Which Mattress Is Best For Me Quiz

Purchasing a new mattress can become quite overwhelming rather quickly. With the abundance of options available, it’s a seemingly impossible task. There are many things to take into consideration when purchasing a new mattress, and we’ll dive into more detail below in this mattress quiz.
Firmness
When you begin looking into a new mattress, your first question usually is “how firm of a mattress am I looking for?” Some companies will either rate the firmness of their best mattresses on a level of 1-10 or by the following:
Soft
A soft mattress would be equivalent to a 1-2 on the typical numerical sliding scale. These mattresses are ideal for lightweight occupants, side sleepers, young kids, and babies.
Medium-Soft
A medium-soft mattress is the same as a 3-4 on a numerical scale. Again, these are good for lightweight sleepers, side sleepers, and combination sleepers.
Medium-Firm
A medium to medium-firm mattress is equivalent to a 5-7 on the standard numerical scale. These mattresses are ideal for heavier-weight sleepers, couples, back sleepers, combination sleepers, and those suffering from chronic back pain.
Firm
A firm mattress is the same as an 8-10 on the numerical chart. Firm mattresses are ideal for heavier-weight sleepers, back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and those with pains.
Body Type
The body type of the sleeper plays a huge role in choosing the perfect mattress. For example, someone heavier will find a medium mattress softer and more comfortable than someone of a lower weight.
Lightweight Sleepers
Lightweight sleepers, typically 130 pounds or less, apply less pressure on the mattress than heavier people would. Lighter people find a soft mattress, or medium-soft mattress, more comfortable and supportive for their body type.
Average-Sized Sleepers
Average-size sleepers, 130-200 pounds, often choose the best mattress based on their sleeping position, whether or not they suffer from night sweats, and any health considerations rather than their body weight alone.
Heavyweight Sleepers
When heavyweight sleepers, typically over 200 pounds, lay on a bed, they apply more pressure directly onto the mattress coming into contact with the core support layer of the mattress. They often find a medium-firm or firm mattress more comfortable and supportive than a soft mattress.
Types of Mattresses
Before choosing a best mattress, you have to understand the difference in the types of mattresses on the market. Below we will discuss the most commonly purchased mattress types.
Memory Foam
Memory foam was originally thought of and manufactured in the 1970s by NASA. It was designed to better cushion the seats of the aircraft and rockets, and provide crash protection to the astronauts. It has become increasingly popular, and can be found in mattresses, mattress toppers, pillows, bath mats, and even shoes.
Memory foam is made primarily of polyurethane with additional chemicals to increase the viscosity and density of the foam. It is notorious for trapping and holding heat, often making an uncomfortably warm sleep surface for the sleeper.
Memory foam is made up of three layers:
- The top layer is referred to as the comfort layer
- The middle layer is referred to as the transitional layer
- The bottom layer is referred to as the support layer
Innerspring
The innerspring mattress is an older mattress type that has been around since the early 1870s. The main support of these mattresses comes from the spring coils, strategically placed throughout the inside of the mattress.
The innerspring mattress consists of three layers:
- First layer: padding placed upon the coils, known as the comfort layer
- Second layer: the coil support layer to prevent sinking
- Third layer: required foundation, often a box spring
Latex Mattress
A mattress made of latex foam may be either all-natural latex, synthetic latex, or a mix of both natural and synthetic latex. While most with a latex allergy do not have a reaction from the use of a latex mattress, it is recommended to request a small sample of the latex to test for a reaction for each individual.
Natural Latex Mattress
Natural latex is harvested from the tree sap of rubber trees. This specific latex is processed naturally, not being mixed with any additives or chemicals.
Synthetic Latex Mattress
Synthetic latex is often constructed using styrene-butadiene rubber combined with additional chemicals during the manufacturing process. Users often report that the lifespan of a synthetic latex mattress is less than that of an all-natural latex mattress.
Gel Mattress
Gel mattresses are a type of memory foam mattress made special with gel-infused directly into the foam. These mattresses feel similar to traditional memory foam, and provide the same cushion and support. However, the gel memory foam mattress doesn’t hold and trap heat like traditional memory foam does, allowing the sleeper to stay cool and comfortable all night.
