How to Select the Perfect Mattress

Selecting the perfect mattress can be overwhelming. With a wide variety of brands, options and configurations, Homemakers can help you find the one that's just right! We asked our in-store mattress and sleep experts to help us out. Here's what we learned: When shopping for a new sleep system, test a wide range of matresses, and trust your body's reaction. Asking friends for their recomendation may not be as reliable as first hand experience considering everyone's sleep needs and preferences are unique. With these in mind, let's dig in to how to select your ideal mattress!

The who, what and why

The first thing to think about is, "who is this mattress for?" Is it just you or you or will you be sharing the bed with a partner? This can help determine size and possibly the need for a programable option which can adjust each side to the individual sleeper. Also, consider your current mattress and what you like it about it. What is the motivation for a new mattress? For example, if you have a firm mattress that hurts your body, it may be time to try a soft or medium feel.

Choosing how you sleep

The next step in selecting a mattress is understanding what kind of sleeper you are. Are you a side sleeper, back sleeper, stomach, or all of the above? For side sleepers, an extra soft, soft, or medium firmness is often preferrable. Figuring this out early on can be a helpful step in shrinking your mattress pool. 

How to select a mattress size that's "just right"

Decide on a price range 

Price is often a determining factor. How much are you willing to spend on a mattress? More expensive doesn't always mean better, but consider the cost as an investment in your health and wellbeing. Homemakers has a wide variety of options and something for every budget. If you are interested in a luxury mattress, we suggest looking into a Tempur-Pedic, Stearns and Foster, or a Beautyrest Black.

Decide on a mattress type

The construction type and comfort level of a mattress can have a significant impact on your experience and sleep. Regarding construction, there are three primary type of mattresses: foam, hybrid, and innerspring. Within each of these types, comfort levels are typically arranged as extra firm, firm, medium, plush, and ultra-plush . 

Best selling mattress types areinner spring and hybrid. When shopping in-store Homemakers cleqrly displays all this information for each mattress. Just look above the mattress on the wall to discover the type, pressure relief, support, and comfort.

Choosing a brand

This can also go hand in hand with price range and mattress type. The brand you choose is very important. You might have a specific brand in mind before even selecting a mattress. At Homemakers, we offer some of the leading and most award-winning brands available.

Do you need a box spring

Our mattress expert Jeff says, “A lot of customers get confused on whether their mattress needs a box spring or not. The answer is, it depends on what type of frame you are putting it on.” You will need a box spring if your bed frame has few support slats. You will not need a box spring if you have multiple slats that are closer together, a platform, or an adjustable base.

Today, box springs are designed to support the mattress. However, in the past, they were designed to work in combination with the mattress, as additional padding. According to Jeff, “As more people are buying platform beds and adjustable bases, these things do not flex. So, when a customer bought a mattress that was displayed with a working box spring, the mattress felt more firm than putting them on a platform bed or adjustable base.” Today, mattresses are built to do all the work for a box spring. They are built non-flippable so the bottom has a solid foundation, the middle is the shock absorption, and the top is conforming and pressure-relieving.

Adjustable bases are also becoming more and more popular. They are typically adjusted using a remote, and some  include additional features such as USB charging, memory features, massage or  lumbar support. Some even boast sleep tracking technology to help you get more from your downtime!

Some things to remember when buying

When buying and bringing your new mattress home. Jeff suggests, “Floor models have been laid on by many people and are already broken in. Your new mattresses will be firmer than the floor model, this is normal. Give it at least 30 days to break in, longer if it’s a firm model.”

At Homemakers we want you to love your mattress. That's why we offer our 120-Night Comfort Guarantee. Try your new mattress out for up to 120 days and if you don't love it, bring it back and swap it for one you do!  Ask one of our sales associates or learn more on our website.