Discover how to choose the right mattress in our ultimate mattress shopping guide.

A good night’s sleep is integral to your overall well-being! Your mattress plays an essential role in determining the quality of your sleep, making it a vital investment in your health and happiness. Whether you’re a side sleeper searching for extra cushioning or a back sleeper needing firm support, finding the perfect mattress can dramatically improve your life. In this guide, we’ll walk you through key considerations to help you select the best mattress for your unique needs.

Why Your Mattress Matters

A high-quality mattress isn’t just a luxury—it’s a health necessity. A supportive mattress alleviates pressure points, promotes proper spinal alignment, and minimizes disturbances during sleep. On the other hand, a poor-quality mattress can lead to discomfort, back pain, and even chronic sleep deprivation. If you wake up feeling tired, stiff, or achy, it may be time to upgrade your mattress.

Step 1: Determine Your Sleeping Position

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The position you sleep in plays a significant role in the type of mattress you need. Each sleeping style requires different levels of support and firmness to keep your body aligned and comfortable.

• Side Sleepers: Side sleepers often benefit from a medium-soft to medium-firm mattress. This type of mattress cushions pressure points like your hips and shoulders while providing enough support for proper posture. Memory foam or hybrid mattresses are excellent choices, offering the right mix of contouring and support.
• Back Sleepers: Back sleepers thrive on medium to medium-firm mattresses that support the natural curve of the spine. A firmer mattress with limited sinkage can prevent back pain and ensure optimal support.
• Stomach Sleepers: For stomach sleepers, a firm mattress is essential to prevent excessive sinking in the midsection, which could strain your neck and spine. Latex and hybrid mattresses with supportive cores work well to maintain alignment.
• Combination Sleepers: Do you switch positions during the night? Combination sleepers should look for a mattress that offers versatility and responsiveness. Medium-firm mattresses with motion isolation are an excellent option for those who toss and turn.

Step 2: Choose the Right Material for Your Needs

Mattresses come in a variety of materials, each with unique characteristics. Understanding the options available can help you make an informed decision.

Innerspring Mattresses

Innerspring mattresses utilize coils which compress when pressure is applied and spring back when pressure is removed. This feature allows them to accommodate the body’s weight for comfort and support. While cotton and polyester can give innerspring mattresses a touch of softness, they typically do not offer a substantial amount of comfort and therefore may not be the best option for side sleepers or those who struggle with frequent back or neck pain.

While coil-based innerspring mattresses used to be the norm, popularity has declined over the years due to newer options. Still, innerspring mattresses are one of the most affordable mattress options and can be a great entry-level mattress for those with a limited budget.

Memory Foam Mattresses

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Foam mattresses have risen to be one of the most popular options on the market. In these mattresses, every layer is made up of foam, latex, or fabric. Memory foam mattresses are known for their ability to contour to the body and provide excellent pressure relief and support. They can also be great at isolating motion, so you or your partner’s movement during the night will not disturb the other. However, traditional memory foam can retain heat, so consider cooling memory foam options if you sleep hot.

With an above-average durability, foam mattresses are more expensive than most innerspring mattresses but are still one of the more affordable options.

Latex Mattresses

Known for their durability and responsiveness, Latex mattresses are made entirely from this rubber material. While Latex has the ability to confirm to the body to relieve pressure and protect spinal alignment, it does not do so at the same level as Memory foam. The price has come down quite a bit on these options over the last few years, but it is still one of the most expensive mattress types on the market. For many people, though, the durability, support, and comfort make the higher price tag worth it.

Hybrid Mattresses

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Hybrid mattresses typically feature a coil support system with layers of foam or latex on top, providing the best of both worlds in terms of support and comfort.  They offer a balance of contouring, support, and breathability, making them a versatile option that suits a wide range of sleepers. Because of the intricacies of this design, hybrid mattresses are often heavier and more difficult to move than other options. They are also middle-of-the-road in terms of pricing.

Airbed Mattresses

Airbeds use an air chamber support core which pumps air in and out of the chamber, making it possible to switch up the feel of the mattress at any given time. Most airbeds feature individual air chambers for each side of the bed, meaning that each sleeper can adjust based on their own comfort and support needs.

Step 3: Consider Mattress Firmness

The firmness level of your mattress affects your comfort and spinal alignment. Here’s a quick guide to choosing the appropriate firmness level for your needs:

• Soft: Best for side sleepers who need gentle contouring around pressure points.
• Medium: Ideal for combination sleepers and back sleepers looking for a mix of support and softness.
• Firm: Suitable for stomach sleepers and those who require extra support for the lower back.

