Mattress Buying Guide

Your Guide to Buying the Right Mattress in 2021

Making any big purchase can be a bit stressful, and when you’re buying a new mattress that will be helping you to sleep peacefully every night, you want to be sure you’re making the right choice. It can be a bit confusing when you’re trying to understand what sets the different types of mattresses apart from each other and there are new developments being made regularly.

That’s why we’ve created this guide.

There are multiple brands and styles of mattresses and specific concerns merit specific beds. So, how do you decide which one offers the comfort and support you and your body need and what’s the difference between the plethora of styles available?

First, you start with understanding the basics. Here, we’ll walk you through what to look for when you’re purchasing a new bed and address each of the key facets that can sway your decision including price, feel, benefits of each type, sleeping cool, top brands, and delivery options. When purchasing a mattress, this guide has your back.

We'll cover:

• Why Your Sleep & Mattress Are So Important to Good Health
• Picking the Right Mattress for Your Unique Needs
• Getting to Know the Different Types of Mattresses
• Seeing the Differences Between Mattress Sizes
• The Unique Benefits of Innerspring Mattresses
• The Advantages of Modern Memory Foam
• The Two-Level Advantages of Hybrid Mattresses
• What Makes Mattress Comfort Levels Different
• The Difference Between Pillowtop and Eurotop
• Stacking Up Comfort vs Support
• Adjustable Base Considerations You Should Make
• The Adjustable Base & Mattress Compatibility Checklist
• The Undeniable Benefits of Mattress Protectors
• Sleeping Cool with the Latest Sleep Tech
• Manufacturing Origin Considerations You Must Make
• Our In-House Financing Options
• Explaining How Warranties Work, and
• BedPlanet.Com’s Delivery Options

With this information, you’ll be able to figure out the perfect mattress for your needs and have a better understanding of what each of the different bed types and features offers. Let's get started.

Why Your Mattress Is Important

The purpose of a mattress is to present you with comfort and support that helps you relax and get the best sleep possible. Overall, your sleep quality improves when your sleeping surface alleviates pressure on your joints and other areas of your body. 

Picking out a mattress is extremely special and personal because comfort needs differ from person to person and personal preference is the largest factor in your decision.

When you’re sleeping, your body isn’t as passive as it seems. Sleep is actually a very active process, and your body works hard during each and every minute that you’re resting, repairing itself, restoring lost nutrients, and resetting the brain so that it can take in new information the next day. Some of the many things your body does while you’re resting include:

Muscle Recovery

When your body enters non-REM, deep sleep, your pituitary gland secretes growth hormones that incite tissue growth and muscle repair. Simultaneously, circulation increases, which boosts blood supply to your muscles. This sends extra oxygen and nutrients to your muscles to support growth and recovery. Without this sleep, your body could not perform and your muscles would injure. When your sleep is interrupted because you’re uncomfortable thanks to a poor quality mattress it interferes with this recovery process.

Create Memory & Log Skills

When you sleep, your brain changes short term memories, like new dance steps or tennis serves, into long-term memories. This is crucial and is how you can retrieve memories to use them while you’re awake. Adequate rest after learning a skill or creating a memory is imperative otherwise you won’t be able to recall it in the future.

Strengthen Your Immunity

While you sleep, your immune system is bolstered, making it easier for you to fend off viruses and bacteria. In fact, research has shown that people who slept fewer than six hours per night were 4.5x more likely to catch a cold when exposed to a virus compared to those who got at least seven hours. Imagine how many colds you’ve gotten because of interrupted sleep.

Controlled Cravings

Research has found that people who are sleep deprived showed decreased levels of leptin, the chemical that controls the full feeling, and increased levels of ghrelin, a chemical that stimulates appetite. Jennifer Martin, Ph.D., clinical sleep psychologist and associate professor of medicine at UCLA, states that “When people are sleep deprived, they crave more high-fat, high-sugar, and calorie-dense foods so that can make it really difficult to stick to a good nutrition plan, despite your best intentions.” That means that being more comfortable and able to fall asleep quickly can help you to stay fit and avoid packing on extra pounds.

Skin Care

Looking tired isn’t just a saying. Your complexion can often give away whether you’ve had a restful night of sleep. Blood and oxygen flow to the skin increases when you sleep, aiding skin repair processes accountable for skin elasticity and a youthful appearance.” It also helps repair some of the damage done by UV light during the day. Sleep is also a natural anti-inflammatory that is crucial for acne, psoriasis, and eczema.

Detoxification

During sleep, our brain clears out metabolic waste including a toxic protein called beta-amyloid. It’s crucial because beta-amyloids are one of the markers of Alzheimer’s. Sleep also strengthens the neurons that keep your memory sharp. Missing out on sleep can slow brain activity and stunt neural connectivity in the hippocampus, the part of the brain that regulates motivation, emotion, learning, and memory.

Reduced Blood Pressure & Heart Rate

When you enter deeper, stage three non-REM sleep, your blood pressure naturally drops about five to seven points. Research shows that consistently getting enough sleep can decrease blood pressure over time and prevent hypertension. Even just an extra hour of sleep a night decreases the risk of artery calcification, a chief cause of heart disease, by 33%.

Picking Your Mattress

As you can see, sleep is extremely important, and it’s not just you laying down and your body doing nothing. Your body is very active while resting and this time asleep is crucial to overall performance and health.

So, ensuring that you can maximize the time you’re resting and get the deepest, longest amount of sleep possible is an important goal. This is where choosing the right mattress comes into play because it can directly affect how much sleep you’re getting and the quality of that sleep.

Of course, things come up and life happens, but when you can do something once, like investing in the best possible mattress that you can afford that will help you sleep better every night, there’s no question as to whether or not you should do it.

