Making your first mattress purchase? Looking to upgrade your current model? Even if you’ve been through the mattress-buying process before, chances are, a few years have passed since then, and your sleep needs and habits may have changed in that time.

Purchasing a new mattress is a big decision that can impact your sleep quality and overall well-being. But that doesn’t mean shopping for a mattress has to be complicated.

Want to know how to choose a mattress? We’ve got you covered. In this mattress buying guide, we’ll cover some of the expert tips and considerations to make when comparing different mattresses, including suggestions on how to choose the right model based on your unique needs and preferences.

Key Factors To Consider Before Buying a New Mattress

Before you even visit the store to test out mattresses, there are a few key points you’ll need to decide on to make for a smoother shopping experience.

Size

The best way to buy a mattress is to first figure out what size you want. Are you looking to make a simple swap for your current mattress? In that case, this may be an easy decision.

But you might be looking to upgrade to something larger, like from a queen to a king. If so, make sure the larger size will comfortably fit in your bedroom, and start looking for a new bed base or frame to go with it.

This decision can take a bit more thought if you’re selecting a bed for someone else, such as purchasing a mattress for growing children. A good rule of thumb is choosing a bed at least six inches longer than the sleeper.

Budget

Another critical factor is the budget. The good news is that you can find a good mattress at nearly every price point. In fact, at Mattress Firm, we have an entire collection of quality mattresses under $1,000 because we believe everyone deserves a great night’s sleep.

That said, it’s a good idea to go into your shopping journey with a price limit to avoid overspending.

Keep in mind that mattresses at a higher price point may come with additional features, higher-quality materials and longer warranties than you can get with a budget mattress.

Potential Sleep Issues

Are you someone who overheats easily? Do you constantly wake up with aches in your back and shoulders? Before you begin shopping for a mattress, consider any potential sleep issues you face on a regular basis. This will help you find a mattress with the right materials and construction to get comfortable, restful sleep.

If you have a sleep partner, you should also discuss their unique needs before choosing a mattress. Do they run hot or cold? Do they suffer from joint pain or arthritis? These are all important questions to consider.

The good news is that advancements in mattress technology, like motion isolation, allow people to find a mattress that provides an enjoyable sleep experience.

Mattress Pricing Guide: How Much Should You Really Spend in 2025?

Above, we listed budget as one of the key factors to consider when buying a new bed. Even though affordable options are available, you might wonder how much you need to spend to get a good mattress in 2025.

On average, you can spend anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars on a new mattress. You can expect to pay more for larger models, like purchasing a king instead of a full-size mattress. Additionally, memory foam mattresses tend to be on the lower end of pricing than hybrid and latex mattresses on the higher end.

You spend about a third of your life sleeping, so it’s often a good use of your money to invest in a high-quality mattress within your budget.

Why Choosing the Right Mattress Matters

Your choice of mattress may have a bigger impact on your life than you’re aware of. While the wrong mattress can cause discomfort, pain or poor sleep, the right one can improve your rest and overall well-being during waking hours.

Here’s a closer look at some of the reasons why it’s important to choose a quality mattress.

Sleep Quality

When you’re sleeping on the right mattress, it’s easy to get comfortable and doze off each night.

A good mattress can help you avoid endless tossing and turning as you try to get into a comfortable position. This promotes more restful sleep and helps you wake up refreshed and energized.

Spinal Alignment

The right mattress choice also promotes natural spine alignment, which helps to prevent pain and discomfort.

Your mattress should support your weight and maintain a neutral spine in your go-to sleep position, whether on your stomach, back or side. The best mattress won’t be so soft that you sink into it and don’t get any support. But, it shouldn’t be too firm, uncomfortable or strain your back.

Overall Health

When you’re sleeping on a mattress that’s comfortable and offers good support, you’ll feel the positive effects throughout your day.

The right mattress helps you get the restful sleep you need to feel awake, pain-free and rejuvenated when you step out of bed each morning.

How To Choose the Right Mattress in 2025

With such a wide selection of mattresses available today, how do you pick one? At first, you may be overwhelmed by all the choices, but considering the following factors should help you narrow down your options.

Sleeping Position

How you like to sleep at night should influence the type of mattress you buy. This is because your chosen sleeping position can cause you to put more or less pressure on certain points of your body, which may require different firmness levels for optimal comfort and support.

Here’s a quick mattress guide on the firmness levels that are best for each common sleeping position:

• Side sleepers: Opt for a soft to medium-firm mattress to alleviate pressure on the hips and shoulders while still promoting proper spinal alignment
• Back sleepers: Often best with a medium to firm mattress for the right balance between a cushiony and supportive sleep surface
• Stomach sleepers: Typically suited for firm or extra firm mattresses that keep the torso from sagging, which helps avoid putting extra pressure on the lower back

Body Type and Weight

The best mattress to buy will also vary depending on your body type and weight. For starters, taller individuals may be unable to fit on a full-size mattress without their feet hanging over the edge. Instead, they’ll want to consider models with a larger sleep surface, like a queen or king, to accommodate their height.

Additionally, heavier sleepers should be on the lookout for a firmer mattress that offers adequate support and keeps their body in proper alignment. In contrast, a soft or medium-soft mattress may be a better choice for lighter sleepers to rest comfortably.

