Top 10 Mattress Questions To Ask Before You Buy, According To A 25 Year Mattress Manufacturer
If you know the top 10 mattress questions you should ask before you buy, you’ll end up with the perfect dream bed that will last for years.
I’m Marc Anderson, and I spent over 25 years inventing, designing, and manufacturing mattresses for my own online mattress stores.
I’ve designed mattresses to help with back, neck, and shoulder pain, pressure relief, edge support, and a host of other issues and creature comforts we all want.
I’ll answer 10 questions that will take the guesswork out of online mattress shopping, without boring you to death. Please visit my main page if you want to cut to the chase and start shopping now.
I’ll also give you quick links to other pages on my site that tailor your specific mattress needs including pain relief, intimacy, disabilities, sex, age, and much more, below.
Top 10 Mattress Questions To Consider Before You Buy
When shopping for a mattress, it’s essential to consider various factors to ensure you find a mattress that is comfortable, supportive, and won’t mash down or compress over time. Quality varies widely, and if you are shopping online, you’re buying sight unseen.
You are probably relying on 3-4 mattress review sites, a friend or family member’s recommendation, and maybe a YouTube video or two, buy I’m guessing none of those resources has ever been on the factory floor of a mattress factory-like I have.
That being said, here are the top 10 questions I ask MYSELF when I’m shopping online or in a retail store. Keep in mind that most of the answers to these questions are readily available and generally front and center on most online stores.
the top 10 questions to consider when shopping for a mattress
- What makes this the best mattress for my needs, in terms of comfort, support, and durability?
- In order of importance, an ideal mattress should be designed with a unique combination of materials and construction techniques, providing optimal comfort (1), support (2), and durability (3) for a restful sleep experience.
- What is the the optimal thickness of the comfort and support layers for a comfortable and supportive mattress?
- The comfort layer right up top should be about approximately 2-3 inches thick, while the supportive layer should be around 6-8 inches thick, ensuring a balanced and supportive sleep surface. I like to see a mattress height of 10-15 inches. Too shallow, and you may find it too firm when on your side, or if you are heavy. Too thick, and getting in and out of bed while be harder.
- How does the lifespan of this mattress compare to others on the market?
- In my experience, a well crafted mattress has an expected lifespan of 8-10 years, though I recommend replacing a mattress every 8 years.
- What is the ILD (Indentation Load Deflection) rating of the mattress foam, and how does it affect comfort and support?
- The ILD rating of the foam should be about 20-25 for the comfort layer (the top most layer or layers) providing a plush feel without sacrificing support, while the support layer should have an ILD of 30-35 for optimal spinal alignment and pressure relief.
- What is the density of the memory foam used in this mattress, and why is it considered the best choice?
- The memory foam, when used in a mattress design, should have a a density of 4-5 lbs/ft³ (1), ensuring durability, responsiveness, and superior pressure relief compared to lower-density foams. Also, the higher the density, the longer the lifespan.,
- How does this mattress address specific concerns such as back pain or pressure relief?
- A mattress candidate should offer targeted lumbar support and contouring comfort layers (2) to alleviate pressure points and promote proper spinal alignment, reducing back pain and enhancing overall comfort. Look for alternating soft and firm layers right up top.
- Can you explain the benefits of the coil gauge and coil count in terms of support and longevity in a hybrid innerspring mattress option?
- Ideal options should combine a lower gauge and higher coil count (up to 1200 across the top surface) to provide really good support, minimize motion transfer, and extend the mattress’s lifespan by reducing sagging and wear over time. Hybrid mattresses will generally last much longer than all foam options, too.
- What is the ideal firmness level of this mattress, and how does it cater to different sleep preferences?
- Your options for consideration should offer a medium-firm feel, suitable for a wide range of sleepers, and offer enough support for back and stomach sleepers while still offering sufficient cushioning for side sleepers. Pro Tip: don’t rule out plusher options if you are a side sleeper with shoulder and hip pain.
- How does the edge support of this mattress contribute to its overall performance and durability?
- The reinforced edge support prevents sagging and maintains mattress integrity when you are sitting on the edge, maximizing sleep surface area and enhancing durability (look for edge foam or stiffer coils used at the perimeter) for long-lasting comfort and support.
- What warranties or guarantees are offered to ensure that I’m getting the best value for my investment?
- I recommend a 20-Life warranty options offering full replacement on any defect for at least 10 years. Most online companies are bound by ubiquitous and the power of mattress reviews by uesers to treat customers right when it comes to defects in workmanship.
Mattresses I’ve Tested And Recommend
 | Nolah Evolution Mattress-best for cooling, pain and side sleepers | Read My Review | $1,008 Off |
 | DLX Premier Hybrid Mattress-overall best for comfort | Read My Review | $500 Off |
 | Saatva Classic Mattress-best luxury innerspring | Read My Review | $600 Off |
 | Silk & Snow-best organic mattress | Read My Review | Pure Latex |
 | Sweetnight Prime Mem Foam Mattress-best pressure relief | Read My Review | $613 Off |
 | Puffy Cloud Mattress-best medium firm option | Read My Review | $1,350 Off |
 | Logan And Cove Hybrid Mattress-best back support | Read My Review | $600 Off |
 | Avocado Natural Latex Mattress-best for intimacy | Read My Review | 20% Off |