The Best Full Innerspring Mattress

At one time, to buy a mattress you’d head to a mattress store and try them out. But you probably learned, as many have, that those quick trials don’t really tell you how well the mattress will perform night after night.

Today, the best way to identify the right mattress is to look at how it’s constructed. The thing about mattresses, though, is that what works for your neighbor may not work for you. That means you have to identify your own personal preferences, as well as what you need to stay healthy and as pain-free as possible.

Most mattresses emphasize the level of firmness that they offer. Some people prefer a firmer mattress while others like something that they can sink into at the end of a long day. Even if you fall into the latter camp, though, you may find that you need the support that comes from a firmer mattress to avoid exacerbating any pain you’re having.

The good news is, you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for support. Thanks to technologies like memory foam, you can now find mattresses that relieve your pressure points while also contouring to your body. If you’re a side sleeper, though, you’ll likely find you do better with a softer mattress, while stomach sleepers should look for a mattress on the softer side. Back sleepers can choose any variation in between those two extremes.

For a long time, mattresses with pillow tops were preferred. The mattress itself offered support, while the pillow top gave the surface the layer of comfort you needed. But consumers have discovered that pillow tops tend to compress, leading to a sagging effect that makes the mattress uncomfortable. Instead, look for a mattress with memory foam or a firm mattress that you can combine with a replaceable pillow top pad.

• You can save money and time by choosing a “mattress in a box.” These mattresses can either be shipped or picked up at a store, then taken home to decompress. Gone are the days of trying to find a truck or paying extra for delivery. Boxed mattresses are convenient and affordable.
• Most boxed mattresses are compressed to squeeze into the box. They will decompress after being unboxed, but you’ll need to add in a little extra time for this. Many boxed mattresses can take three days to reach their full size.
• Even if you buy a mattress that decompresses quickly, you’ll still want to give it three days before you use it. Mattresses tend to have residual chemicals that need to air out. This is called “off-gassing.”
• Nighttime comfort is all about pressure points. Those are the areas of your body that feel most uncomfortable when you’re lying down. For most people, pressure points are hips, shoulders and knees. Mattresses that go too far in either extreme, firm or soft, can aggravate those pressure points. Today’s top mattresses are designed specifically to relieve those pressure points to provide you a comfortable night’s sleep.
• Sweating can be a problem for many sleepers. Even if you don’t sweat in your sleep, you may still find you feel too hot. You can find mattresses that are designed for breathability to keep you cool at night. For perspirers, look for a mattress that has moisture-wicking properties to help keep you dry.
• For couples, one partner’s tossing and turning can severely impact the other partner’s ability to sleep. Look for a mattress that minimizes motion to ensure that when the other person moves, you don’t feel it on your side of the bed.
• You’ve probably already heard horror stories about how much of your dead skin and sweat your mattress holds. A good mattress cover can help with that, but there are also mattresses that are designed to cut down on allergens. Look for one that helps keep out dust mites, pet dander and mold.