Sleep isn’t one-size-fits-all. And your mattress shouldn’t be either. The right mattress influences how you sleep, how you feel in the morning, and how well you move through your day. But with so many types and materials to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start.

This mattress buying guide breaks it all down. You’ll learn how to choose a mattress based on your sleep style, what features actually matter, how firmness levels work, and how to spot a great deal. Whether you’re upgrading or buying your first mattress, you’ll feel confident choosing one that fits your needs—and your budget.

Understanding Different Mattress Types

With so many mattress types on the market, it helps to know what sets each one apart. Here are some tips on buying a mattress based on the materials and sleep styles they’re best suited for.

At Linen Chest, you’ll find top mattress brands like Tempur-Pedic, known for its pressure-relieving memory foam, and Beautyrest, recognized for innovative pocketed coil support. We also offer Mattress-in-a-Box options for convenient delivery without compromising on comfort. Whatever your sleep needs, there’s a mattress designed to match.

Memory foam

Memory foam mattresses contour closely to your body, offering personalized support and pressure relief. They absorb movement and cushion pressure points, making them a great choice for side sleepers or anyone with back or joint pain. If you like a mattress that hugs your shape and reduces motion transfer, memory foam could be the right fit.

Innerspring

Innerspring mattresses use a system of steel coils to provide support and a more classic, responsive feel. They’re known for strong edge support and excellent airflow, which can help you sleep cooler throughout the night. These mattresses are a solid choice for back and stomach sleepers—or anyone who prefers a firmer, more traditional surface with a bit of bounce.

Latex

Latex mattresses offer a responsive, buoyant feel that gently supports your body without the deep sink of memory foam. Made from natural or synthetic rubber, they are breathable, durable, and naturally resistant to dust mites and allergens. If you’re looking for a cooler, firmer sleep surface with light contouring and a more lifted feel, latex could be a great fit—especially if eco-friendly materials matter to you.

Hybrid

Hybrid mattresses combine the best of both worlds: the support of innerspring coils with the pressure-relieving comfort of foam or latex layers. This layered construction offers a balanced feel—responsive yet cushioned—making it a versatile option for all sleep positions. If you want support, comfort, and good airflow in one mattress, a hybrid might be the way to go.

Adjustable

Adjustable mattresses are designed to work with adjustable bases, allowing you to raise or lower the head and foot of the bed for customized comfort. They're especially helpful for reducing snoring, easing pressure on joints, or simply finding the most comfortable position to relax or sleep. Since some models let each person adjust their side independently, they’re a smart choice for couples with different sleep preferences. Could an adjustable mattress give you the comfort and flexibility you’ve been looking for?

Assessing Firmness Levels

Firmness plays a big role in how comfortable your mattress feels—and how well it supports your body while you sleep. Most mattresses fall somewhere on a scale from soft to firm, with many options landing in the medium range. The best firmness for you depends largely on your sleep position, body type, and personal preference.

At Linen Chest, you can shop by comfort level to find the feel that’s just right for you. Here’s how to choose a good mattress with the firmness level that matches your sleep style.

SOFT for side sleepers

Are you a side sleeper who wakes up with sore shoulders or hips? A softer mattress might be just what you need. Plush or medium-soft surfaces cushion the shoulders and hips, helping to relieve pressure and keep your spine aligned. The right level of softness allows your body to sink just enough for better comfort throughout the night.

MEDIUM for back sleepers

Sleep on your back most of the night? A medium-firm mattress often strikes the right balance between comfort and support. It keeps your spine aligned while offering enough cushioning for your lower back. This level of firmness helps distribute weight evenly and can reduce pressure without letting your hips or shoulders sink too far.

FIRM for stomach sleepers

Stomach sleepers need a firmer surface to keep their hips from sinking and throwing the spine out of alignment. A firm mattress helps maintain a neutral position, which can reduce strain on the lower back and neck. If you sleep face-down, the added support of a firm mattress can make a noticeable difference in how you feel in the morning.

Identifying Key Mattress Features

Beyond type and firmness, certain features can make a big difference in how a mattress feels and performs. Whether you're sharing a bed, tend to sleep warm, or need extra support around the edges, these features are worth considering as you narrow down your options. Here's what to look for when purchasing a mattress.

