress: What Is The Difference.” Nectar, 04 March 2025,
Nectarsleep.com.

“2025’s Top 10 Mattresses for Back Pain.” Consumer Ranking, Consumer Ranking.org.
Accessed 08 April 2025.