The Complete Mattress Buying Guide (2025)
In this Article:
Buying a new mattress is a pretty big deal. Most people would argue it’s the most important component of any bedroom (and who are we to disagree with them). To make investing in good sleep a little bit easier, Nectar has compiled the only mattress buying guide you’ll need. To find the perfect mattress for you, it’s important to know what you want from your sleep – and the best way to get it.
Keep reading to discover the top reasons for buying a new mattress, how to choose your perfect mattress match, and why buying online is the right way to go.
Understanding The Reason Behind Your Mattress Purchase
Now, let’s begin! We’ve all been there, one day our trusty old mattress works for us and the next day it doesn’t.
Here are the top four reasons people decide to buy a new mattress:
Back Pain:
If you’re waking up with aches and pains, your mattress might be responsible. Worn down mattresses can apply pressure in the wrong places, or let your body sink into uncomfortable positions. Either way, “putting up” with a bad mattress simply isn’t worth it – especially since poor sleep has been shown to have a significant impact on your overall health.
Mattress Deterioration:
A good mattress is just like a trusty car or your favorite tee. The more you use it (every single night!), the more it wears down. Industry standards recommend replacing your mattress every 7-10 years, but a good rule of thumb is to start shopping if your current mattress shows significant sagging, has poor motion isolation, or leaves you feeling extra stiff. Finding hotel beds especially heavenly could also be a sign that your mattress back home could use an upgrade!
Moving To a New House:
Moving to a new home can be exciting – and overwhelming. Transporting junky mattresses is certainly an added hassle, especially if you have any narrow staircases, tiny elevators, or complex layouts to navigate. Many use an upcoming move as an excuse to upgrade their bedroom set up. A new Nectar that ships for free packed up in a box? Sounds pretty good to us.
Need A Bigger Mattress:
Your mattress needs are bound to change as you do! Whether it be growing spaces, growing families, or simply growing up – you might find that you’re wanting a roomier sleep than the mattress you got years ago.
Sleep Position and Mattress Firmness
As you start mattress shopping, you’ll notice that most mattresses are marketed as having a specific firmness. And the question of firmness has been long debated – specifically, figuring out which firmness is the right one for you. We’re here to make things a little bit clearer (though you can check out our full mattress firmness guide here).
Sleep Position And Firmness
Back Sleeper
Back sleepers’ biggest need throughout the night is lower back support. For that reason, most chiropractors recommend medium-firm mattresses, which hug your spine and keep your lower back from sinking in. They also recommend avoiding innerspring mattresses, which tend to be too firm for most back sleepers.
Side Sleeper
Side sleepers need a mattress that lets their shoulders and hips sink in for ultimate comfort and spinal alignment. Look for memory foam or hybrid mattresses, ideally between the medium-soft range.
Stomach Sleeper
Stomach sleeping isn’t the most recommended position, but those of us who gravitate to it know that there’s nothing quite better. If you sleep on your stomach, be sure to get a firm or extra-firm mattress that will keep your stomach from sinking (and irritating your lower back).
Combination Sleeper
Combination sleepers cycle through all of the above positions throughout the night (and might even invent a few of their own). Hybrid or memory foam mattresses that lean medium firm give you the perfect middle ground of support – regardless of if you’re on your back, side, or stomach. This is also a great option for couples who sleep differently.
Breakdown of Mattress Materials
One of the most crucial differentiators between different mattresses lies in their materials. Whether you’re looking at memory foam, latex, innerspring, or hybrid mattresses, we’re here to help break down their different benefits.
Memory Foam:
Memory foam was initially developed by NASA in the 1960s to keep pilots and passengers cushioned and properly supported during flights. Since then, it’s been the gold-standard for mattresses, relieving pressure on your spine and accommodating different sleeping positions.
Couples often prefer memory foam mattresses since they absorb motion incredibly well – if one person gets up during the night, the other won’t be woken up.
Latex Mattress:
While memory foam contours to the exact shape of your body, latex mattresses are a little bit bouncier. This makes them incredibly comfortable and soft, but it also makes them less effective when it comes to motion isolation. Latex mattresses are highly favored by those looking for sustainable, natural sleep, as they generally aren’t made with any synthetic materials
Innerspring:
Innerspring mattresses are most likely the ones that you (or your parents) grew up sleeping on. Made with metal coils, innersprings are bouncy and responsive. They offer excellent support with less contouring and comfort than the competition, though modern innersprings have definitely improved in that arena. Innersprings may not be great when it comes to motion isolation, but they are incredibly durable.
Hybrid:
Hybrid mattresses feature an innerspring core layered with various foam and memory foam layers. These offer a “best-of-both-worlds” approach – the support and durability of innersprings with the comfort and contouring of memory foam. They offer a bit of bounce while maintaining excellent motion isolation.
Choosing Your Mattress Size
Your ideal mattress size will depend greatly on your needs, dimensions, and space. Consider the size of your bedroom, who you’ll be sharing your mattress with, and your specific build.