Get a great mattress. Your sleep is too important to waste money on a low-end bed that won’t provide the support and comfort you need to sleep soundly. There’s no doubt that mattresses can be a large purchase, but they’re meant to be. A mattress will serve you for anywhere from eight to 10 years, and when your sleep directly affects your health, choosing a bed that provides the feel and shape that you need to ensure deep sleep is worth the money. You don’t want to be regretting your purchase just a handful of years later because it doesn’t relieve nightly back pain or even makes it worse. When your mattress is serving you exactly as it should and you love it even 10 years later, that’s the right mattress and the one we want to sell you.

Whatsmore, when you share a bed, choosing a mattress is a bit more layered because you have to find something that you both enjoy, and doing that in a cheap bed will leave two people exhausted and uncomfortable.

While mattresses don’t last forever, science has made them able to last for much longer than they used to. That’s a long time to commit to something. When you’re shopping for a mattress, consider how long it’s supposed to serve you and how much time you spend in your bed. It pays, in the long run, to invest in the best possible mattress you can afford.

Make every night better and in turn, you’ll be making every day a bit better, improving your health and bolstering your mental acuity and mood.

Understanding the Different Types of Mattresses

There are a plethora of mattress types, and with so many different technologies and shapes, it is not always an easy task deciding which is best for you. With this part of the guide, we’ll give you the pros and cons of each mattress type we sell here at BedPlanet.Com so that you’re able to make an informed decision about what mattress is right for you.

Innerspring

An innerspring mattress is made of several, tightly coiled springs, usually steel springs. There are several different types of spring systems from a single unit to individually-wrapped, pocketed coils. The shape, gauge, design, and coil count varies from mattress to mattress and brand to brand.

All innerspring systems are covered with padding and upholstery, normally a foam or fiber, to provide cushioning on the top. Several things come into play when determining the support and comfort of an innerspring mattress- coil count, construction, material, and padding.

Foam

Foam mattresses are made of one or more different types of foam. The foam can be polyurethane, viscoelastic (memory foam), or latex. Frequently, you’ll find that the foams contain gel materials. The foam shape and density come in a variety of different levels, and some can disperse heat or provide different comfort levels.

Gel Memory Foam

Much like the conventional memory foam, gel memory foam is a highly supportive and contours to your body in the same way. However, gel memory foam doesn’t succumb to the same heat accumulation as standard memory foam and breathes much better. Gel memory foam is also known to stay elastic for longer.

Gel Latex Foam

Gel latex foam is an innovation that addresses some of the complaints with memory foam mattresses, particularly the sinking feeling. This type of mattress holds its shape a bit more and you won’t fall as deeply into it. With a latex foam mattress as you sleep on it, it still conforms to your body without the sinking sensation as opposed to the feeling like you’re sleeping in a memory foam mattress.

Air Bed

Air beds are not as common and are typically chambered beds that are designed to adapt, like the Sleep Number bed. Air beds use adjustable air chambers as their support system. The air chambers are covered by padding or upholstery and are designed to last. Air beds allow you to constantly adjust the firmness and normally have the ability to control each side independently.

Hybrid

A hybrid mattress is a combination of innerspring and memory foam. When there are two partners with different sleeping styles, a hybrid mattress can often be a middle ground for both styles. When using a hybrid mattress, the level of support can be a bit higher, because you have a solid coil base beneath the top layer of foam. With less foam in the bottom of the mattress, it has been said that the hybrids can help you sleep a bit cooler.

Look at mattress types here.

What’s Best for You?

Your mattress preference all comes down to personal desires and requirements. There is no mattress that is technically better than another, but there are some that are better for you than others. They are all made differently with different materials and different purposes in mind.

When you’re considering a mattress, you should focus on what your needs and preferences are. Memory foam mattresses are wonderful for some. The advancements in gel memory foam can be even better. You’ll find support both in memory foam and innerspring mattresses.

Memory foam and gel memory foam mattresses have benefits that innerspring mattresses do not. A higher degree of pressure relief and longer average lifespan are two of the main benefits to memory foam over innerspring mattresses. However, innerspring mattresses can be cooler and a bit firmer if that is what you’re looking for.

Concerned About Sleeping Warm?

People used to be concerned that memory foam meant a warmer mattress, but thanks to new technology this doesn’t have to be the case nowadays. You can use a thin mattress topper between the foam and your body that provides cooling and newer gel foam mattresses also provide a cooling effect, particularly the new Tempur-Pedic mattresses. The Luxebreeze from Tempur states is can keep you up to eight degrees cooler. Part of this feature is accomplished by the now ventilated memory foam core that allows for better airflow.

Contouring Comfort with Memory Foam

Memory foam mattresses are designed to engulf your body when you lay on it. Many say it feels like melting into the bed. Another benefit to memory foam is that it does not transfer movement. When sharing a bed, you won’t disturb your partner with your tossing and turning, and additionally, you’ll be less like to toss and turn as well.

On the flip side, some users have said that the memory foam makes it very difficult to move at all. If you’re not looking to sink into your bed and don’t enjoy the feeling of a soft or plush mattress, these may not be for you. Buying a memory foam mattress takes some research and you may need to try a few out in a store first. Not all foam is made equal. This is a place where investing in a more expensive mattress could be the better decision because it can mean the foam was made with better materials. Here at BedPlanet.Com, we are firm believers in Tempur-Pedic memory foam and not only do we love it, but our customers do too.

Meeting in the Middle with a Hybrid

When trying to decide between memory foam and innerspring mattresses, there is a way to meet in the middle. As you now know, a hybrid mattress consists of both an innerspring system with memory foam layers on top. This way you get the comfort a memory foam mattress offers with the firm core of an innerspring mattress.

If you’re having trouble sleeping at night and looking for different options, contact us here at BedPlanet.Com. We love to work with our customers on what mattress is best for you when you want a peaceful night of sleep. When you’re looking for that perfect new mattress, there are so many things to consider. We’re here to help. We’ll help you weigh the balance between comfort and support.

This information is also discussed here.

Here’s a bit more about the benefits of each type of mattress.

What are the Benefits of an Innerspring Mattress?

