Choosing a mattress is very important for ensuring you get a good night's sleep. However, it can be so intimidating, and the last thing you want to do is make an expensive mistake. Here is a short guide on some things to consider when looking at how to choose a mattress.  

How to Choose a Mattress Size 

First things first, you must choose the right-sized mattress for you. There are a variety of sizes, and it's important to choose one that fits you, and if applicable, your partner/family. You want to make sure that you all have plenty of space, as it can be very uncomfortable to share a small space with another body(ies). 

There are six different mattress sizes available from most manufacturers. There are two major categories to consider: beds suited for multiple people and beds suited for single sleepers. Below is a graphic to help you better visualize the best size for you. 

Source: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/mattress-sizes

Best for Couples and Families 

Queen, king, and California king are all large enough to comfortably fit multiple sleepers. The big consideration with these is how much extra space you want in bed and how well they'll fit in your bedroom. An important part of creating an optimal sleep environment is making sure the room doesn't feel small and cluttered. A too-large bed can shrink how much of extra space you have, making the room feel a little cramped. 

California king beds are best for taller couples who share a bed with a pet. There is extra length and plenty of space to stretch out. However, it can be difficult to find accessories, they are very expensive, and difficult to move. 

King beds are perfect for couples who prefer maximum space and/or couples sharing a bed with a child. The benefit is maximum width for families who share a bed with small children, and there are plenty of accessories to customize the bed with. The drawback with king beds is that they are more expensive and can make smaller rooms feel cramped. They, too, are difficult to move. 

Queen beds are perfect for couples without children or pets sharing the bed. They are the most common mattress size, optimizing the number of accessory options available with great affordability. Also, they are much easier to move than the larger beds. The drawbacks to these are that they have less space than the King beds and can feel cramped for couples sharing the bed with children. 

All beds have some give and take, so decide what is most important for you and your partner. If your priorities are affordability, bedroom space, and versatility in design, then a queen is probably the best fit. If you prioritize space over everything else, including cost, then one of the king options may be better. 

Beds for Single Sleepers 

The sizes for single sleepers are full, twin XL, and twin. A full could sleep a couple, but it would be a tight fit. 

Full beds sleep single adults under 6 feet tall. It's pretty spacious for single adults, affordable, and versatile (best used for a guest bedroom or a couple in a small space). The con of these beds is that they are close in price to queen beds with much less space, and can be cramped for those over six feet tall. 

Twin XL beds are best for single adults over 6 feet tall and teens. There is great legroom for taller people and room for single people to share a bed with their pets. Unfortunately, accessories can be harder to find/more expensive, and it is not suited for couples. 

Twin beds are great for single adults under 6 feet tall, children, and teens. They are very common in college dorms as they maximize the amount of space in such close quarters. They are very affordable with a wide availability of accessories and bed frames. They are not suited for couples, however, and can be outgrown. 

Deciding Factors 

The reason choosing the right mattress is so important is that sleep is vital for our health and well-being. Mattresses are a large part of our sleeping environment, and comfort plays a role in our quality of sleep. If you are uncomfortable in your bed - financially, space-wise, design-wise, etc. - then you are risking your quality of sleep. Adults need, on average, 7-9 hours of good quality sleep. So, if you're able to spend that amount of time in bed, then it should be worth it. 

When deciding which mattress is right for you, there are a few considerations that may help you limit your choices. 

The number of people sleeping in the bed is important. Include everyone who normally sleeps together, including pets and small children. Couples most likely want a queen, and those who share the bed with children will most likely want a king. 

Your height and sleep position are also determining factors. Those under 6 feet tall will have enough legroom with any mattress, but those over 6 feet will want to consider a bed with at least 80 inches of length (twin XL, queen, king, and California king). Back and stomach sleepers rest fully extended, so they need more legroom than side sleepers. 

The bedroom size will also determine the mattress size because it has to fit. It's ideal to have about 24 inches of space around each side of your bed. So, make sure to measure out the approximate dimensions of your new bed before purchasing it to see how it will fit in your room. You can put tape on the floor for a good estimate. 

When you buy a mattress, it can be expensive, so whatever it is, you should make sure it lasts a long time. Therefore, you want it to be able to fit many phases of life. If you're buying a bed for a small child, it may be worth it to buy a size up so they can grow into it for a while. If you're buying a bed as a single person, then also consider buying a size up to accommodate future partners/pets. 

Cost and value are two things you want to be cognizant of, as mattresses can range anywhere from $200 to over $3000. It's not recommended to cut corners to save money on a new mattress, but it is important to think of the cost of accessorizing it. Less common sizes will have more expensive accessories than popular sizes. 

If you're having sleep problems that go beyond choosing the right mattress, then it may be time to talk to a professional. Click the orange button below to take a free online sleep test and get connected with one of our sleep physicians. 

Source: 

https://www.sleepfoundation.org/mattress-sizes