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Choose Your Mattress Wisely: Sleep & Mattress Guide

by Lucille Watson

If you’re in the market for a new mattress, it may be difficult to know where to start. Between size, material, shape, and budget, there are many things to consider. We’ll walk you through our expert guide and answer that burning question: “What type of mattress is best for me?”

One of the first things to ask yourself is, do I need to invest in a new mattress? If you like to switch up your bed after a few years and can afford it, that’s great! But for those who need to budget for a new mattress, there are a few signs to look for like bowing in the bed, wear-and-tear of materials, and if any neck or back pains are reoccurring.

Dive into a deeper sleep and discover how to buy a mattress with our guide.

At A Glance:

Mattress Types

What Mattress is Best for Me?

Features to Look for

Why Trust Us?

How to Buy a Mattress

Many people often overlook the importance of quality sleep when researching how to choose a mattress. There are different factors and features that can help soothe your body into that dream-filled state each night. A few factors include the mattress type, the mattress’ material, and your regular sleep positions. Without considering all these factors, you may wake up with unnecessary aches and pains.

Mattress Types

There are many different types of mattresses, but we’re only outlining traditional, hybrid, and memory foam materials. Take a look and discover which one sounds dreamy to you.

Traditional (Innerspring & Pocket Coil)

A traditional mattress can also be known as an innerspring or pocket coil mattress. Innerspring mattresses have a primarily coil-based support system. The coils offer limited support while the innersprings target pressure points for maximum relief. Innerspring mattresses are typically bouncier, have limited motion isolation, and are a great choice for budget shoppers.

The differences between Spencer's pocket coil mattresses and Spencer's innerspring mattresses are slim but do they have a few contrasts. The pocket coil mattresses easily form to the body while the innerspring provide more general support. This Beautyrest pocketed coil mattress is a wonderful choice for those who have regular aches and pains and desire a firmer support system.

Hybrid

Hybrid mattresses bring two central elements to the market: innerspring support and foam comfort. If you’re someone looking for a mattress that gives your back the needed reinforcement but also loves to have that classic foam satisfaction, a hybrid mattress is a wonderful compromise.

Spencer's hybrid mattresses feature latex or foam materials and bring the best of both worlds with the support of a coil system. The firmness you desire affects the amount of foam in the mattress you choose. If a mattress features 1.5 inches of foam, they are closer to resembling a coil mattress.

Pay attention to the amount of foam, and that will give you an indication of how firm the bed is. Spencer's Beautyrest Lux mattress is a good middle-ground, featuring a medium support system for those wanting to include pressure relief technology and support.

Learn more about hybrid mattresses with our facts guide or discover more with this hybrid mattress buying guide.

internal view of a mattress

Memory Foam

Memory foam mattresses have become a worldwide phenomenon. Making its first appearance in the 1970s, NASA developed a material that protected pilots from plane crashes via extra-absorbent cushion. The transition into the mattress world was a seamless one, and since then almost every major mattress developer has used the design.

If you’re looking for premium comfort and support for your entire body, a memory foam mattress is a top pick. If you’ve ever laid on memory foam, you know it instantly forms to your every curve, making it ideal for those looking for optimum relaxation. Another well-known perk is motion isolation. The famous image of a glass of wine on a memory foam mattress while a woman jumps stands true. Finally, never bother your partner with tossing and turning!

One of the biggest downsides to memory foam, however, is heat retention. While manufacturers are implementing new technologies to relieve the heat, they still run a bit warmer than other materials.

What Mattress is Best for Me?

If you’re still wondering which mattress to choose, take a look at a few features and factors our experts suggest you research before investing in your new bed.

Sleep Position

Sleep positions are important factors when choosing a mattress. Between side, back, and stomach, there are different types of materials and mattresses to choose from that bring optimum rest. The main takeaway on how to choose the best mattress for a sleeping position is to remember that your spine needs to be aligned and supported while your neck and shoulders still receive comfort. We’ll break down what this means, specifically, below.

Side-sleepers typically look for a firmer mattress, but experts actually advise against that. If you’re a side-sleeper, it’s best to invest in a cushier mattress since your hips and neck need to be supported in the right way. Hybrid plush mattresses are a great choice for side-sleepers. The CountourFit technology responds to every position you shift into, giving you ample comfort and support.