Firmness Preferences

You may also have a specific preference for mattress firmness. For some, there’s a big difference between sleeping on a soft or firm mattress, while others may not have a strong preference either way.

Depending on any ailments you may have or your preferred sleeping position, certain firmness levels may be better suited to your needs.

If you suffer from joint pain and aches, you might want to look for a softer mattress that offers extra cushion around your sensitive joints rather than a firm mattress that would put more pressure on them. But remember that a mattress that’s too soft won’t offer sufficient support to keep your body in proper alignment.

It’s important to note that no firmness level is necessarily considered the “best.” It often comes down to personal preference for each sleeper.

Material Choices

There are several mattress types to consider when buying a new bed:

• Memory foam
• Innerspring
• Latex
• Hybrid

Each type varies in terms of comfortability, breathability, durability, support and affordability. Plus, sleepers may have a personal preference for the feel that one type of mattress offers over others.

If you’re indifferent about each material, consider the pros and cons of each before selecting a model.

For example, memory foam mattresses mold to the unique contours of your body for custom support. However, an all-memory foam mattress may lack sufficient breathability and quickly absorb body heat, which can make it difficult to stay cool at night.

On the other hand, a hybrid mattress offers an excellent blend of innerspring and memory foam mattress technology. However, they can be on the higher end when it comes to pricing.

Innovative Technologies

Consider any innovative technologies you’d like your new mattress to have to promote better rest and relaxation.

Many people today are looking for mattresses with cooling technology, which helps them stay cool and dry throughout the night. If you sleep hot, you might want to prioritize models with dedicated cooling features, like a mattress cover made with cooling materials, gel-infused memory foam or moisture-wicking fabrics.

Warranties

Want another tip on how to find the right mattress? Look for one with a good warranty. A mattress warranty protects your purchase, offering you a free replacement in the event of manufacturing defects and flaws like a broken coil, premature sagging or other unexpected issues.Warranties typically won’t cover any damage that stems from normal wear and tear, like spills or stains. These issues are your own doing and are not an error on the manufacturer’s part. The terms of a mattress warranty will vary between brands. Before purchasing a new bed, be sure to read the fine print to understand any actions that may void the warranty, how long the warranty lasts and other important details.

Trial Periods

It’s not always possible to determine whether you’ll like a mattress just by testing it in the store.

So, on top of looking for a mattress with a solid warranty, it’s also a good idea to purchase your mattress from a store that offers an extended sleep trial.

This way, you’ll get a chance to break in the mattress and decide how you feel after sleeping on it for a few months.

When you purchase a mattress from Mattress Firm, you’ll be able to take it home and sleep on it for 120 days. If you’re not happy with the mattress after this time, we’ll pick it up, no questions asked, and help you find a better fit.

Budget vs. Premium Mattresses: What’s Worth It?

You may come to a point in your buying journey where you’re debating between choosing a budget-friendly option or investing in a premium mattress model. You may wonder if it’s actually worth buying the luxury option.

The truth is that there can be quite a difference between the two when it comes to the following factors:

• Durability: Premium mattresses are often made with better quality materials, so they may be more durable and last longer than budget models.
• Comfort: Both premium and budget mattresses can be comfortable to sleep on, though luxury options often feature more layers of foam, higher-quality materials and other features that make for a more comfortable sleep experience.
• Features: Luxury mattresses often boast more innovative technologies and advanced features that those who purchase budget options may miss out on.  

When Does a Budget Mattress Make Sense?

Splurging on a luxury mattress may not always be the right choice. In some cases, it makes sense to go for the budget option.

For instance, you may not want to choose a premium option if the new mattress won’t see a ton of action, like if it will be placed in your guest bedroom. Or, you might lean toward a budget mattress when purchasing a new bed for a child who will outgrow it within a few years.

In general, budget-friendly options exist as an affordable option for shoppers. If you choose this route, make sure you get good value for the price and still receive a comfortable and supportive mattress.

As a good in-between for budget and premium mattresses, browse sales and clearance options to get the best price available on a quality bed.

When Does a Premium Mattress Make Sense?

If you have the budget, it’s almost always a good choice to invest in a high-end mattress, which you can find here at Mattress Firm.

As mentioned throughout, premium mattresses often come at a higher price tag for a reason. They may be constructed with additional layers of material for a more comfortable and luxurious sleep experience. They may also come with a better warranty or a longer sleep trial period to give you more peace of mind as you complete your purchase. Not to mention, premium models tend to include the latest and most innovative mattress technologies, as well as premium materials, to promote a restful night’s sleep.

Shop the Best Mattress for Every Sleeper at Mattress Firm!

Explore Mattress Firm’s wide selection to find the right mattress for any sleeping position, firmness level preferences or budget.

Here, you’ll discover the best mattress recommendations from today’s top brands. Our Sleep Experts showcase the best options for back, side and stomach sleepers so your shopping experience can be a breeze.

Check out our latest sale to find can’t-miss deals on exceptional mattress models. If you still need guidance, complete our MattressMatcher® quiz to figure out which kind of mattress is best for you.

Remember—you can take advantage of our 120 Night Sleep Trial® to give your body time to adjust to the new mattress. If you don’t like it, we’ll pick it up for free and help you find a better replacement.