How to Choose the Best Mattress?
What we looked at to compare luxury beds
Similar to each of us, is different, which can sometimes make searching for a new mattress overwhelming and a bit intimidating. When evaluating each of the mattresses above, we took into consideration sleep position, back pain relief and pressure relief, sleeping style (whether you sleep hot, co-sleep with a partner, or sleep by yourself), construction materials, and the quality of each, as well as company policies and values. We included company policies and values because each company has a varied level of customer service – this might include their sleep trial, their return and exchange policy if they give back to the community, and other aspects of the values and policies of each mattress company. These should be important to you when purchasing a new mattress as well.
Each mattress performed well within a number of the categories we scored them in, and each rating we provided the beds was based on the categories mentioned – we gave an honest rating that truly provided valuable information on each mattress and helped you compare and contrast which one will work best for you. When you’re looking for a new mattress, you will consider the features you won’t want to sacrifice, the features you don’t mind if a mattress has, and the ones you don’t want – we did too! We put ourselves in your shoes and tried to understand what you are truly looking for and what’s important to you in a mattress.
What are the best luxury beds?
When it comes to shopping for a new mattress, there are a lot of things you may have to consider – do you want a bed that is the best for support and pressure relief? You may like this if you struggle with chronic back, shoulder, or hip pain. Are you looking for a mattress that can keep you cool throughout the night, as some traditional mattresses are constructed with materials that tend to trap heat around your body instead of dissipating it throughout the bed?
While everyone is looking for something different in their new mattress, the first thing to look at when determining which mattress is right for you is what your priority is.
Why are mattresses so expensive?
Expensive or luxury mattresses are based on the quality of materials and construction, much like other products on the market that are a bit more expensive. When you are looking for a bed that Provides that level of luxuriousness, the price point tends to be higher than one that is simply a mattress to lay on at the end of the day. When a company puts materials into a bed designed to be long-lasting and give you the support and comfort you need, there is a higher cost for those perks.
While the price of a mattress varies depending on the materials used in its construction and the manufacturing process, there are ways that brands have come up with to create affordable mattresses while keeping that same high-quality material. Materials that are harder to find or not as common, tend to make the mattress overall more expensive – similar to other products in the market.
Most items on the market, especially those on the larger purchase side, have quite a bit of a factor that affects the price. The first and foremost is quality when mattresses are created with expensive or high-quality materials, this will cause the price of the mattress available to customers higher than the price of a low-quality product. For example, the high-density and high-quality memory foam mattresses will be more expensive than a hybrid or especially a traditional mattress – not only do they use different materials, but they utilize a different construction process as well which often leads to more expenses.
Here are some examples of the type of materials that cause a mattress's price to increase. High-density memory foam is thicker and denser than regular memory foam, and because this foam is measured in pounds per cubic foot (PCM), it’s quite heavy in relation to the regular memory foam, therefore more expensive to purchase and to create mattresses out of.
Organic and natural latex, as you as a consumer are probably already aware, natural and organic products are typically more expensive than any other materials because they are non-manufactured or man-created – making them rare than say polyurethane. When materials are not man-made or manufactured, it means that the materials are rare and hard to find making them most costly to create – therefore you as the customer pay a higher price.
Cooling elements are another luxury aspect of mattresses that causes the price to increase. These cooling elements can range from copper or even gel microbeads, they’re often infused directly into the cover or one of the memory foam layers to create a cooling surface to lay on throughout the night and to help remove heat from your body.
Other aspects that may affect the price of a mattress include the company's return or exchange policies – many have great policies that allow for seamless returns and repairs – others, however, don’t exactly cater to that need and may charge extra for returns or shipping.
Are expensive mattresses worth it?
Based on customer reviews, the most comfortable mattresses are memory foam and hybrid mattresses. These offer the best comfort and support for all sleeping positions and body types – memory foam has the unique ability to conform and contour around your body allowing your joints and muscle to decompress and relax. When it comes to staying cool, there are newer memory foam mattresses with gel and copper infusions that help to promote air circulation and typically perform better than a traditional mattress.
Traditional memory foam
A traditional memory foam mattress is made with layers of foam in various thicknesses on top of providing additional support and comfort You can find traditional memory foam mattresses in most furniture and mattress stores in your area, and many don’t need any special form of memory foam to feel improvements in their sleep.
Many traditional memory foam mattresses will have the bases covered when it comes to layers of support, both of high-density foam and thinner foam to add cushion where you need it – the difference between traditional memory foam and the other types of mattresses below, is there additional features that add to the level of comfort and quality in a mattress.