Innerspring mattresses are the most popular and oldest technology used in mattresses. Both plush and firm innerspring mattresses use a steel coil support system. Innerspring mattresses offer exceptional support and have been a tried and true staple of mattress construction for several years.

One of the myths of the innerspring mattress is that the springs can cause uncomfortable pressure points on the shoulders and hips, which in turn causes back pain in the morning and tossing and turning during the night. If you weigh over 250 lbs or are sleeping on an old or poorly crafted bed, this can be true. Newer innerspring mattresses and those with better quality padding on the top, usually don’t cause these pressure points as much. However, laying on one will be the only way to tell if you like how the springs feel.

Additionally, that padding or upholstery material, including various foams, fiber, and even additional layers of smaller steel springs, have been improved over time to offer that cushioning comfort most people want. There are several types of spring systems, including those with springs connected into a single unit and units with individually-wrapped, pocketed coils. The spring shapes, designs, coil gauge and the number of coils can also vary.

When using an innerspring mattress, you can benefit from a firm layer of responsive support and a cushioning layer on top. This responsiveness in addition to the greater airflow available in an innerspring mattress are two of the most appealing benefits of an innerspring bed. These mattresses tend to help a person sleep cooler and the responsive, or bouncy, feel allows for easy maneuvering in the bed and a feeling like the bed is adjusting to your position instantaneously.

What are the Benefits of a Foam Mattress?

Memory foam mattresses reduce pressure points and conform to the body in a way that springs just can’t. Less pressure created in your body helps to increase blood circulation for better sleep. Memory Foam mattresses also encourage healthier sleep environments since they are naturally anti-dust mite and anti-microbial. This is a great feature for people with asthma or allergies. With a memory foam mattress, you’ll be able to turn during the night, without interrupting your partner’s sleep because the foam doesn’t transfer movement.

Gel memory foam has a reputation for being more durable than traditional memory foam. Gel memory foam mattresses are typically denser and are even more effective at reducing pressure points. There are several brands that make memory foam mattresses including Tempur-Pedic and Sealy, which we sell here. The top name brand is Tempur-Pedic, and it offers mattresses that provide cooling, adaptive support, and was inducted into the Space Technology Hall of Fame in 1998 for improving life on Earth through innovations developed for space.

Many foam mattresses are also known to be more enveloping, which can be great for those who enjoy plush, warm beds. Plus, these beds can be more comfortable for those who sleep on their sides, as they won’t cause the pressure to build up in your joints.

You can find more about visco-elastic memory foam here.

What is a Hybrid Mattress?

Hybrid mattresses combine two support systems- memory foam layers along with an innerspring system. Hybrid mattresses are a great way to experience the pressure-relieving benefits of memory foam while retaining the classic feel of an innerspring mattress.

Several people are curious about the benefits of memory foam and gel memory foam mattresses but are hesitant to make make the jump to an all-foam mattress. This is where hybrid mattresses can be wonderful.

A hybrid mattress combines innerspring with memory foam, so you get the benefits of both technologies. Hybrids allow sleepers to enjoy the perfect blend of sturdy support and contouring comfort. They typically have the same size coils as what you would find inside innerspring mattresses with a top layer of memory foam support and contouring.

The “bounciness” you get from an innerspring mattress is found the coil system, and the layers of memory foam create that unmistakable enveloping embrace. Hybrids also tend to be shaped more like a traditional bed, instead of the low profile, slim lines of an all-foam bed. We have a large collection of Sealy and Stearns & Foster hybrid mattresses, plus you can find some in Tempur-Pedic too, and you’re sure to find one that will fulfill your needs.

Mattress Size Guide

Purchasing the right mattress is an important task. We get questions all the time about mattress sizes and what size would fit their space best, but what it all comes down to are your needs and your situation. Couples sometimes think that a full mattress is enough for them, only to quickly learn that once they’re on it, it’s not enough room. Two people on a full mattress is like having as much space as a baby’s crib. This section of the guide is here to better inform you of the dimensions and recommendations different mattress sizes allow.

Twin Mattress - Dimensions: 38” W X 74” L

The smallest size, the twin can hold one adult comfortably. Though it’s only 74” in length, so it may not be long enough if you’re over 6’ and could be a better choice for a teen or young adult. A daybed is also twin sized and can also be used as a comfortable seating area or a guest bed. This size is also preferable for teens and younger children since they are smaller.

Twin XL Mattress - Dimensions: 38” W X 80” L

A Twin XL, which is a little more than 5” longer, might be a better option for a taller person. With its narrow width, it’s a space-saving option when your available area is limited, like older-style bedrooms or dorm rooms.

Additionally, two Twin XLs make a Split King, which is a top choice among customers on our website who are looking for a bed and adjustable base combo. You don't have to purchase two Twin XLs every time, as you can use these mattresses alone, but the most common purchase on the site is the Twin XL set. We'll talk a bit more about this setup below when we talk about Split Kings.

Full Mattress - Dimensions: 53” W X 75” L

The full, sometimes referred to as a double, is 15” wider than the twin. Were a couple to sleep on a full, they’d both have roughly half the width at about 26”. That’s about the same width as a crib. A full mattress is a better option for a teen’s room, so they have a bit more room to sleep and grow. There is also a Full XL variation that adds 5” to the length, however, this can be difficult to find.

Queen Mattress - Dimensions: 60” W X 80” L

The queen size is by far the most popular size. The increased length and width make a huge difference for couples, and the value of the queen size tends to be much better given the space that you get for your money. Each person would have roughly 30” of personal space. The queen mattress is perfect for couples in smaller bedrooms, or who don’t mind close quarters. Its extra space also makes it the ideal choice for a guest bedroom.

King Mattress - Dimensions: 76” W X 80” L

A king-size provides a bit more room for couples, giving them about as much room as if they had pushed two twin mattresses together. In fact, a split king is two mattresses with two twin XL box-springs pushed together at the bottom. Since this size is very large, it’s a good idea to use a tape measure to ensure you have enough space in your bedroom. Tight corners and awkward angles can be an issue with such large mattresses.

