All Types of Mattresses You Need to Know

The type and size of the mattress you sleep on have a significant impact on your sleep quality. Sleeping on a bed that is too small can lead you to feel cramped and make it difficult for couples to fall asleep. Likewise, sleeping on a mattress that isn’t supportive or comfortable can make it impossible to get a great night’s sleep.

Choosing the right mattress for yourself and your partner begins with the size of your room. You do not want to try to cram a bed into a too-small space. This can lead to bedroom mobility issues and increase your risk of nighttime falls. When choosing a mattress type, you’ll need to consider each sleeper’s body size and sleep position.

Joint health, sleep disorders, and budget contribute to your mattress choice too. Since you cannot place your mattress directly onto the floor, you’ll also need to choose an appropriate bed frame and mattress foundation. These items both need to be the same size as your mattress.

In this article, we’ll assist you in determining which size and type of mattress is the best fit for your sleep needs. We’ll address the 2-foot rule and layout of what size room you’ll need for your mattress. To finish, we’ll answer some commonly asked questions about mattresses.

Mattress Sizes and Dimensions

Most mattress companies carry the six standard mattress sizes.

There are also non-standard sizes you can shop for, such as a full XL bed or a California queen mattress. Plus, sleepers who like an expansive mattress might want to consider oversized king beds such as the Alaskan king, Wyoming king, or Texas king sizes.

If you’re interested in a non-standard size mattress, you may need to look for a customizable mattress.

Twin

Twin mattresses can be used by teens, children, young adults, and older adults. How comfortable someone will be on a twin size bed depends on their height and size. Larger or taller sleepers may not have enough room on a twin mattress.

A twin mattress measures 38 inches by 74 inches. Their compact size makes twin beds ideal for studio apartments, small bedrooms, and college dorms. For enhanced bedroom mobility, you’ll need to follow the 2-foot rule and have at least 2-feet of open space around the outside of your bed. Place your twin size mattress in a room that measures 7 feet by 10 feet.

Twin XL

A twin XL size mattress is more comfortable for sleepers who require extra legroom. Growing teenagers and adults can both sleep soundly on a twin XL bed. Twin XL mattresses measure 38 inches by 80 inches.

Like twin beds, these beds are meant to sleep just one person. For an in-depth comparison of twin and twin XL beds, check out our twin vs twin XL mattress guide.

A mattress of this size fits in nicely in less spacious bedrooms or college dormitories. It’s also a compact mattress for guests, easily fitting into a small room. You’ll want to place twin XL beds in a room measuring at least 9 feet 6 inches by 10 feet 6 inches.

Full

Full size mattresses are a good fit for sleepers who require additional space to sleep. These beds are also ideal for sleeping multiple small children. Due to their increased length and width, you cannot place a full bed in a small bedroom.

Full beds measure 54 inches by 75 inches. They are also commonly referred to as double beds. You’ll want to set up a full size mattress in a room measuring 9 feet 6 inches by 10 feet 6 inches.

Queen

Queen size mattresses are a popular choice amongst couples. A queen bed is designed to fit two average-size adult sleepers. However, you could use a queen mattress to sleep three small children if necessary.

Your queen bed will measure 60 inches by 80 inches. Most master bedrooms have enough space to easily fit a queen bed, nightstand, and a few other pieces of bedroom furniture. Still, you should make sure the room that the queen mattresses are going to be set up measures 10 feet by 10 feet.

King

King size mattresses are suitable for housing taller couples or couples who plan to co-sleep with their children. Shoppers should be aware that king size beds are among the most expensive and take up a lot of room. Your king mattress needs to be in a bedroom that measures at least 12 feet by 12 feet.

A king bed measures 76 inches by 80 inches. Like queen beds, king beds can be used to sleep multiple children during sleepovers.

California King

California king size mattresses are for sleepers who want ample space for sleeping. The extra width that they offer makes them ideal for heavier sleepers. Two people weighing over 200 lbs. each can share a California king bed without issue.

Your California king mattress will measure 72 inches by 84 inches, the added legroom making it a comfortable mattress for tall people. Therefore, you’ll want to place this bed in a room that measures 12 feet by 12 feet for optimal bedroom mobility.

Unsure if a king or Cal king is the better bed for you? Check out our king vs California king mattress guide.

Common Mattress Types

Air Bed

Air beds utilize a series of 1 to 6 air chambers to provide sleepers with comfort and support. Heavy sleepers or those with severe joint issues may not be comfortable sleeping on an air mattress.

The benefits of air beds include a lightweight design, low price, and easy storage. It is not recommended for anyone to sleep on an air mattress long-term. Aside from the question of how supportive an air mattress is, there’s also the issue of air mattresses springing a leak.

