How to Buy a New Mattress

Here’s lots of interesting information about how to buy a new mattress.

Research sizes, materials, brands, etc.

Foundations and Box Springs

Most mattresses require a foundation, also known as a box spring.  Foundations are often made by hand, so heights can vary.

Standard Foundation

Standard foundations average 9 inches in height.

Low Profile Foundation

Low profile height foundations average 4 to 5 inches in height.

Ultra-Low Profile Foundation

Ultra-low profile height foundations average 2 to 3 inches in height.

Bunkie Boards

A bunkie board is a thin platform commonly used to support a mattress in a daybed, platform bed, bunk bed, or trundle mattress.

Adjustable Foundation

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When is it time to buy a new mattress?

Here are some signs that indicate you need a mattress makeover and you should consider buying a new one.

  1. The first and most obvious sign is that your mattress has visible signs of wear. Simply said, it’s lived a good life. You may notice lumps, sagging, or visible wear such as rips or holes. A good mattress should provide both comfort and support when you sleep, so trying to rest on a sagging mattress can leave you waking up feeling like you hardly slept. You may even toss and turn all night while trying to flatten out a lump.
  2. Another obvious sign that you may not realize is attributed to your mattress is waking up stiff or sore. Proper support from your mattress is the key to waking up refreshed and energized for the day ahead. Once a mattress no longer offers support for your sleeping position and body type, it is time to purchase a new one. One new technology now on the market is called RIGHTfit. You can experience RIGHTfit technology at any Factory Mattress location. RIGHTfit measures pressure points and body structure to match you up with the right level of support for your best night’s sleep. Let science help you find the right support and then you choose which mattress has the comfort level you like.
  3. If you travel and have woken up feeling better than when you wake up feeling at home, it’s time for a new mattress. Many times we just get “used” to the mattress we’ve been sleeping on and think the aches and pains we experience are a sign that we’re just getting older. Most of the time much of our discomfort can be attributed to an unsupportive mattress. Your bed should be your sanctuary, where you recharge and rest peacefully for the new day ahead. If you find that you are waking up on the couch or staying at hotels desperately seeking a good night’s sleep, look into buying a new mattress.

SIZE

BRANDS

MATERIALS

SIZE

Mattresses are not all created equal. They range in different sizes, materials, firmness, and support. They should be purchased with careful consideration considering it is the biggest factor in you getting a great night’s sleep. In addition to buying the best bed for your level of comfort, you should also consider the space in which your mattress will go and who you are purchasing it for. What’s the difference in mattress sizes? Explore as we discuss the various sizes and what will be a good fit for you.

Twin-size Mattress Graphic

TWIN

If you have small children or are transitioning your toddler out of their crib, a twin mattress would be perfect for them. They can comfortably accommodate one child or one adult. Keep in mind that twin mattresses are only 75 inches in length, so that will most likely be too short for most adults or a growing teenager. Twin size beds measure 39 inches wide.

Twin XL - Mattress Graphic

TWIN XL

If you are sending your kids off to college and they are planning to sleep in a dorm, twin size or even an extra-long twin mattress (which measures 39 inches wide by 80 inches long) are a wonderful option and fit most college dorm beds.

Full-size Mattress Graphic

FULL

For older children to teenagers, a full-size mattress offers a bit more width than a twin. The full measures 54 inches in width and 75 inches long. Many parents prefer a full-size mattress for their children, especially if they are still moving around quite a bit while sleeping. It’s common for toddlers to end up sideways and/or upside down during the middle of the night. You can also purchase rails for mattresses for added safety so they don’t fall off at night. A full-size bed works well in kid rooms and guest bedrooms because they don’t take up too much space.

Queen-size Mattress Graphic

QUEEN

Fit for a queen! This mattress measures 60 inches wide by 80 inches long. This size bed can comfortably fit two adults. Many couples opt for a queen size mattress so they are closer to their partner at night while sleeping. Many homeowners will often purchase queen-size mattresses for guest rooms or if the master suite is smaller in size. This size bed is very versatile and offers 6 inches more in width and 5 inches more in length compared to a full-size bed.

King-size Mattress Graphic

KING

Fit for a king! This mattress is 16 inches wider than a queen and offers quite a bit more space between two sleepers. A king size mattress is 76 inches wide and 80 inches long. This size bed is most often bought for a large room or a master suite. This size mattress is most popular for couples as it provides each person a comfortable amount of sleeping space. Studies have found that as we get older, we tend to sleep further apart from our partner. This is due to snoring/health related issues that may cause one partner to not get a good night’s sleep.

This is the most popular size between King and California King.

California King Graphic

CALIFORNIA KING

The longest of beds is the California king mattress. While this mattress is 4 inches longer than the king, it is 4 inches narrower. This bed measures 72 inches wide and 84 inches long. This is an ideal mattress size for tall adults. It’s also great for rooms that are long and narrow.