Are you in the market for a new mattress? Oftentimes we see people with lower back pain looking for a new mattress to better support their body. We also see people with old mattresses that have lost their ability to support sleepers looking for a new mattress that has those quality benefits. We have also seen people looking for mattresses when their old spring mattresses began to wear down and the springs are close to the surface, poking people’s bodies as they sleep at night.

Whatever your reason for a new mattress, these are some of the options and qualities you should consider when purchasing:

1. Size

There are several size options when it comes to a new mattress: twin, twin xl, queen, king and California king. The best option will depend on the number of people sleeping in the bed as well as how much space you have in your bedroom. We would recommend the twin for any single 5’6” or smaller and the twin xl for any single person 5’7” and taller. We would recommend the queen, king and California king for two people with the California king offering the most luxurious comfort. The California king is also a great choice for couples with young kids who want to give them room to sleep in bed with mom and dad from time to time.

2. Warranty policy and ease of returns

When you look at purchasing a mattress, you want to make sure that it’s easy to return if you decide that it isn’t your best mattress. Choosing a mattress can be difficult and you might not make the best choice the first time around.

3. Firm vs. plush mattresses

This is an important consideration when purchasing a mattress. Do you want your mattress to be firm or plush? Firm mattresses are supportive for people who sleep on their back or stomach and need to keep their spine aligned as they sleep. Plush mattresses that allow your body to sink into the material tend to work best for side sleepers but can also work well for back sleepers who use thinner pillows to keep their head in alignment while sleeping. To test out comfortability, it helps to visit a mattress store and see what your personal preference is for sleeping.

4. Type of mattress

There are three primary mattress types: the memory foam mattresses, innerspring mattress and the hybrid mattress:

• Memory foam mattresses are soft, allows the body to sink into the mattress and will give you a very plush feel.

• Innerspring mattresses are firm, supportive and will be best if you want your mattress to retain shape when you lie down.

• Hybrid mattresses are the best of both worlds. This mattress has the supportive and strong qualities of innerspring mattresses but also has an added layer of foam at the top to create a more plush and comfortable feeling.

5. Buying online

Buying mattresses online can help you save money and can make the shopping process simpler. You browse the options, make a choice and the mattress is delivered straight to your door! However, when you buy online you want to make sure that you review the test and return policy.