Remember, firmness is subjective. At our Texas furniture stores, you can test mattresses in person to determine what feels most comfortable to your body.

Step 4: Don’t Forget Cooling Features

Featured: Millennium - Luxury Gel Latex Mattress

With Texas’s warm climate, staying cool at night is crucial for uninterrupted sleep. Many modern mattresses come with advanced cooling technology, such as:

• Gel-infused Memory Foam: Helps dissipate heat and keeps the surface cool.
• Breathable Covers: Made from moisture-wicking fabrics to enhance airflow.
• Phase Change Materials: These materials regulate temperature by absorbing and releasing heat throughout the night.

Selecting a mattress with cooling features ensures you stay comfortable even during hot summer nights.

Step 5: Evaluate Mattress Size

The size of your mattress affects not only your comfort but also your bedroom layout. Consider these common mattress sizes:

Twin Mattresses

Twin mattresses are 38” by 75” and are perfect for older children's bedrooms where there will be only one sleeper in the bed. This common mattress size is typically the first upgrade from a crib. They also fit bunk beds, daybeds, or other smaller bed frames.

Twin XL Mattresses

For a little extra length, twin XL mattresses may be a better kids room fit. Twin XL also features a 38 inch width designed for a single sleeper, but is a bit longer at 80 inches as opposed to the 75 inch twin. The additional 5 inches may be just enough for taller children, teenagers, and even college students.

Full Mattresses

Full mattresses are better suited for average-size adults, coming in at 54” by 75”. While some couples may be able to fit on a full mattress, it is often more comfortable when only one sleeper uses this mattress size.

Queen Mattresses

Queen mattresses are a step-up for couples who want a little bit of extra room to sleep comfortably together. Measuring at 60” by 80”, queen beds can also work for singles with smaller pets or those who sleep alone and toss and turn frequently at night. Queens are actually the most popular mattress size on the market, making it easy to find bed frames or sheets to fit.

King Mattresses

For couples who need more space, or those who share their bed with a beloved pet, a King mattress may be better suited than a Queen. Measuring at 76” by 80”, Kings are wider than Queen beds but with the same length.

California King Mattresses

For taller-than-average people or those who wish for more legroom, a California King mattress is the best option on the market. These mattresses measure 72 inches wide by 84 inches long. While California King mattresses are becoming more popular and common, not all companies offer this size and it may be harder to find appropriate bed frames, mattress protectors, and bed sheets to fit.

Other Mattress Sizes

While there are other mattress sizes out there, the ones listed above are the most commonly sold and found at reputable furniture and mattress stores across Texas and beyond. If you are interested in a more custom size mattress, be aware that it may be more challenging to find bed frames, sheets, and bed accessories that suit a non-standard size.

Step 6: Test Your Mattress

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Investing in a mattress is a big decision, and testing it beforehand is essential. When visiting one of our furniture store locations, spend at least 15 minutes lying on each mattress in your preferred sleep position. This will help you determine how the mattress feels and whether it meets your expectations for comfort and support.

Step 7: Think About Longevity and Warranty

A good mattress should last 7–10 years with proper care. As you shop, ask about the warranty offered and what it covers. Our store provides premium mattresses backed by comprehensive warranties to ensure your investment is protected.

Step 8: Add a Mattress Topper

Along with the mattress, you also have the option of adding a topper designed to enhance overall comfort of sleeping on your new mattress. You can find mattress toppers in the same options as you would foam mattresses (memory, latex, gel, etc.) along with cotton and other material options.

In some cases, buying a more affordable mattress with a higher-end mattress topper can achieve the level of comfort you need in a price range that works for your budget.

Step 9: Don’t Overlook Budget

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A great mattress doesn’t have to break the bank! We offer a wide range of mattresses to suit every budget, from affordable options to luxury designs. Keep in mind, a mattress is an investment in your health, so prioritize quality over cost when possible.

Buy high-quality mattresses at Mega Furniture TX

At Mega Furniture TX, we’re committed to helping you find the perfect mattress for a restful sleep. With a wide variety of options on display in our stores, you can touch, feel, and test each mattress to ensure it meets your needs. Trust our knowledgeable team to guide you every step of the way—we care about your comfort as much as you do!

Browse our website today for the latest furniture deals, or visit one of our stores in person in the Austin, San Antonio, Temple, McAllen, or Laredo TX areas. Let’s help you achieve the rejuvenating sleep you deserve!