Plant-based memory foam
Plant-based memory foam uses plant-based ingredients, typically soy, unlike using petroleum-based chemicals to manufacture a mattress. Purchasing a plant-based memory foam mattress can provide you with the peace of mind that your purchase is environmentally conscious and that you are contributing to a company value that aligns with protecting the planet. When plant-based mattresses are manufactured there are fewer emissions and fewer chemicals being put out into the atmosphere – which may help you sleep better at night, to begin with.
Like other plant-based products, it provides the same quality and comfort as a regular memory foam mattress – but it produces fewer emissions and is overall better for the environment when it comes to production than traditional memory foam mattresses.
Gel-infused memory foam
Unlike traditional memory foam, gel-infused memory foam uses the technology from gel microbeads that are infused directly into the material to help move heat away from your body as you sleep. This infusion allows a more breathable foam and prevents heat from getting trapped around your body, keeping you warm. Many customers struggle with overheating throughout the night and wake up feeling sweaty and uncomfortable – traditional mattresses have a design and material that tends to trap body heat close to you. The gel-infused foam allows more airflow and breathability that circulates air throughout the mattress, creating a much cooler feel.
Copper-infused memory foam
Copper-infused foam combines traditional with copper gel beads while the foam is being poured. This provides additional cooling properties and helps dissipate heat throughout the mattress. We discussed a few copper-infused memory foam mattresses that provide an additional form of air circulation than the gel-infused yet. Along with back pain and pressure, cooling is one aspect of a mattress that not many want to sacrifice. Like gel-infused memory foam, copper-infused helps circulate the air throughout the material and keeps it from becoming trapped around your body – causing you to feel cooler.
This type of mattress is ideal for those that sleep hot or even co-sleep – as it will help keep you and your partners’ body heat circulating throughout the mattress instead of getting trapped underneath you. Co-sleepers are often the ones that complain that a mattress is too hot, as two people mean more body heat, to begin with, and if you have a mattress that doesn’t allow for airflow, it can be quite uncomfortable; which is why investing in a copper-infused mattress can solve this problem.
What to avoid when buying a new mattress
We all spend a great deal of time on our beds, and when it’s time to buy a new one there are a few red flags you want to keep an eye out for to avoid being unhappy with your new mattress. We’ll be honest here, mattresses are one of those purchases where price equals quality – so you want to avoid buying a super cheap mattress as those have gotten quite low satisfaction ratings from customers. For a queen mattress, the average price for quality is between $800 - $1500. Sticking within this price range will ensure you’re getting a quality mattress.
When it comes to how the mattress is constructed and the materials being used, you’ll want to avoid thin mattresses and low-density foams. Generally speaking, thinner mattresses have received an abundance of low comfort ratings from customers because it doesn’t provide a lot of cushion or contouring for your body. The same goes for low-density foams that not only won’t last but also provide little to no support as your mattress should.
There are a lot of options out there as far as mattress manufacturers go – so when you’re shopping for a new bed, you’ll want to be wary of the brands and companies with little to no warranty, no return or exchange policy, and brands that overprice their mattresses. All reputable mattress retailers will understand that mattresses are the type of purchase that may not fit you how you thought it would – meaning all of them should have some type of return or exchange policy to accommodate when the mattress doesn’t fit your needs. When a brand or business doesn’t offer this or does but has a very small warranty or none at all, that’s another red flag that they know the mattress quality is low.
Buying mattresses online vs in-store
When you think about buying a new mattress, you often think about going to a mattress store and laying on various ones until you think you find the one that works. Today, many things are available online and mattresses are no exception – but what are the pros and cons of buying in-store versus online?
It comes down to a few things, but the most important is what you prefer when it comes to shopping. Do you enjoy going into a physical store and shopping around, or do you prefer to shop online in the comfort of your own home? Brick-and-mortar stores do offer advantages such as being able to feel and see the product in person, having a salesperson right there to answer any questions, and the ability to compare shops easier with many choices in one spot. That being said, there are disadvantages as well, some of which are solved by shopping online.
When you attempt to shop for a mattress online, you don’t have to travel to multiple stores to find the entire range of mattress options that are available to you, or the ones that might work best for you. Online stores allow you to understand what mattress may be ideal for your body type and sleeping position, they may even have quizzes that you can take to get the mattress recommendation for you. Additionally, most if not all mattress retailers online now have trial periods and hassle-free returns and exchanges, making it easy to test and trial a mattress for a significant amount of time. When you’re shopping in-store, 2-3 minutes of laying on a mattress will not give you the full picture of whether it’s a good fit.
Online shopping provided a different benefit than shopping in-store – you can actually test your mattress in your natural environment, your home! With purchases made in a store, there are mattresses to test out, but you can hardly get a feel for how they truly work unless you’re in your natural sleep environment. Another added benefit of shopping for a mattress online is you’re not bombarded by salespeople throughout your research, you can simply browse various websites in the comfort of your own home and couch – making it easy to make a rational decision.