Motion isolation

If you share a bed, motion isolation is one of the most important features to look for. It helps minimize the transfer of movement from one side of the bed to the other—so you’re less likely to be disturbed if your partner shifts positions or gets up during the night.

Look for these materials if motion isolation is a priority:

  • Memory foam - Naturally absorbs movement and contours to each sleeper, reducing disruptions.
  • Individually wrapped coils – Also known as pocket coils, these move independently to prevent motion from rippling across the bed.
  • Hybrid mattresses with foam layers – Combine the support of coils with the motion-dampening effect of foam.

This is especially helpful for light sleepers or couples with different sleep schedules.

Temperature regulation

If you tend to sleep hot, choosing a mattress with cooling features can make a big difference in your comfort. While some mattresses trap heat, others are designed with breathable materials and cooling technologies to help you stay cool throughout the night.

Look for these materials and constructions to help maintain a comfortable sleep temperature:

  • Gel-infused memory foam – Draws heat away from your body and helps you sleep cooler than traditional memory foam.
  • Breathable materials – Latex and open-cell foam allow for better airflow.
  • Cooling covers or fabrics – Some mattresses use moisture-wicking materials or cooling layers to help regulate temperature and prevent you from overheating.
  • Innerspring or hybrid construction – Coils promote airflow and help prevent heat buildup.

Mattresses with temperature regulation features are especially useful if you live in a warmer climate or tend to overheat while you sleep.

Edge support

Good edge support helps a mattress hold its shape and provides stability when you sit or lie near the edge. Without it, the edges can sag over time, making the bed feel smaller and less supportive.

If edge support matters to you, look for:

  • Reinforced perimeters – Some mattresses have extra foam or sturdier coils along the edges to prevent sinking.
  • Hybrid and innerspring designs – These tend to offer better edge support than all-foam models.
  • High-density foam rails – Often used in foam or hybrid beds to strengthen the outer edges.

Edge support is especially helpful if you share your bed, sleep close to the edge, or need extra stability when getting in and out.

Pros and Cons of Shopping Online vs. In-Store

When it comes to choosing a mattress, both online and in-store shopping have their pros and cons. The right option depends on your comfort level with trying a mattress in person versus the convenience of buying from home.

Shopping online offers:

  • Convenience—browse and compare options from anywhere.
  • A wider selection of brands, models, and price points.
  • Access to customer reviews and comparison tools.
  • Often better pricing and exclusive online deals.

Keep in mind: You can’t try the mattress before buying, so look for generous trial periods and flexible return policies.

Shopping in-store offers:

  • The chance to feel the mattress before you buy.
  • In-person guidance from knowledgeable sales staff, even sleep experts.
  • The ability to test multiple types and firmness levels on the spot.

Keep in mind: Prices may be higher, and the selection might be more limited than what’s available online.

Tips for finding deals and discounts

Mattresses can be a big investment, but the right timing and a few smart moves can help you save. Here are some simple ways to get the best value without sacrificing quality:

  • Shop during sales events like Black Friday, Boxing Day, or end-of-season clearances.
  • Look for bundle offers that include pillows or bedding.
  • Sign up for email alerts from retailers to get early access to promotions.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for a price match if you find the same mattress elsewhere for less.

Understanding sleep trials, returns, and warranties

Sleep trials

Most online mattress brands offer sleep trials ranging from 90 to 365 nights. This gives you time to test the mattress at home and see how it feels after several nights—something a quick try in-store can’t replicate.

Return policies

Before you buy, check the return process. Some brands offer free returns with full refunds, while others may charge return shipping or restocking fees. Make sure you understand the terms in case the mattress doesn’t work out.

Warranties

A good mattress should come with a warranty—typically 10 years or more—that covers defects like sagging or broken springs. Be sure to read the fine print, especially regarding what’s covered and what could void the warranty.

When to Replace Your Mattress

Even the best mattress won’t last forever. Over time, materials wear down, support fades, and you may start waking up feeling stiff or unrested. If your mattress is more than 7–10 years old, or if you’ve noticed sagging or discomfort, it could be time for a replacement.

Not quite there yet? Explore our easy tips for making your mattress last longer*—and get the most comfort and value out of your current bed.

We hope this mattress shopping guide has helped you feel more confident about picking the right mattress for your needs, sleep style, and budget.