Mattress Information: Mattress Types, Construction, Shopping

Mattress Information

Everything you need to know to buy a new mattress, fix or extend the life of your existing bed, and more

UPDATED February 29, 2024

Table of Contents

With hundreds of competing mattress brands and thousands of models to choose from, finding the best mattress for you can be a challenging task. Your body type, sleep position, firmness preferences, available bedroom space, and budget should all come into play when choosing a mattress. If you share your bed with a partner, then you’ll also need to take their needs and preferences into account.

There are other important considerations when buying a new mattress. If you’re upgrading to a larger size, you may need to purchase a compatible bed frame or foundation. Deep pocket sheets might also be necessary if your new mattress is thicker than your previous one.

Our product expertise extends to these and other essential mattress accessories. Each member of our expert team has spent years testing, rating, and reviewing mattresses. We’re here to answer the various questions that will undoubtedly pop up during your mattress search. We can also shed light on the best ways to clean and protect your mattress, how to tell when your mattress needs to be replaced, where to dispose of an old mattress, and other important things to consider after you’ve made your purchase.

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Become a Mattress Expert

Mattresses are widely available online and in retail stores. The question is where – and when – to buy them. Our buying guides break down everything from how to care for your mattress to how to buy a new mattress with confidence.

Mattress Materials

Memory Foam

What is Memory Foam? How to Make Memory Foam Sleep Cooler How Foam Density is Measured Is Memory Foam Toxic? Does Gel Foam Sleep Cooler?

Other Materials

How is Latex Density Measured? Dunlop vs. Talalay Latex What is Celliant Fiber?

Mattress Construction

Mattress Construction Mattress Comfort Layers

Mattress Care

Mattress Use

Can You Place a Mattress on the Floor? Do You Need a Box Spring? Should You Flip or Rotate Your Mattress? How Long Should a Mattress Last? When Should You Replace Your Mattress?

Cleaning a Mattress

How to Clean a Mattress Getting the Urine Smell Out of a Mattress How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs How to Clean a Mattress Topper

Fixing a Mattress

How to Fix a Squeaky Bed How to Fix a Sagging Mattress How to Fix a Leaking Air Mattress How to Fix a Hole in an Air Mattress

Moving and Replacing

How to Ship a Mattress Signs and Effects of a Bad Mattress How to Sell a Used Mattress Mattress Disposal

Buying a Mattress

Shopping

How to Choose a Mattress Best-Selling Mattresses How Much Does a Mattress Cost? Mattress Types The Best Place to Buy a Mattress The Best Time to Buy a Mattress How to Buy a Mattress Online Mattress Store Guide Mattress Trial Periods Mattress Warranties

Bed Sizes

Bed Frame Sizes Queen Bed Frame Size What is a Double Bed? What is a Trundle Bed?

Mattress Comparisons

Foam vs. Innerspring Mattresses Firm vs. Soft Mattresses Foam vs. Latex Mattresses Pillow-top vs. Euro-top

About The Author

David Rubin

Certified Sleep Science Coach, Director of Product Testing

David is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with a lifelong passion for well-being and health optimization. His interest in sleep developed with the arrival of his son, when sleep suddenly became a precious commodity.