How to Choose a New Mattress
A practical guide to choosing the right mattress for your body, sleep, and home.
Buying Guide
How to choose a new mattress
Investing in a mattress requires a great deal of consideration — you spend almost a third of your life sleeping. It makes sense to consider how well suited the bed is for your body type and sleep preference, its comfort and durability, and the benefits to your overall health and sleep quality.
Five things to consider
01 — Type
Think about the attributes of the bed you would like. What do you like or dislike about your current bed? Do you prefer a soft or firm feel? What size, style, or comfort feel suits you?
02 — Price
Choosing a mattress is a very personal decision. The basic rule: spend as much as you can afford — a new lower-priced mattress is always preferable to a secondhand one. Construction and fillings matter for durability, support, comfort, and health, so consider the longevity and long-term benefits of the product.
03 — Turning
Most mattresses need to be turned regularly to ensure even wear. Mattresses can be heavy, so take this into consideration when choosing.
04 — Width
Buy as big a mattress and matching frame as your bedroom allows. The larger the bed, the more room to move — greatly reducing disturbance for you and your partner.
05 — Length
Ideally a bed should be at least 4–6 inches longer than the tallest partner.
Choosing the right fit
Matching mattresses to bases
Most manufacturers design specific mattresses to be supported by a complementary base, and your warranty often will not be valid without the matching base. If you are not using a base, make sure the mattress is compatible with your bed frame — slat systems must not have large gaps and must handle the mattress weight.
Back pain sufferers
If you suffer from a bad back, check with your doctor. Do not assume a medical-sounding name means a mattress is better for you — those names usually just mean firmer. A firm mattress can relieve some lower-back pain, but an overly firm bed can aggravate a back condition. The rule of thumb: get a quality mattress that is supportive and comfortable to you.
Allergy and asthma sufferers
All mattresses attract house dust mites over time. Regular cleaning, airing, and protective covers reduce the effect. Be sure the mattress contains no materials that may affect you — natural fibres are generally best and typically inhibit dust mites, mold, and mildew.
After-sales service
If you are undecided between two or three equally suitable products, think about the service and support that best suits you.
Trying out a mattress
Comfort and support are the two key factors when choosing a mattress. Comfort is subjective and based on personal preference; support should be guided by your height, build, and preferred sleeping position, and should help you achieve good posture. Allow plenty of time when trying out beds, and do not be rushed.
Types of mattress
Spring mattress
The most common type in Canada. The number of springs and the gauge of metal affect the feel and support — generally, the more springs, the better the support. Open springs (budget to mid-price) are connected top and bottom by a spiral wire with a strengthened edge. Continuous springs use one unbroken knitted wire for a softer, more responsive feel. Pocket springs are individually wrapped in fabric pockets, allowing a more flexible response, greater body support, and individual sleep space — found in mid-to-upper price brands.
Mattresses without innersprings
Usually made from latex or foam — relatively light and generally not requiring turning. Your body molds into the bed for a cocoon feeling, though you can be woken when changing position, as the mattress needs time to reform.
Upholstery and ticking
Ticking is the outer cover that, with the tufts or quilting, keeps the fillings together. Tufting passes cords through the mattress secured with wool tufts. The most common upholsteries in quality tufted mattresses are wool and cotton felt; the type, quality, and combination of fillings determine overall comfort.
Looking after your bed
To prolong a bed’s life, follow the care instructions: air it for at least 20 minutes before making it, and turn the mattress as instructed to even out wear. Use a mattress protector when recommended, and in general do not abuse the mattress.