Split King Mattress Set - Dimensions: 76" (Two 38”) W X 80” L

A Split King is also a popular option. This size bed is made of two Twin XLs and is designed to provide the ample space of a King while allowing for independent movement. Typically this is what is used for a King Set adjustable base when you’re looking to move each side of the bed independently. You can have a one-piece King on an adjustable base, however, when you raise the head or foot the entire bed will adjust. When you use a Split, each side can be adjusted on its own without affecting your partner. 

What’s the Difference Between an Eastern and a Standard King?

There isn't one. Eastern King is another name for the standard king-size, in the same way, that "Western King" is just another name for the California King.

California King - Dimensions: 72” W X 84” L

This is another mattress option, that is slightly narrower than a standard king size mattress but adds an additional 4” in length which is more ideal for taller people. But since these mattresses require specific bed frames and come with a higher price tag, many consumers opt to go with the standard king.

Split California King - Dimensions: 72" (Two 36") W X 84" L

As mentioned before, a Split Cal King size is also an option. This operates the same way that a Split King does but provides an even larger sleeping surface over a regular King. A Split Cal King is designed to allow opposite sides of the mattress to be raised or lowered simultaneously when you use an adjustable base the same way a Split King does. It can accommodate both sleeping partners by allowing each person to have their own position and in some situations, you can even adjust the comfort level of each side separately.

Mattresses come in several shapes and sizes and without laying down on a few it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. When it comes to size, your decision will largely be based on your personal needs, how much space you have, and your budget. Now, let’s take a closer look at the comfort levels or ratings that mattresses provide and what sets them apart.

Understanding Comfort Levels

Ultra Firm

An ultra-firm mattress usually lives up to its name and is a significantly harder sleeping surface compared to other mattresses. Some say it almost feels like sleeping on the floor. An ultra-firm mattress will have very little give and a very solid feel when laying on it. This type of bed is best for those who don’t want to sink into the mattress at all, and potentially those who need the utmost in back support due to any condition they might have. It also might not be as adjustable base-friendly depending on the brand.

Firm

A firm mattress usually has a little bit of give, but still provides a harder sleeping surface. If you tend to wake up with back pain on a softer mattress, a firm mattress may be the better choice for you. If you’re a side sleeper, this may be too hard of a bed for you.

Cushion Firm

A cushion firm mattress is still a bit of a firm sleeping surface but has the added feature of a small layer of padding, which cushions you against the firm core, making it a supportive middle ground for people who want a bit firm and a bit soft.

Plush

Plush mattresses provide a softer, more giving sleeping surface. They are definitely the ideal choice if you want to sink into your mattress a bit and tend to carry a smaller price tag than the upgraded, pillowtop mattress.

Pillowtop

Pillowtop mattresses are fantastic when you want cloudlike softness and comfort. With additional padding on top of the mattress, there is extra cushion to help you sleep comfortably, however, many pillowtop mattresses cannot be flipped, which could potentially shorten the longevity of your mattress. There are also Euro Pillowtop mattresses available.

To see the comfort levels, click here. Let’s discuss the differences between these now.

The Difference Between Pillowtop and Euro Top Mattresses

Many mattress manufacturers use "Pillowtop" and "Euro Top" interchangeably, which has confused many customers. What’s the difference between the two? Or is it just the name?

While both mattresses typically provide the same level of cushioning comfort, the obvious and significant difference in design is the way the extra cushion is added to the top of the mattress.

What is a Pillowtop Mattress?

A pillowtop mattress is exactly what it sounds like, a mattress with an extra pillow-like layer on one or both sides. This extra layer is added to improve the softness and comfort of the mattress and is stitched to the top so that it provides uniform and adequate comfort across the entire mattress.

What is a Euro Top Mattress?

A euro top mattress has one significant design difference. Instead of the pillow layer looking like it's sitting on top and separate from the mattress like in the traditional pillowtop style, the pillow layer in a euro top is stitched flush with the edge of the mattress. This makes it looks like an extra layer has been attached to the top of the mattress, creating a uniform appearance that looks as if it is all one piece.

Will I Notice the Difference?

While the functionality is the same between these two styles, the design does look different. Will you notice the difference? You may like the feel of the euro top because the pillowing will lay tight to the edge, however, you probably won’t notice too much of a difference in the feel or the look once you put a sheet and blanket on the bed.

Pillowtops are also discussed here.

Comfort vs. Support

There is a Difference

Many mattress stores use comfort and support interchangeably, but these two terms are very different and refer to separate benefits that a mattress can provide. Having adequate support ensures that you minimize the likelihood of back pain. Lack of support is one of the top reasons for back pain first thing in the morning today.

Having adequate comfort ensures that the rest of your body is comfortable. When you want pressure relief in your shoulders or hips, that’s where comfort and give come into play. Support refers to your back, and comfort refers to your body. Coil systems and foam may not differ much, however, comfort levels at the top of the mattress can differ a lot.

What Exactly is Support?

Support refers to the mattress’s ability to hold up your body's weight and provide satisfactory resistance to keep your spine aligned correctly so that you can sleep more comfortably and not experience pain when getting back up in the morning. Without adequate support, your mattress will almost positively to give you back pain.

What Do We Mean by Comfort?

The comfort of any mattress will depend on the construction of the top layers. With such a wide variety of materials available for mattresses, manufacturers can create almost any type of comfort level you could possibly need. We include the comfort level of each mattress in our listings so that you will know what to expect from each model.

Don't Fall for the Firmer is Better Myth

A firmer mattress doesn't necessarily mean that it’s more supportive. Support from an innerspring mattress comes from the internal coil system. This system is almost always the same in any mattress, which means the firm and plush versions in a mattress collection provide the same amount of support. You may experience a bit more support from an ultra-firm since it will provide the thinnest or most compact top layer, however, the core support of a collection will be unchanged from comfort level to comfort level. 