What is the best online luxury mattress?
When you think about buying a new mattress, you often think about going to a mattress store and laying on various ones until you think you find the one that works. Today, many things are available online and mattresses are no exception – but what are the pros and cons of buying in-store versus online?
It comes down to a few things, but the most important is what you prefer when it comes to shopping. Do you enjoy going into a physical store and shopping around, or do you prefer to shop online in the comfort of your own home? Brick-and-mortar stores do offer advantages such as being able to feel and see the product in person, having a salesperson right there to answer any questions, and the ability to compare shops easier with many choices in one spot. That being said, there are disadvantages as well, some of which are solved by shopping online.
When you attempt to shop for a mattress online, you don’t have to travel to multiple stores to find the entire range of mattress options that are available to you, or the ones that might work best for you. Online stores allow you to understand what mattress may be ideal for your body type and sleeping position, they may even have quizzes that you can take to get the mattress recommendation for you. Additionally, most if not all mattress retailers online now have trial periods and hassle-free returns and exchanges, making it easy to test and trial a mattress for a significant amount of time. When you’re shopping in-store, 2-3 minutes of laying on a mattress will not give you the full picture of whether it’s a good fit.
Online shopping provided a different benefit than shopping in-store – you can actually test your mattress in your natural environment, your home! With purchases made in a store, there are mattresses to test out, but you can hardly get a feel for how they truly work unless you’re in your natural sleep environment. Another added benefit of shopping for a mattress online is you’re not bombarded by salespeople throughout your research, you can simply browse various websites in the comfort of your own home and couch – making it easy to make a rational decision.
How Much Does a luxury mattress cost?
This truly depends on the type and the size of mattress you’re getting, but the price typically ranges anywhere from $800 - $2,000. For a queen mattress, the average cost is $1,500, which speaks to the quality of the materials.
Luxury materials and quality construction come at a price, but this too means that it is stable and long-lasting – which also means you won’t have to purchase another mattress for longer than average.
Depending on the brand and perks but on the higher end there is higher quality.
The Saatva mattress, which we rated the best overall mattress, ranges from $1,000 - $2,000; if you’re just looking for the mattress itself, it's around the $1,000 mark – however, you can add on a headboard, bed frame, sheets, pillows, and pillowcases to make the most of your new mattress.
On the other hand, another mattress can range from $2,000 - $3,000 once again, depending on any additional products you want to add to your purchase and the mattress size you need. Everyone has a different budget when looking for a new mattress – most companies try to keep this in mind and keep mattresses within the market value. If you’re looking for extra quality or add-ons, you’ll spend more at the end of the day.
A mattress is an investment; some see it as a major purchase. You sleep on your mattress nearly every day, and you want it to provide you with comfort and support – money sometimes factors into that quality, and it’s a major factor for people when purchasing a new mattress.
You will want to avoid purchasing super cheap mattresses, so it’s important to keep this price range in mind – when you’re shopping for mattresses there may be some great deals, but it’s crucial to remember that price equals quality, generally speaking. Just with most larger purchases in life – buying a cheap mattress can only lead to issues with quality and materials or not lasting as long as you’d like it to. While affordability is something you’d want to consider, you don’t want to purchase an extremely cheap mattress.
The Verdict: what is the best luxury mattress?
We all sleep differently, and we all have certain aspects of a mattress that we’re looking for or one that takes priority. All the beds we rated above are high-quality and provide a level of comfort and support that many customers rave about.
If you’re a side, back, or stomach sleeper, you may want a firmer or softer mattress, one with a thicker design or one with ultra-cooling technology. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all mattress, but this comprehensive list will help you determine what you need and what you’re looking for to make an informed decision.
It provides customers with comfort, support, and cooling and is affordable for the quality you get. Shopping for a mattress doesn’t have to be expensive or stressful, and you don’t have to sacrifice quality or comfort – making the Satvaa the best overall choice if you’re in the market for a new memory foam mattress.
The Saatva can provide quality materials and comfortable support for all sleeping positions. Whether you are co-sleeping or sleeping by yourself, the Saatva provides technology that forms your body, even if you toss and turn throughout the night, which means you’re always supported. The cooling technology allows heat to dissipate away from your body, keeping you cool, and the 365-night sleep trial will ensure you’re happy with your mattress for an entire year!
FAQ
When is the best time to buy a mattress?
