Buying a mattress comes down to four decisions: the type of mattress, the firmness, the size, and the foundation it will sit on. This guide walks through each one using the DreamBeds range as examples, but the principles apply to any mattress.
1. Choose a type
Memory foam (Nook Basic, Haven, Serene, Meadow, Lumen) contours closely to the body and isolates motion better than anything else, which makes it the default choice for side sleepers and couples. Traditional memory foam sleeps warm; gel infusions and phase-change covers fix most of that. Hybrids (Nook Hybrid Lite, Ridge, Aurora, Summit) put a foam or latex comfort layer over pocket coils: more bounce, better edge support and airflow, and usually a slightly higher price. Latex (Terra, Verdant) is buoyant, durable, naturally cool and hypoallergenic, with a springy feel that some people love and others find too lively; it is the longest-lasting material and the most expensive per inch. Innerspring (Nook Bonnell, Heritage, Regal) is the traditional feel: firm support, lots of airflow, a familiar bounce, and at the top end (the Regal) natural fibres instead of foam.
2. Choose a firmness
We rate every mattress on a 1-to-10 scale on the same test rig. Side sleepers need softer surfaces (3 to 6) so the shoulder and hip can sink in and keep the spine straight. Back sleepers need medium to medium-firm (5 to 7). Stomach sleepers need firm (7 to 9) to keep the hips from sagging. Body weight shifts the answer: above about 230 lb, add a point and look at the Ridge, Summit, Aurora or Verdant, which are built with heavier coils and denser foams; below 130 lb, subtract a point. If you have lower back pain, a 6 or 7 with zoned support (Aurora, Summit, Ridge) is the usual recommendation. Use the Compare Firmness table for a side-by-side list.
3. Choose a size
- Twin, 38 x 75 inches: children, bunk beds, trundles, guest rooms.
- Twin XL, 38 x 80 inches: teens and tall single sleepers; two make a Split King.
- Full, 54 x 75 inches: single adults, small rooms, older kids’ rooms.
- Queen, 60 x 80 inches: the most popular size for couples in a standard 10 x 12 foot bedroom.
- King, 76 x 80 inches: couples who want space, families with kids or pets in the bed; needs a room at least 12 x 12 feet.
- California King, 72 x 84 inches: narrower and longer than a King, for sleepers over 6 feet 2 inches tall.
4. Check the foundation
No DreamBeds mattress needs a box spring. Foam, latex and hybrid mattresses need a solid or closely slatted base (slats 3 inches apart or less) with a centre support for Queen and larger. If you are keeping an old frame, add a Starter Bunkie Board. If you want to raise the head or feet, choose an adjustable base and a mattress marked adjustable-compatible.
5. Budget and what changes as you spend more
Budget ($199 to $499) buys thinner comfort layers, basic coils and 10-year warranties; fine for kids and guests. Mid-range ($600 to $1,499) buys 12-inch builds, gel foams, pocket coils and 15-year warranties; the Haven and Ridge are the best value in the range. Premium ($1,500 to $3,499) buys cooling technology, zoned support, organic latex, 20 to 25-year warranties and often free white-glove delivery. Luxury ($3,500 and up) buys hand-built fibre mattresses and smart bases. Every tier has the same 100-night trial, and 0% financing is available over $500.
6. Give it 30 nights
Mattresses break in, and so do you. Sleep on your new mattress for at least a month before deciding. If it is not right, the trial covers you, and our advisors will usually suggest a firmness swap or a topper before a return.