If you sleep on your back, the most important thing you need to focus on is keeping your spine aligned. Firm mattresses are a great option for sleepers who lay on their back, offering enough support to keep their joints aligned and healthy.

Stomach sleepers need the most attention when it comes to choosing a great mattress. From bringing comfort for your chest, neck, and stomach, there also needs to be a balance of firmness to not over-extend your spine. Sleeping on your stomach can also lead to deeper issues such as sleep apnea and snoring. But, if you drool the nights away on your stomach, then we suggest investing in a firm to medium-firm mattress.

woman sleeping on her back for the best sleep position

Check out our Beautyrest Buying Guide to give you more info on sleeping positions and the best mattress to fit your habits.

Weight

You may not realize it, but your body type and weight are also significant factors when choosing a mattress.

If you weigh less than 150 pounds, experts suggest looking for a medium-firm bed that’s between five and six on the firmness level. This will help with not sinking too deeply into your mattress. If you’re a side-sleeper or enjoy a softer feel, look for a firmness between three and four.

If you weigh between 150 and 200 pounds, the industry average between five to seven is your sweet spot. This will provide you with the right amount of support and comfort. Again, it’s all according to preference, and no one body is the same, so if you like a softer mattress, go for a firmness level between three and four.

Lastly, if your bodyweight is over 200 pounds, then an ideal firmness level of eight is a great choice. This will give you and your body the best support and comfort for your sleep. If you generally sleep hotter, go for a coil-based mattress for ideal rest.

Firmness

We’ll outline the firmness scale below.

Firmness Scale

Firmness Level

Best Position & Weight

2

Extra Soft

  • Side-sleepers (lighter weight)

3

Soft

  • Side-sleeps (lighter weight)

4

Medium Soft

  • Lighter weight sleepers
  • Side-sleepers under 230 pounds

5

Medium

  • Back and side-sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds

6

Medium Firm

  • Sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds
  • Side-sleepers over 230 pounds

7

Firm

  • Side-sleepers over 230 pounds
  • Stomach sleepers over 130 pounds

8-9

Extra Firm

  • Back sleepers over 230 pounds
  • Side-sleepers over 230 pounds

 

If we still haven’t answered, “What mattress is best for me?”, check out our best sleep guide here.

Other Considerations

Of course, price and budget are considerations when choosing a perfect mattress. Innerspring mattresses are typically the industry’s least expensive choice, while latex or hybrid mattresses range in the higher price value.

Our experts advise not to choose a mattress simply based on its pricing. Higher price values don’t equate to higher quality mattresses. Make sure to inspect the materials, where it’s made, and whom it’s made by to ensure that you’re getting the best bang-for-your-buck.

Features to Look for

A mattress is a big investment that will, hopefully, last you many years to come. So, lastly, take a look at the materials and warranties to guarantee the best choice for you.

woman stretching after finding the best mattress

Materials

Whether you’re a heavy or light sleeper, a back or stomach sleeper, or if you sleep hot and cold, these are all factors depending on what material of mattress you should invest in. Memory foam typically runs warmer, while coil springs give your body more airflow. Also, if you sleep on your stomach, look for the materials that bring more cushion. In contrast, if you sleep on your back, go for a firmer material.

Warranty

Spencer’s offers ten year warranties on all of their mattress models. This covers manufacturing defects like sagging, or flaws in the foam. If you experience any issues with your mattress, don’t hesitate to give us a call.

Why Trust Us?

Since 1973, Spencer’s TV & Appliance has grown to 10 locations throughout the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. The secret to our longevity is simple: personal service. Customer satisfaction has always been the focus of our business, and throughout the years, we have been able to work hard with our suppliers to bring you the best prices. After all, getting customers the best price and personal attention is how we compete with big-box stores, day in and day out.

Not only do we offer top-rated appliances, name-brand electronics, and the best mattresses on the market, but we also provide water treatment solutions and perform kitchen design services. Stop by your nearest Spencer’s and see what you’re missing!

Shop Mattresses at Spencer’s TV & Appliance

At Spencer’s TV & Appliance, we provide high-quality, name-brand products at great prices — check out our catalog to shop our mattresses today. Your friends in the business are always happy to help you find your perfect mattress match. Call us, or better yet, stop by at one of our locations in the Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Glendale regions. Visit us today!

Learn More: Mattress Guides