Additionally, you may like the bouncy support of an innerspring mattress or the more molding support of a memory foam mattress. One last thing to remember, there is some stipulation about higher coil count mattresses and whether they can provide better support. In some situations, a higher coil count can provide a more dense sleeping surface, which can make it more supportive. 

However, the true quality of a coil is more about how they are arranged and designed. If they use high-grade steel and feature a well-made coil structure, they are likely to be more supportive. If they are made with lower quality materials and the mattress itself seems to be priced very low, you likely won’t get the support you need.

Comfort and support are also discussed here.

Will a Firm Mattress Hurt my Back?

Many people have this question when they’re looking at mattresses, especially when back pain is a concern already. It's crucial that you find the right mattress for you and your body, so asking questions and learning all you can about mattresses will be an important step in the right direction. When the question is: "Will a firm mattress hurt my back?" you may be hesitant to buy a firm mattress. You may even be hesitant to buy a plush mattress. So, how do you make your choice? 

How You Sleep Will Make Your Choice

The most important factor in determining which mattress is right for you is what position you sleep in. Consider what position you spend most of the night in. For those of you who sleep on your side, a firm mattress may cause you back pain and put pressure on your shoulders and hips, causing pain because of the excessive pressure. 

However, if you sleep on your back or stomach, a firmer mattress will be better for you and your back. This comfort level will help keep your spine straight, allowing you to sleep more comfortably and deeper. 

You’ll also want to consider your health as we’ll discuss below.

Do You Suffer From Back Pain?

Having back pain can be a real, well “pain in the back,” and you should likely consult your doctor before making any purchasing decisions. Inadequate support in your bed can worsen or cause back pain. So, do your research, talk to your doctor, and then give us a call at 888-996-9890. We’ll be happy to help you find a new mattress that suits your needs. You’ll likely need assistance navigating all the mattresses available so that you can find the right one that provides both support and comfort. You’ll also see this discussion here and the soft side of the conversation here.

Now, let’s talk about the benefits of each type of mattress- innerspring, hybrid, and memory foam.

When Considering Adjustable Bases

What Is the Right Mattress For Your Adjustable Base

It is important to realize when shopping for a mattress for an adjustable base, knowing the type of mattress to buy is essential. Here is what you’re looking for:

• Latex Mattress
• Memory Foam Mattress
• Individually Wrapped Coil Mattress
• Hybrid Mattress

You want to stay away from interlaced coil mattresses, air mattresses, and very firm mattresses because typically they are not flexible enough to bend enough to accommodate a base.

Latex mattresses, memory foam mattresses, individually-wrapped coil mattresses, and hybrid mattresses typically provide the flexibility, thickness, and durability you need to enjoy your base to the fullest, without damaging it or your mattress. However, there are some chambered air mattresses and ultra firm mattresses that are flexible enough for an adjustable base.

Let’s talk a bit more about each aspect.

Adjustable Base & Mattress Compatibility Checklist

Flexibility: A mattress must be able to bend 45 degrees, hold this position well, and still recover to its original shape without damage.

Thickness: The best thickness for a mattress that’s going to be going on an adjustable base is around 10". This allows the mattress to bend and flex when the base is in motion while continuing to offer proper support to the user. Thicker mattresses might not bend as well, however, there are some, particularly Sealy and Stearns mattresses, that are capable of bending even though they are thicker.

Durability: The mattress chosen for your adjustable base must have the ability to be adjusted several times throughout its lifetime. This is crucial to the longevity of the mattress as it will bend and unbend several times over and over again. This is where a cheaper mattress will fail you again.

When you have chosen your mattress style and an adjustable base design, the final step is to make sure the sizes are compatible. Once this is all taken care of, many years of comfortable and healthy sleep await you.

When Considering a Mattress Protector

A good mattress is one of the most important investments you can make in your life. You spend a third of your life sleeping and having a good mattress is essential for resting soundly and awaking ready for the next day. A great way to improve the longevity of your mattress is to cover it in a waterproof mattress protector.

Plus, when any fluid gets into a memory foam mattress the integrity and feel can be destroyed, leaving you with a mattress that doesn’t perform the way it should. Keeping your mattress padding and foam dry and clean is imperative, and a mattress protector can do that.

A mattress protector may seem like a redundant item, but if you want to guarantee that your mattress warranty is sustained and any problems with your mattress are taken care of when you file a claim, a mattress protector is a must. Spills, surface stains, etc. can make a warranty claim invalid, and a mattress protector is the only way you'll be able to stop something from reaching the mattress should a spill or accident occur.

You've spent possibly thousands on your new mattress, why risk that investment when there is an easy yet effective way to guarantee that any warranty claim you file won't be denied for something you could have anticipated.

What precisely does a mattress protector do for your mattress though?

• Protects your mattress from stains or accidents with a waterproof barrier that covers the entire sleeping surface and sometimes encases your entire bed.
• Naturally antibacterial & anti-microbial – Protect your mattress from odor-causing bacteria, and protect your health by sleeping on a much cleaner, more hygienic mattress.
• Protect your mattress from dust mites – Keeping liquid and shed skin cells from reaching your mattress ensures that dust mites can’t live inside it.
• Protect the longevity of your mattress – By keeping moisture and bacteria from the inside of your bed, you’ll lengthen the lifespan and comfort of your mattress.
• A mattress protector is also great for a child's mattress, keeping the bed clean and safe and protecting their beds from accidental stains.

Read more about why you need a mattress protector here. See mattress protectors we carry right here.

Sleeping Cool with the Latest Tech

Sleeping too hot or too cold can affect the quality of your sleep in several ways, and thanks to the advancements being made in mattresses, creating a cooler sleeping experience is more doable. There are also several things that you can do to make your room a cool sleeping environment.

Room temperature is a part of your perfect sleep environment, and when you’re too hot or cold it can disrupt your sleep patterns and leave you feeling tired and slow the next morning. When you’re trying to be money conscious and leaving the A/C off or leaving off on the heat, you’ll suffer for it in the long run. Soon, you’ll be spending all that saved money on coffee to keep you awake.