Considering that most mattresses last anywhere between 10- 15 years – the best time to buy a mattress depends on when your old one requires an upgrade. However, if you’re ready to make the switch to a new mattress before your old one has run its course, you may want to look at when certain brands and businesses are having sales, or around the holidays when there are often large discounts on things like mattresses.
If you’re not looking to purchase during the holiday season, it’s best to replace your mattress anywhere between the 6-9 year mark to make sure you’re body isn’t suffering the consequences of a poorly performing mattress. You’ll want to take a look at each mattress retailer to determine where the best deals are, and more often than not they will have sales and discounts that you can apply to your purchase.
Which mattress brand is the best?
With this comprehensive mattress comparison, the best overall brand for mattresses was Saatva. We gave it a rating of 9.9 out of 10 as it’s a luxury hybrid mattress, has a 365-night sleep trial and lifetime warranty, has a medium-firm feel with a 6.5 on the 10-point firmness scale, and customer reviews showed it performed highly on all levels of comfort, support, price, and customer support from the brand itself.
The Saatva clearly prioritizes luxury materials at an affordable price – which is something that customers look for when purchasing a new mattress. With a medium-firmness that allows you to sink in just the right amount without sagging too far down and without feeling like you’re sleeping on a rock.
While all brands are slightly different and people may find a brand that suits them more, based on our expert reviews of the best luxury mattresses of 2023, Saatva was by far the best overall. As you’ve seen – each mattress has a unique feature that some people will find better suited for them than others. Some people may want more structure for their back and spine, while others may focus on cooling technology that keeps them cool throughout the night. Even still, others may want a combination of this for their ideal mattress.
Many customers have stated they won’t return to a traditional mattress after switching to a hybrid mattress. The materials and construction of these mattresses offer peak performance for relieving back pain and aligning your spinal column while you sleep.
Traditional mattresses don’t have body contouring properties, so the mattress acts like a flat surface compared to hybrid-memory foam that contours with your body and adapts to where your body needs the most support. Due to the coils in a traditional mattress, there is less support from foam that can truly support your body no matter what position you sleep in.
Unlike traditional mattresses, hybrid-memory foam mattresses are less likely to sag and take quite a bit longer to stop providing the support your back needs to relieve pressure and decompress your spine. Memory foam has a natural quality that allows it to return to its original shape when it’s not in contact with force – most traditional mattresses don’t have that quality, while traditional mattresses have the ability to provide comfort, they do not mold or conform to your body. This is only unique to memory foam, which makes it a popular choice for back pain sufferers and individuals with issues in their shoulders and hips as well.
Back pain typically occurs when the lumbar region of your back is not getting enough support, and your spine is slightly curved while you sleep. When your spine is curved throughout the night and your lumbar region is not properly supported, it causes poor spinal alignment and pain. Memory foam mattresses are inherently designed to conform to the contours of your body and provide support where you need it – like the lumbar region of your back.
How to get rid of an old mattress
There are a few ways you can get rid of your old mattress once you finally purchase a new one. The first and best options are either donating it or repurposing it, like using it for a spare bedroom or making the mattress into a large cushion. You can also recycle and throw the mattress away, but we encourage you to try to donate it, repurpose it, or recycle it if you can; throwing it away tend to be the last option.
While getting a new mattress is exciting and going to greatly improve your sleep, you’ll still want to be conscious of what you’re doing with the old one. Depending on where you purchase the new one from, they may offer to remove your old bed for free, which is a great option to have!
How often should I replace my mattress?
You’ll want to look into replacing your mattress around every 6-9 years. You don’t want to replace it too often, especially because once your body gets used to a mattress it tends to be super helpful for back pain and provides comfort for quite a while. Most mattresses last between 10-15 years but you don’t necessarily want to wait until your old mattress is crumbling either.
There is a happy medium with replacing your mattress every 6-9 years; you get the most out of the mattress while it’s in its peak performance, yet you can get a new one before your old one loses all of its support and comfort. That being said, it is always possible your mattress doesn’t last quite that long; which means you can always replace your mattress when it’s no longer giving you the benefits you were looking for originally.
Each memory foam mattress will be a bit different, but typically with proper care, your memory foam mattresses should last between 10 and 15 years, but it’s best not to wait that long. Proper care will again depend on the mattress, but regular rotation of your mattress will increase its lifespan. Other tips to keep your memory foam mattress for longer may seem self-explanatory, but make sure you cover your mattress with a sheet and even a waterproof cover, ensuring that your mattress stays safe from sweat and spills.
Taking care of your mattress involves cleaning the cover and spot-treating it to ensure it stays clean and remains healthy for you to sleep on. You’ll want to ensure you’re rotating your mattress every few months to distribute the use and distress of your mattress. Rotating your mattress includes flipping and rotating it to ensure it’s wearing evenly
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