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Mattress Sizing & Buying Guide
Our comprehensive mattress buying guide will give you all the information you need on how to buy a new mattress including support, size and accessories.
Getting Started
When we think of major life purchases, we usually think about a home, cars, appliances or home renovations. But one of the most important purchases we often overlook is a mattress.
Your mattress can have a profound impact on your overall health and well-being; it affects how rested you feel, how your body recovers overnight and even the amount of energy you have during the day. Because you spend nearly a third of your life in bed, choosing the right mattress is crucial.
Is it time for a new mattress?
It’s not always obvious when your mattress needs replacing, but here are some key signs it may be time to upgrade:
- Your mattress is negatively affecting your sleep quality
- You notice body impressions when you get up
- You've become restless and are frequently tossing and turning
- There are dips or uneven spots
- The edges feel soft or unstable (a sign of edge breakdown)
- You wake up sore, stiff or with recurring back pain
- The firmness level no longer feels comfortable or supportive
- Your mattress is more than 10 years old
Why Replacing Your Mattress Matters
Your mattress is something you’ll rely on for 10 years or more. A high-quality mattress can even last up to 20 years. Considering how much time you spend sleeping, the right mattress isn’t just about comfort; it’s also about protecting your back, joints, and overall health.
Mattress Size
Choosing the right size is one of the first decisions to make. When deciding, make sure you take into account for bed frames that may extend further than the mattresses' length and depth. If you choose to get a bed frame that allows for drawers underneath, keep that in mind so there is room to open them as well as navigate around your room. Below is a quick guide to help you choose the best option for your needs:
- Twin – Best for small children or tweens
- Twin XL - Ideal for growing teens or young adults
- Full - Larger than a twin; suitable for one adult with room to spare or two smaller adults
- Queen - Comfortably fits two people; best in a 10' x 10' room
- King - Spacious for two people; best in a 12' x 12' room or larger
- California King - Narrower than a king, but longer; more than enough room for 2 adults, perfect for taller individuals or those wanting extra leg room and best in a 12' x 12' room or larger
Firmness Levels: Which One is Right For You?
Mattresses are rated on a scale from 1 (softest) to 10 (firmest). This scale measures the initial feel when you lie down:
- 1-2: Extra Soft
- 3–4: Soft
- 4–6: Medium-Soft
- 5–6: Medium
- 6: Medium-Firm
- 7-8: Firm
- 9-10: Extra Firm
Factors to Consider Before You Buy
1
Sleeping position
Back Sleepers: The mattress should cradle your body while keeping your spine comfortably aligned, not arched.
Side Sleepers: Look for a mattress that cushions your shoulders and hips while keeping your neck and spine aligned.
Stomach Sleepers: This position isn’t ideal, but if it’s your preference, choose a medium to firm mattress that prevents your back from arching.
2
Edge support
Edge support helps keep you stable when lying or sitting near the bed's edge. Good edge support prevents compression and sagging over time, especially if you often sit or sleep at the edges.
3
Test before you buy
Spend at least 10 minutes lying on the mattress in your preferred sleeping position before making a decision. This helps ensure it will be comfortable and supportive for everyday use.
Final Tip: Your mattress is a long-term investment in your health and comfort. Take your time exploring options, trying different firmness levels, and considering your unique sleep needs. The right choice will make a noticeable difference in the quality of your rest and your life.
Expert Advice
Shopping for a mattress can be overwhelming. Comfort and support vary for each person, so what works best for you might not be ideal for someone else. That’s why research and online reviews have limitations; they often don’t reflect your individual sleep needs and preferences. Our knowledgeable sales team understands all the mattresses and models we carry. Their expert advice can save you time, help you avoid common mistakes, and quickly guide you to the right mattress for your body, sleep style, and budget.
Types
Memory Foam
Memory foam is designed to contour closely to your body, responding to your unique shape, heat, and weight. Unlike traditional materials, it slowly returns to its original form, which means it doesn’t push back or create pressure points. This makes it an ideal choice for anyone dealing with chronic pain, stiffness, or disrupted sleep. By gently cushioning joints and aligning the spine, memory foam offers a balanced combination of comfort and support. Its advanced design also excels in motion isolation, so movement on one side of the bed won’t disturb the other, helping you fall asleep more easily and wake up feeling refreshed and well-rested.
Pocketed Coil
Pocketed coil mattresses, also known as pocket spring mattresses, are among the most popular and familiar types on the market, thanks to their long-standing presence and proven comfort. Unlike traditional innerspring mattresses with interconnected coils, pocketed coils are individually wrapped, allowing them to move independently. This design provides excellent spinal support and makes these mattresses a great choice for stomach sleepers or anyone who prefers a bit more bounce.