How Air Temperature Affects Sleep

Sleep experts the world over have continuously professed that the temperature of your bedroom and how comfortable you feel affects the quality and quantity of your sleep.

But why?

According to H. Craig Heller, Ph.D., professor of biology at Stanford University, who wrote on temperature and sleep, when you go to sleep, the temperature your brain tries to maintain for your body goes down. It struggles to achieve this temperature when the air in the room is overly hot or cold.

We need a mild drop in body temperature to help induce sleep. What’s more, Ralph Downey III, Ph.D., chief of sleep medicine at Loma Linda University, has stated that that temperature needs to be maintained all night as well. If the air temp goes up in the middle of the night, you’re much more likely to wake up, wreaking havoc on your sleep cycle.

He also states the comfort level of your bedroom temperature will also affect how well you experience your dreaming sleep, or REM sleep. There’s no doubt about it if you’re sleeping in a room far colder or hotter than that range, a restless night awaits you. You’ll be exhausted all day.

What’s the Best Temperature for Sleeping?

Supporting a particular range can be difficult according to Downey and Heller. One person can find 60 degrees just right while another, like the person writing this, will be freezing. A typical suggestion is to keep the room between 60 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit, but Heller recommends setting the temperature to whatever the particular sleeper finds best as long as it’s on the cooler side. If you tend to get cold, like me, it is recommended that you keep the room cool and use a thicker blanket to create a balance.

Creating the Perfect Sleep Environment

So, for the largest number of people, the suggested bedroom temperature of 60 to 72℉ will produce the best sleep experience. However, it’s not unheard of to need the temperature to be a few degrees higher, especially during the winter.

As you now know when you’re attempting to fall asleep your body temperature lowers, assisting it to do so will mean less time lying awake in bed. Experiment with room temps for a bit to see what temperature feels best to you at any one time, and any partner that you’re sharing your bed with.

Another thing to remember when creating the perfect sleeping space is that your room should be your cave. Quiet, cool, and dark are what you want. Bats sleep in caves and get a whopping 16 hours a day, and you’d be smart to mimic them. Room darkening curtains are a valuable investment, and you should attempt to keep the late night light to a minimum. Watching TV or reading too late with the light on can hinder your body’s ability to generate melatonin because your body needs darkness to do so.

If you’re still having trouble, maybe slide a hot water bottle under your feet or wearing socks. This helps to dilate your blood vessels faster and get your internal thermostat to a more suitable setting.

Cool Solutions for Everyone

We’ve talked about ways to help you sleep cool and why setting the ideal room temperature is essential, but what about your mattress? Your pillows? They can hold onto a lot of heat and make it tough to sleep restfully.

Good thing Sleep Tech is always evolving.

Cooling Protectors

When you want to add just a step of coolness or want something that’s a bit more budget-friendly, mattress and pillow protectors can help you to sleep cooler without breaking the bank. They are affordable options that can easily travel with you if you’ll be moving.

Our top choice for a cooling mattress protector is the Malouf SLEEP TITE Five 5ided® IceTech™ Mattress Protector. The Five 5ided® IceTech™ Mattress Protector provides you with reliable waterproof protection and cooling technology to help you sleep cool, comfortable, and all night long.

The IceTech Mattress Protector Features:

• IceTech™ cooling fabric
• Breathable waterproof barrier
• Blocks allergens and dust mites
• IceTech™ fabric continually dissipates body heat to create a cool sleep climate
• Laboratory-certified H2Pro® membrane is breathable and quiet
• Breathable fabric does not add bulk or change the comfort of a mattress
• Five-sided protection guards the top and sides of the mattress.
• Universal Fit™ design and thicker premium elastic creates a smooth, secure fit on mattress depths 6 - 22"

Plus, it also comes with a 15-Year Warranty.

Low Heat Linens

Another thing you’ll want to keep in mind is your linens. So much heat gets trapped in our sheets, but it’s a simple place to add some cooler fabrics such as bamboo and breathable cotton.

When you’re shopping for sheets keep natural, lightweight fabrics in mind. They’ll be sure to keep your bed feeling as cool as possible, particularly when combined with all the other cooling tech you might use.

Malouf also makes Woven Tencel sheets with balanced moisture management and temperature regulation and Rayon from Bamboo sheets, which provide a porous composition which makes the fabric more breathable and temperature regulating.

Cooling Pillows

Another step up in the cooling game are cool-feel pillows. There are many excellent types out there with various different feels available. Our top favorites are the Malouf Z CarbonCool® + OmniPhase® LT and traditional CarbonCool® and the TEMPUR-Cloud® Breeze Dual Cooling Pillow.

The Malouf Z CarbonCool® + OmniPhase® LT The most advanced pillow-cooling technology available, Omniphase® phase change material provides continual temperature regulation with ventilation for superior airflow. Phase change molecules capture and release heat as needed to maintain the optimum sleep temperature throughout the night. 

To advance the cooling properties, activated carbon infused in the foam creates a pathway to filter heat away from the head, face, and neck. Now you can experience the pressure-relieving benefits of memory foam while sleeping at the perfect temperature. Lastly, a TENCEL™ mesh cover creates a soft, smooth surface that assists to control humidity while providing maximum exposure to the Omniphase® coating.

The traditional CarbonCool® is a bit less expensive and does not provide the Omniphase coating.

To kick it up one more notch, the  TEMPUR-Cloud® Breeze Dual Cooling Pillow features numerous layers of cooling gel on both sides that are sure to keep you cool.

The extremely adaptive, personalized support the pillow provides is combined with a cooling gel that keeps you comfortable in any sleep position. Plus, the pillow’s material returns to its shape after each use.

Tempur pillows uniquely adapt to your head, neck, and shoulders and the premium knit cooling cover presents cool-to-the-touch comfort.

