Mattress Shopping Guide: Sizing, Comfort, & More
Learn how to choose a new mattress with Mega Furniture TX.
Mattresses are an investment in your health and wellbeing. A good mattress will ensure you fall asleep quickly and stay asleep during the night, waking up refreshed and ready to tackle a new day. At Mega Furniture TX, we understand the importance of a good night’s sleep and can help guide you through the process of shopping for a new mattress or set of mattresses for the house. Keep reading to learn about different sizes, materials, types, brands, and more to better prepare for the mattress shopping experience.
Mattress Sizing
The first step in choosing a new mattress is deciding what size you need. Mattresses come in a few common sizes, including:
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.
Featured: TEMPUR-PEDIC Proadapt - Medium Hybrid
Mattress Types
Mattresses are made from a variety of materials, each with their own benefits and potential drawbacks. Some of the most common types of mattresses include:
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
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.
With an above-average durability, foam mattresses are more expensive than most innerspring mattresses but are still one of the more affordable options.
Hybrid
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. 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.
Latex
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.
Airbed
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.
Featured: The Nectar Memory Foam Mattress
Mattress Brands
Mega Furniture TX offers some of the most popular and affordable mattress brands on the market, including:
Tempur-Pedic
Tempur-Pedic has been around for over 30 years, offering high-quality memory foam mattresses that conform to the body and provide great levels of support and pressure relief. Built to last, these mattresses are also known for their superior motion isolation and durability. This may be a great investment for anyone looking for a long-term, durable mattress solution.
Sealy
Sealy is a great mattress brand that has been offering quality products for over 130 years. Sealy comes in many different options, including memory foam, innerspring, and hybrid. Their durability matches other popular quality brands, with an affordable price range for most buyers. Some Sealy mattresses also come with excellent cooling features that help regulate body temperature and prevent overheating during the night.
Ashley
Ashley offers a variety of mattresses, including the popular memory foam, innerspring, and hybrid. Due to easy availability, Ashley is an affordable option compared to many other brands with good comfort and support levels for pressure relief.
Stearns & Foster
Stearns & Foster is one of the best mattress brands on the market, with over 170 years of experience. Their brand is focused on using high-quality materials and luxurious designs to develop mattresses that look as good as they feel. Stearns & Foster mattresses also offer customization options for firmness, size, and support level that helps meet the unique needs of your sleep.
Mattress Toppers
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.
Buy mattresses at Mega Furniture TX
Mega Furniture TX can help you pick out a new mattress that suits your needs and budget. We stock some of the most popular, affordable, and durable mattresses on the market. 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.
Learn more about how to choose the right mattress for you on our blog.