Hybrid

Hybrid mattresses are the perfect crossover between traditional spring beds and a memory foam mattress. A hybrid bed contains a 2-to-3 inch-thick top comfort layer made of latex foam or viscoelastic foam. Beneath the comfort layer, a hybrid mattress is supported by a coil base.

Benefits of hybrid beds include even weight distribution, edge support, and some body-hugging. Edge support is a feature some can do without, but a mattress with edge support is helpful for those with a mobility condition.

Hybrid mattresses are excellent for side sleepers seeking a bouncy bed. Innerspring mattresses can feel too firm against their bodies, failing to relieve pressure points.

Innerspring

Innerspring mattresses are an old-school mattress style. Traditional innerspring mattresses are known for their breathability and superior edge support. This means you don’t have to worry about rolling off the side of the bed. Innerspring beds feature a thin top comfort layer and a steel coil support system.

An innerspring mattress is cheap and needs to be paired up with a box spring. Light sleepers or those with intense joint support needs should opt for a different mattress.

Plus, coil mattresses are noisy and may require a mattress topper for some to sleep without body aches.

SEE ALSO: Best Soft Mattress Toppers

Latex

Latex mattresses can contain synthetic, natural, or a blend of both types of latex. There are two types of foam. Dunlop latex is traditionally natural. Talalay latex contains a blend of natural and synthetic materials. Latex beds have less motion transfer and a cool, breathable sleep environment.

Additional benefits associated with latex mattresses include a responsive design, bouncy support, and no sinking into the bed. Organic latex mattresses can be expensive, and they aren’t ideal for those looking for a bed with a body-hugging sensation.

Memory Foam

Memory foam mattresses are made up of several dense layers of polyurethane foam. Different layers of foam hold your body and hug your joints. This cradling feeling is beneficial for lightweight sleepers or those with sore joints. When you rest on a memory foam mattress, you won’t hear your partner as they move in their sleep or exit the bed.

Memory foam beds trap body heat. However, this issue can be fixed by purchasing a mattress with a built-in cooling gel. Gel memory foam mattresses are excellent cooling beds, wicking heat away from the body.

Side sleepers and combination sleepers are most comfortable on a memory foam bed. However, since memory foam mattresses come in various firmnesses, anyone can find a memory foam mattress right for them.

Waterbed

Waterbeds have been around for centuries. Traditional waterbeds are known for springing leaks and not having enough support. However, today’s waterbeds are more durable and supportive than their predecessors. They are designed with a vinyl mattress containing one or several water bladders.

The water chambers hold the water and are the main form of support for this style of mattress. Modern waterbeds come with temperature regulation, perfect for hot and cold sleepers. Waterbeds have been shown to decrease back and spine pain as well as help with muscle relaxation.

In-Depth Comparison of Mattress Types

We have written several comparison guides for the types of mattresses on the market:

• Memory Foam vs. Gel Memory Foam
• Memory Foam vs. Latex
• Gel Memory Foam vs. Spring Mattress
• Gel Memory Foam vs. Latex
• Latex vs. Hybrid
• Latex vs. Innerspring Mattress
• Hybrid vs. Innerspring Mattresses
• Hybrid vs. Memory Foam Mattresses

Factors to Consider When Mattress Shopping

• Price: What is your price point? How flexible can you be? Do you need a well-made budget mattress or can you afford to splurge on a bed with bells and whistles?

• Durability/longevity: Are you looking for a mattress that can last for one or several decades? Some mattress types have longer expected lifespans than others.

• Frame type: Certain mattresses, like waterbeds and memory foam beds, cannot be paired with metal bed frames. In addition, latex mattresses shouldn’t be used on a slatted bed frame.

• Room size: You always need to factor in bedroom size when selecting a mattress. You need a minimum of 2-feet of open space around the perimeter of your bed.

• Bodyweight: Larger or heavier sleepers need a bigger mattress. These individuals also need a mattress that is supportive and won’t leave them feeling trapped or sunken in.

• Sleep position: Side sleepers, back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and combination sleepers all have different support needs. You and your partner’s sleep style impact the type of mattress and firmness level you’ll need.

• Co-sleeping vs. sleeping alone: Choosing the right mattress is easier for those who sleep alone versus those who must consider the needs and wants of a partner. Those with different sleep schedules need a bed with good motion isolation. Similarly, a mattress for couples should be noise-free for undisturbed rest.

• Support needs: Whichever mattress you choose, it should be able to alleviate pressure points and minimize your pain at night. Consider your specific support needs. For example, stomach sleepers benefit from firm mattresses with enhanced support.