The Ultimate in All-Night Cooling Comfort

When you want to take it all the way to the top and you’re willing to invest in a mattress that will provide you with cooling comfort for years to come, the Tempur Breeze mattresses are the ones for you.

There are two levels- the PRObreeze and the LUXEbreeze.

The TEMPUR PRObreeze Collection offers innovative cooling from a three-level system of revolutionary materials that work together from cover to core to keep you an average of 3° cooler during the entire night.

Its initial level of cooling is the zip-off cover that feels cool when you lay down and is intended to wick away heat. The second level is the PureCool+™ Phase Change Material that’s formulated into the top layer of the mattress and absorbs heat. Finally, the TEMPUR-CM+™ Comfort Layer that was designed by mattress experts for the greatest airflow and breathability.

The mattress is provided in a medium feel mattress and a medium feel hybrid mattress.

The TEMPUR LUXEbreeze Collection takes it to the next level. This is where all-night cooling meets supreme pressure relief. It provides users with everything the PRObreeze collection does with an additional layer of cooling power.

The LUXEbreeze mattress has a unique ventilated APR layer. The APR is Tempur's Advanced Pressure Relief, and it gives the mattress more give and offers enhanced pressure relief for enhanced blood flow.

It’s one of the most advanced materials and gives ultra-conforming support for total relaxation. When you pair that with the ventilation, you’ll sleep cool and comfortable. In fact, up to 8° cooler.

With all this incredible cooling technology available, your sleep experience just got better. Sleeping cool is also discussed in our blog. As well as cool sleeping tech here.

More Helpful Tricks

• Don’t do anything too exciting before bed. It can take longer for your brain to go to standby mode and affect how fast you fall asleep.
• Get consistent exercise. This doesn’t mean run a marathon, it just means be active in a way that gets your heart pumping. This will help you to feel tired, which uses up your energy.
• Get some sun during the day, and limit light, particularly blue light from devices, at night. This assists your body to respond to and maintain natural circadian rhythms, which just means successfully understanding day and night.
• Don’t drink caffeine late in the day.
• Don’t take overly long naps, unless you are sick or really need the extra sleep.
• Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even weekends, to maintain a consistent schedule that will automatically tell your body when it’s time to sleep.
• Find the right noise balance whether that’s totally silent or you use a sleep track or white noise machine. A calming atmosphere will help you drift off.
• Don’t eat late at night or drink late at night.
• Try to include a relaxation routine before bed. You could try meditating, taking a warm bath or shower, using deep breathing techniques, reading, or listening to calming music. I’m personally a huge fan of sleep meditations, and they can even assist with anxiety when you’re attempting to fall sleep.
• If you’re anxious or stressed, or are dealing with mental illness, try a weighted blanket. They can help you to feel grounded and cut down on outside stimuli.

When you’re purchasing a mattress, you’ll also likely want to consider where and how it is made. Let’s dive into those considerations now.

Manufacturing Origin Considerations

Purchasing local and American-made products seems to be an important factor for several buyers nowadays. However, there are several things that can come into play when considering in-country mattress manufacturers. Cost, quality, and the environment can all be affected by manufacturing origin. Differences that can be important for consumers.

Made in the USA vs. Imports

As with nearly all manufactured goods, consumers have numerous choices between domestic and imported products. Many Americans believe that buying American-made products can help to support our economy and that it affects quality. Understanding how domestic and imported beds can differ could assist you to make wiser purchasing decisions.

Manufacturing Practices

Different countries and regions have different laws, and these can affect the chemicals used in mattress construction. The US and EU have stricter health and safety standards than other exporting regions. Flammability testing, toxic additive bans, and disallowed manufacturing chemicals are all highly regulated aspects of mattress manufacturing in the United States and in the EU.

However, there is little known about the manufacturing origin and practices of bed-in-a-box companies. We don’t know what laws they’re listening to or choosing to ignore and several may even cut corners. Additionally, bed-in-a-box mattresses can have a shelf life and actually start to break down before you even get them home.

Economic & Labor Concerns

Buying US-made products from US companies does support the domestic economy to a degree. US and EU manufacturers also have much stricter labor guidelines designed to protect workers from danger and exploitation such as OSHA standards, minimum wage, and child labor laws. Smaller companies that aren’t as regulated, potentially from far overseas, may not have as ethical of business practices.

Environmental Concerns

When determining whether or not mattress manufacturing origin matters, possible effects on the environment are important for a lot of shoppers, particularly people looking to live a greener lifestyle. The US and EU have stricter laws here as well. Additionally, importing means fossil fuels and potential pollution as well.

Costs

Price, of course, is one of the most important considerations for many when buying a mattress. Generally, imported products are more affordable since manufacturing and labor costs are lower, with the exception of luxury European brands such as Magniflex. However, domestically-produced mattresses have reduced shipping costs, so many brands continue to be fairly competitive with imported lines. And remember, especially inexpensive models from brands that you don’t know may be so cheap because the products used are not of good quality.

When you're shopping for an affordable mattress, convenience may also be a big concern. You may be looking from a bed that comes rolled up in a box for easy installation and delivery. A lot of these "bed-in-a-box" companies use subpar material to be able to create a mattress that can be rolled up that way. 

However, here at BedPlanet.com, we also offer the convenience of a bed-in-a-box from top brands that won't skimp on quality. You'll find options from Sealy and Malouf Weekender that offer these shipping options and provide a low-cost, easy installation option for those just starting out or those looking to furnish a small bedroom or apartment.

Be smart with your money but don’t skimp out on mattresses that won’t hold up to the test of time since it’s supposed to last you up to 25 years.

You can find more information about manufacturing origin here.

Financing

Another thing to keep in mind when you’re in the market to purchase a mattress is how often poor quality beds break down. Do you want to be spending a few hundred dollars every year on a mattress that only makes your back pain worse? Or would you prefer investing in something well crafted that will last you for many years? We think that’s a no brainer.