One of the key benefits of pocket coils is their ability to minimize motion transfer, making them ideal for couples. The individually wrapped coils also promote better airflow than traditional innerspring models, helping hot sleepers stay cooler throughout the night. Typically, pocketed coil mattresses are constructed with layers of foam or fabric over the coils for added comfort. While they can be more expensive than basic innerspring options, their balance of support, airflow, and motion isolation often makes them well worth the investment.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses combine the responsive support of an innerspring system with the contouring comfort of memory foam or other foam layers. This blend offers the best of both worlds: excellent motion isolation, pressure relief, and reliable spinal support. One standout feature of hybrid models is their reinforced edge support, which helps prevent sagging and allows you to comfortably use the full surface of the mattress.
Thanks to their balanced construction, hybrids are a versatile option suitable for all sleeping positions, including side, back, and stomach sleepers. They tend to sleep cooler than all-foam models due to better airflow through the coil base, making them a solid choice for hot sleepers as well. With their combination of comfort, durability, and support, hybrid mattresses are a popular pick for those seeking a well-rounded sleep experience.
Accessories
Mattress Pads & Protectors
A mattress protector is an easy and effective way to keep your mattress clean and in good condition. It helps guard against spills, stains, dust mites, and household allergens, common factors that can wear down your mattress over time. Many protectors also include waterproof or stain-resistant layers, offering added peace of mind. Some even provide a bit of extra padding for enhanced comfort. Since they’re much easier to clean than a mattress, using a protector can significantly extend the life of your investment while promoting a healthier sleep environment.
Pillows
Pillows support your head, neck and spine, helping you achieve a more comfortable and restful night's sleep. The right pillow can promote proper alignment and distribute weight more evenly, relieving pressure on your shoulders, back and hips. Over time, this can reduce discomfort and improve sleep quality. Investing in high-quality pillows is a simple yet effective way to enhance your overall comfort and support better sleep health.
Bed Sheets & Pillow Cases
Sheets and pillowcases are essential finishing touches for any mattress or pillow. Not only do they add a layer of protection against dust, sweat, and daily wear, but they also bring an element of personal style and elegance to your sleep space. Choosing the right materials and designs can enhance both comfort and the overall look of your bedroom
Warranty
A mattress warranty typically covers manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship, such as faulty coils, broken seams, or premature sagging. Most warranties range from 10 to 20 years, but coverage can vary significantly by manufacturer. To ensure your warranty remains valid, specific criteria, such as using the proper foundation and avoiding misuse, must be followed. It’s always important to carefully review the warranty details provided with your mattress, as terms and coverage can differ between brands.
Mattress FAQs
What is a hybrid mattress?
Hybrid mattresses get their name because they share components with both foam mattresses and innerspring mattresses. How so? They combine comfortable foam mattress construction with a coil system underneath. This allows for full body support and more breathability.
How long should a mattress last?
Typically, a mattress should last between seven and ten years. However, various factors play into the longevity of your bed. This includes the materials used, your body weight, your sleeping position and more.
Where can I buy a mattress?
There are several department and retail stores across the U.S. that offer top-notch mattresses. You can also buy one online via a store website or another online marketplace. If you're looking for peak comfort and luxury every night when you go to bed, start shopping the mattresses at Abt now. We have over 500 beds to choose from so you can get the best sleep possible.
What kind of mattress does a side sleeper need?
Side sleepers will benefit from a memory foam mattress at a medium-soft to medium firmness level. Why? Memory foam contours the curves of your body, like your hips and shoulders, to relieve pressure and provide additional softness.
What is the biggest mattress size?
The biggest mattress size available at Abt is a California king. The dimensions of a California king are 72" x 84". However, there are mattress sizes on the market that are larger than a California king. Mattresses like Texas kings, Wyoming kings, Alberta kings and Alaskan kings are all bigger and are considered to be "oversized mattresses."
How do you measure a mattress?
To properly measure a mattress, you'll need to get the width, length and thickness of the bed. Measure from the left side of the mattress to the right to determine the width. Measure from the head of the mattress to the end to determine the length. Measure from the top of the mattress to the bottom to determine the thickness.
Find the Perfect Mattress at Abt
If you have questions about a particular product, reach out to our sleep experts at 800-860-3577. You can also visit the mattress department in our Glenview store to test out beds for yourself.