Twin:
Measuring 39” by 75”, twin mattresses are great for small spaces, young children, or not-too-tall adults.
Twin XL:
Twin XLs are 39” by 80” – 5 inches longer than a standard twin. These mattresses are a perfect fit for those in smaller spaces who need a bit more leg room.
Full:
Full mattresses are the go-to choice for a starter mattress, measuring 54” by 75’. They’re the perfect size for a single sleeper to stretch out, and fit nicely in average-sized rooms and studio apartments.
Queen:
Queen beds measure 60” by 80”, and are the most popular choice for the average household. Queens allow two people to sleep comfortably side by side, but they do require rooms that are at least 10 by 10 square feet.
King:
King beds measure 76” by 80”, requiring a larger bedroom and offering lots of space for couples, small families, and those who share their bed with medium to large pets.
California King:
California Kings are actually a bit narrower than standard kings, but offer a bit more length to make up for it. Measuring 72” by 84”, California kings are a great option for tall individuals. Like a king, it’s recommended to place these in a larger room.
What To Consider Before You Purchase A Mattress
Now that you know what kind of mattress you want, let’s get into those details. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you narrow down your options.
Home Trials:
As shopping online becomes more common, plenty of e-commerce brands offer at-home trials to help you make your decision with confidence. Where many retailers offer 3 or 6 month trials, Nectar offers a whopping 12 months with our 365-Night Home Trial. This gives you plenty of time to test out your mattress and decide if it’s right for you. If, for whatever reason, you aren’t satisfied with your purchase, you can return it free of charge.
Reviews
Buying a mattress is no different from any other big purchase you might make. Look for places that offer reviews written by real customers – you might find advice or insights by those dealing with sleep struggles like yours.
Warranty
When buying a bed, you want to make sure that what you buy is what you get. It’s important to consider the warranty of your mattress, ensuring you’ll have peace of mind for years to come. Nectar’s industry leading Forever Warranty ™ means your mattress is covered for as long as you own it – yes, even 35 years from now! Any manufacturing defects or significant wear and tear are on us, always.
Where to Buy a Mattress
When it comes to buying a mattress, you have two main options: buy your mattress online, or in store. Let’s dive into the pros and cons of each method.
In Store Shopping
Pros
- You can see and feel the mattresses for yourself while making your decision
- You can compare multiple brands in one go
- Sales assistants can be helpful and informative, there for any questions you have
Cons
- Trying a mattress for a few minutes doesn’t necessarily give you a sense of how it will feel night after night
- Sales assistants often work off of commission, and can push you towards more expensive models unnecessarily
Online Shopping
Pros
- Usually cheaper
- You can compare as many options as you want
- Can compare prices and read reviews at your own pace
- Online retailers tend to offer better trial periods (like Nectar’s 365-Night Home Trial)
Cons
- You won’t get to touch and feel your mattress before you buy it (but you can return it hassle-free!)
Find the Perfect Mattress for You
We know finding the right mattress can be overwhelming, but don’t worry—we’re here to help every step of the way. If you’re looking for more personalized advice, check out our other buying guides tailored to specific needs.
Whether you’re looking for the best mattress for your sleep position, need something perfect for you and your partner, or need a safe and comfortable option for your child, we’ve got you covered.
- Best Mattress for Every Sleep Position
- Mattress Buying Guide for Couples
- The Ultimate Kids Mattress Buying Guide
With these guides, you’ll have all the information you need to choose a mattress that not only fits your needs but also gives you the restful sleep you deserve.
If you ever need extra help, contact our Sleep Support team by calling +1 (888) 863-2827 or chatting with us online—we’re always happy to help!
This article is for informational purposes and should not replace advice from your doctor or other medical professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
To ease back pain, aim for a medium-firm memory foam mattress. This type of mattress will mold to your body and support the curvature of your spine along key areas like your lower back and neck. Be sure to read reviews from other people who have purchased the mattress to see if it’s helped with back pain.
Sleep experts suggest you replace your mattress every 5-10 years. A good sign you need a new mattress is if you notice any sagging spots or start to feel back pain upon waking. Aim for the lower end of this spectrum if you’re susceptible to body aches due to age or medical conditions.
Look for a medium-firm mattress in a material that contours to your body, like memory foam. Also consider, whether you will share your bed with a partner or pets. If yes, aim to for a queen-sized bed to give both sleepers room to stretch out. Finally, do your research: make sure to read reviews and only buy a mattress that offers a good warranty and trial period.
It’s a myth that a firm mattress is best for your back. A too-firm mattress might actually add pressure to different parts of your body, which can lead to pain in the morning. Instead, aim for balance and get a medium-firm mattress. This will give you both the support and softness you need to wake up feeling better.
Yes, mattresses can cause back pain. A too-firm mattress adds pressure to certain parts of your body, for example to your shoulder and hip if you’re a side sleeper, which can cause pain. On the other end of the spectrum, a too-soft mattress will let your body sink into an unnatural position and does not support proper spine alignment.