• Mobility: Getting into and out of bed can pose big fall risks for those with limited mobility. Pick a mattress that is easy to get out of and doesn’t force you to bend down to get into bed. Mobility issues can also influence how much your mattress should weigh; a heavy mattress can make changing your sheets challenging if you have difficulty moving and lifting objects.

• Allergies/skin sensitivities: Do you need a mattress for allergies? Those with allergies or skin sensitivities are best suited with a natural latex mattress. However, those with a latex allergy should avoid any bed or bedding with latex in it.

• Temperature/climate: If you’re prone to overheating, you may need to steer towards an innerspring mattress or a latex mattress. Those who suffer from night sweats should try a cooling memory foam mattress with a gel infusion.

Testing Out a New Mattress

Testing out a new mattress before you buy it is important. When allowed, lie down and rest on a store model mattress. Roll over and see how you feel. It is important to test a mattress out by lying in your normal sleep position.

If you share your bed with a partner, have them lie down on the bed with you. See how you both feel resting on the mattress. Try also moving around to ensure it’s a motion-isolating mattress.

Some mattress brands or stores offer 30-day, 60-day, and 90-day sleep trials. These trials give you time to sleep on the mattress and see if it’s the best choice for you. If you aren’t completely satisfied, you can bring the mattress in to exchange it for a new one or get a refund. A sleep trial is necessary if you’re purchasing an online mattress you haven’t tried.

When mattress shopping, always be aware of the store’s return policy. You cannot return stained or damaged mattresses.

Warranties

Another part of picking out a new mattress is the warranty. All well-made mattresses come with a warranty. This warranty covers the cost of mattress repair or replacement during the first years after you purchase it. Be mindful of what the warranty does and does not cover. Most warranties do not cover everyday wear and tear.

These warranties come with conditions that you must uphold as the mattress owner for the warranty to remain valid. If you choose to ignore these conditions, you’ll be voiding your mattress warranty. This means it will be up to you to cover the cost of mattress repair or replacement.

Saving on All Types of Mattresses

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FAQs

How often should you replace your mattress?

How often you’ll need to replace your old, worn-out mattress depends on many factors. Different types of mattresses come with different warranties and lifespans. Double-sided mattresses can be flipped and therefore last longer. To increase the longevity of your mattress, rotate it every 3 to 6 months.

• Latex: 15-20 years
• Hybrid: 8-10 years
• Memory Foam: 15-20 years
• Airbed: 10-15 years
• Innerspring: 10 years
• Waterbed: 10-15 years

Which is better, foam or spring?

Whether foam or spring is better depends on your size, sleep position, and support needs. Foam offers body-hugging and cradling. This feeling can be helpful in mattresses for lightweight sleepers or those with joint conditions like arthritis.

Spring offers a more responsive and bouncy feeling. Heavier sleepers often prefer a bed that has more give and offers springy support. Spring-based beds are also more breathable than their foam counterparts.

Is a firm or soft mattress better for back pain?

Which firmness level is best to soothe your back pain depends on your body size and sleep position. In most cases, a medium to medium-firm mattress is an ideal choice for those suffering from back or spine pain.

You want a mattress that promotes natural alignment. Lighter individuals may prefer a softer mattress. Heavier sleepers often need a firmer mattress.

How much should I spend on a mattress?

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to how much you should spend on a mattress. Set a budget for what you can afford to spend on a mattress and go from there. You don’t have to get the most expensive mattress out there. However, it is true that you get what you pay for when it comes to mattress quality.

Mattresses can range in price from $100 to over $3,000 depending on their size and type. On average, most consumers spend between $200 and $1,500 on a high-quality new mattress.

What is the best mattress for heavy sleepers?

The best mattress for heavy people is a mattress that is supportive and features a higher weight capacity. Most often, these sleepers require a firmer and more responsive mattress. A medium to medium-firm high-quality mattress is usually ideal.

Heavy sleepers of all sleep positions can be comfortable on memory foam, latex, hybrid, or standard innerspring mattresses. The key is trying several out and finding the one that offers the right level of firmness and support.

Conclusion

Mattresses come in a wide range of sizes, types, and price ranges, including options such as super soft mattresses and extra firm mattresses. Shopping for the best mattress means finding a bed that offers the correct level of support, firmness, and comfort. Budget is important when choosing a mattress, but it isn’t everything. The size of your bedroom, sleep position, your partner’s needs, and body size are all equally relevant shopping factors.

The best way to find the most comfortable mattress is to try several different types out in-store. Then, you purchase one and take it home for a 1, 2, or 3-month sleep trial. The results of a sleep trial can determine whether you’ve found your perfect match.