Adjustable Mattress
An adjustable mattress is similar to that of a hospital bed. This type of mattress rests on an adjustable frame, allowing the user to elevate both the head and the foot of the bed. An adjustable bed is great for those with health conditions and chronic back pain.
Sleeping Position
Any best mattress quiz must take into account the sleeper’s preferred sleeping position. The perfect mattress depends on many factors, including the sleeping position of the user.
Back Sleeper
Sleeping on your back is the most recommended by both doctors and chiropractors but the least commonly used. Sleeping on your back holds proper spinal alignment throughout the night. For those who are back sleepers, a medium-firm or firm mattress is recommended for optimal support and comfort.
Side Sleeper
People who sleep on their side place an excessive amount of pressure on both their shoulders and hips. Because of this, they find a softer mattress more comfortable, as it cushions and cradles the sleeper. Soft mattresses provide sleepers with pressure-relieving support, to prevent aches and pains from the way they sleep.
Stomach Sleeper
Sleeping on your stomach is the least recommended sleeping position, as it does not hold your spine in alignment. A firm mattress is recommended to help hold spinal alignment, as it doesn’t allow an excessive amount of sinkage into the mattress.
Combination Sleeper
Combination sleepers adjust their sleeping position multiple times throughout the night, rather than holding one sleeping position. A medium to medium-firm mattress is recommended for combination sleepers, to aid in holding the proper spinal alignment of the sleeper throughout the night.
Budget
The price of a new mattress varies greatly depending on many factors including:
- The brand
- Material
- Special features
- Type of mattress
Best mattresses constructed with high-quality or even organic materials are often much more expensive than a traditional innerspring mattress, but come with no harmful additives, and offer a healthier sleep surface.
Health Considerations
When purchasing a new mattress, it is important that you take into consideration any existing health conditions or concerns.
Back Pain
Those who suffer from minor, severe, or even chronic back pain will benefit greatly from a mattress that provides exceptional support of the spine. A medium-firm, firm, or adjustable mattress are often most recommended.
It’s also important to take into consideration the occupants' body weight. A lightweight sleeper may find a medium-firm mattress too firm, while a heavyweight sleeper may find the same mattress too soft.
Joint Pain
People suffering from joint pain benefit from a mattress constructed of multiple foam layers, as it provides a great amount of pressure relief. A latex foam mattress is the most recommended for pressure relief; however, if you suffer from a latex allergy, a memory foam mattress will provide a great amount of support as well.
Night Sweats
Night sweats affect approximately 15 million Americans each year, resulting in a poor night’s rest with constant tossing and turning. A mattress with cooling features is highly recommended for sleepers who suffer from night sweats.
If you opt for a foam mattress, be sure the mattress is described with one of the following characteristics:
- Open-cell
- Perforated
- Gel-infused
You may also opt for a moisture-wicking mattress topper rather than purchasing an all-new mattress.
Allergies
Whether you suffer from seasonal allergies or a latex allergy, it is important to take these things into consideration before purchasing a mattress.
Those suffering from a latex allergy may opt-out of purchasing a latex mattress; however, it is not always a concern to them. If you suffer from a latex allergy, and you would like to purchase a latex mattress, you can often request a small sample of the mattress to test against your skin before taking the plunge.
Those suffering from seasonal allergies, or allergies to things such as dust, should consider purchasing an all organic mattress or an antimicrobial mattress. These are free of harmful chemicals, and help reduce the amount of dirt, dust, and dander buildup.
Motion Reduction
A mattress with motion reduction properties is exceptional for couples, as they reduce the amount of motion felt from one side of the bed to the other. If you are a light sleeper that wakes with every small movement, or you have a partner who leaves well before you for work, consider purchasing a motion-reducing mattress.
A hybrid mattress with pocketed or micro coils, or a memory foam mattress with at least two inches of thickness, is great for motion reduction.