Also, think of it this way. For the monthly price of a cellphone payment, you could bring home something that’ll completely change the way you feel about sleep and improve your quality of life.

We have three options available when you want to finance your mattress or bedding purchase- Synchrony, Snap, and PayPal Finance. These different financing choices have different terms and lengths available at different rates. That’s a lot to understand, so we’re here to help you get a hang of how the financing options work.

You can choose from 0% financing options for 24, 36, or 48 from Synchrony, No Interest, No Payments from PayPal, and No Credit Needed financing from Snap.

We are more than happy to match any price you find across the web or in stores as well. We want to make sure that the price will fit your budget, and to that end provide a 110% Price Match Guarantee, which you can read about here.

Using Zero Percent to Your Advantage

So, Synchrony offers an exclusive program where you pay 0% Interest for 36 Months on purchases of at least $2495.

What does that mean?

That means that when you pay 36 equal monthly payments and pay off the entire purchase cost, you’ll pay zero interest on your purchase, so the same upfront amount, but you were able to pay for it as you go instead of in a lump sum.

You can use this to your advantage when you have most of the money in hand and want to make your mattress purchase with an adjustable base. This way, you’ll be sure to pay off the balance in the 36 months, and you’ll be ensuring that you get the best night of sleep possible without having to wait and try to save more, which doesn’t always work because as we all know “life happens.”

You deserve to have the perfect bedroom set up and financing options are designed to help. They do come with some stipulations, so be sure to check out our financing page that goes over all the rules and regulations.

Give us a call, and we can work out the best deal for you.

Mattress Warranties

The warranty of a massage chair typically covers parts and labor, but the length of a warranty can vary greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer. Several warranties can be prolonged up to five years, however, they might incur an additional cost while occasionally it can be included for free.

Sealy, Tempur-Pedic, and more all have their own individual warranty coverage that will safeguard your bed and adjustable base. You’ll need to look at each manufacturer’s coverage to know the full breadth of the protection.

Additionally, BedPlanet.Com, as well as Tempur, offers special guarantees.

The 101-Night Love Your Mattress Guarantee

BedPlanet.Com knows that picking the best mattress for you is an important decision. That's why we offer a 101-Night Love Your Mattress Guarantee with the purchase of any Sealy Hybrid, Sealy Conform, or Stearns and Foster mattress.

This means if you want to exchange your mattress, we’ll exchange it within 101 nights. One thing that we need is that you give your body at least 30 nights to get used to the comfort and support of your new bed. After that time, you have up to the 101st day from your original delivery date to take advantage of the Love Your Mattress Guarantee.

The Tempur-Pedic Comfort Exchange Policy

We also include a 90 Night Comfort Exchange Guarantee with every Tempur-Pedic mattress purchase.

• Again, give your body 30 nights to adjust to the new mattress 
• After 30 nights you’ll have up to the 90th day from the original delivery date to return the mattress and exchange it for a new one.
• This is a one-time courtesy service that allows you to exchange the mattress for another one of equal or greater value for a one-time service fee. This charge covers the shipping of the new mattress, removal of the old one, and a processing fee.
• If you exchange for a lower-priced mattress, we will not refund the difference.
• If you exchange for a higher-priced mattress, the difference will need to be paid before shipment.

You can read more about our guarantees here.

Delivery & Customer Service Considerations

How Orders Are Shipped

Based on the size, shipping differs. Please note that our standard shipping refers to Truck Freight for free curbside delivery, unless specified otherwise.

Standard Shipping: Truck Freight/Common Carrier (Free Curbside Delivery)

Most of the furniture we sell is simply too big or too heavy for regular Parcel Services. A trucking company will deliver your mattress and unload the furniture from their truck, leaving it at the curb. In some cases, the truck can bring it inside a garage if that is done easily. This free curbside will leave the setup and removal of the old mattress up to you and your family.

Delivery Attempts

If the driver comes out to deliver your items and you’re not home, there will be a $75 attempt fee. If we don’t collect this fee, the product will not be delivered and all shipping charges associated with the purchase and our re-stocking fee will be charged.

Where does BedPlanet.Com Deliver?

We deliver anywhere in the continental United States for FREE. If you live in Hawaii or Alaska, please give us a call for a shipping quote. We don’t deliver internationally at this time.

What is White Glove Delivery?

White Glove Delivery Service is a complete, in-home delivery and setup service for your new purchase. We use a two-person crew, take your merchandise out of the box, and place it in the room of your choice. We are also able to bring it up or down up to two flights of stairs, providing the room is clear where you want the new furniture placed. Your furniture (adjustable base, etc.) will be fully assembled and ready for use when our white glove professionals leave. All boxes and trash will also be removed.

For more on delivery options, see here.

Customer Service Is Crucial

Another important factor in your hunt for the perfect mattress is how the company you’re buying it from will treat you and your purchase. Will you be treated like just another dollar with no exchange options or number to call for questions? Or will you be treated like a valued customer who deserves to sleep the best they can each and every night?

We here at BedPlanet.Com treat everyone we help with the utmost care because we understand how important it is to get a good night’s sleep. Don’t purchase a bed from a fly-by-night company that is just in the market to make a dollar. Purchase your new mattress from a company that has been working hard to provide the best night’s rest to consumers since 1995. 

If you have any issues with your purchase or questions will you’re shopping, we’re more than happy to help you in any way we can. While we can’t control everything, you can count on us to do everything possible to ensure a smooth, stress-free purchase and delivery.

Learn more about why you should shop BedPlanet.Com here.

How Does Sleep Position Affect Your Choice?

Before you start mattress shopping, be sure you know what type of sleeper you are- stomach, back, or side. The comfort level you ultimately choose will be greatly affected by the way you sleep. 

You can find more about how sleep positions affect you here.

Shop BedPlanet.Com With Confidence

If you need help finding that perfect mattress please give us a call at (888) 996-9890, and we will gladly help you find the perfect mattress for your preferences.

An Incredible Night’s Sleep Starts With BedPlanet.Com

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