Signs it is Time to Replace Your Mattress
- A significant amount of sagging of the mattress
- Stains that cannot be removed
- Odors that cannot be removed
- Bed bug infestations
- Allergies that are seemingly worse at night and in the morning
- Excessive discomfort and poor sleep
Special Considerations
Old Mattress
The use of an old, worn, sagging mattress increases the user's aches, pains, and disruptive sleep patterns. A high-quality mattress is designed to last at least 10 years; however, a cheaper mattress does not last nearly as long.
If you are sleeping on an old worn-out mattress, it is recommended to replace it immediately with a mattress made of high-quality, antimicrobial, and supportive materials. An old mattress is also notorious for holding things like dust mites, dander, and even mold, resulting in an increase in allergy symptoms such as:
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Runny nose
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Sinus pressure
An old mattress may also become so worn and sagging that the user is left tossing and turning all night, due to being able to feel the springs against their body.
Mattress Trial Period
When shopping for a new mattress, seek out a company that offers a risk-free trial period. These often come at a minimum of 30 nights up to one full year of nights. A mattress trial period allows you to try the mattress for a specified amount of time before fully committing to the purchase of the mattress ensuring it is indeed the right mattress for you.
Warranty
Choosing a mattress with a longer warranty period is often more enticing to people. Many have a minimum of a 10-year warranty. Be sure to research what is covered, or rather what is not covered within the warranty.
A mattress warranty typically covers things such as physical defects, like a damaged spring, sagging to a specified amount, or the seams separating.
Expected Lifespan
Mattresses made of higher quality material often last a minimum of 10 years. A mattress made of high-quality foam has been known to last anywhere from 10-20 years, depending on the care of the mattress by the owner. Traditional innerspring mattresses made up of quality coil springs can last users anywhere from 10-15 years again, depending on the level of care provided to the mattress by the owner.
PlushBeds Mattresses
If you’re exploring a mattress quiz, it’s good to know that PlushBeds offers a wide variety of mattresses to customers. Each mattress is offered with a 100-night trial period, a 25-year warranty, and fast free shipping.
Natural & Organic
Below is the selection of PlushBeds natural and organic mattresses.
Organic Latex Mattress: The Botanical Bliss
The Botanical Bliss mattress is made of GOLS certified latex, GOTS certified organic cotton, and GOTS certified organic wool. This mattress is recommended by doctors and chiropractors for comfort, pressure relief, and support.
The Botanical Bliss mattress is an antimicrobial and dust mite resistant mattress that is mold and mildew proof, resulting in less sneezing or other allergy symptoms. It is made with no toxic chemicals, therefore, has no off-gassing of odors. This mattress is designed to allow the occupant to sleep cool, as it is not a foam that traps heat.
Vegan Mattress: The Natural Bliss
The Natural Bliss mattress is 100% made in the United States. This mattress is made of 100% natural latex with no added chemicals, and covered in GOTS certified organic cotton. The Natural Bliss mattress is vegan, wool-free, animal-free, and GOTS, Oeko-tex Standard 100, and GreenGuard Gold certified.
Our Natural Bliss mattress is offered in both medium and medium-firm, making it optimal for side, back, stomach, and combination sleepers. The Natural Bliss mattress is antimicrobial, dust mite resistant, and mold and mildew proof. It has no off-putting smells, and is manufactured with no harmful chemicals.
Hybrid Latex Mattress: The Luxury Bliss
The Luxury Bliss mattress is a 12” latex mattress made in the United States. This mattress consists of a plush topper with an individually wrapped pocketed coil core. The Luxury Bliss mattress is covered in GOTS certified organic cotton and GOTS certified organic wool.
The Luxury Bliss mattress is offered in the firmness levels of medium and medium-firm. It consists of motion isolating coils, making it an ideal mattress for couples. Our organic hybrid latex mattress is more breathable and comfortable than the leading competitors.
Eco Mattress: The Eco Bliss
The Eco Bliss mattress consists of a top layer of 100% natural latex, a supportive core of CertiPUR certified poly foam, and covered in a stretch cotton cover. The Eco Bliss mattress offers similar comfort and support as The Luxury Bliss, but comes at a more affordable price point.
The Eco Bliss mattress is made of several layers including:
- Stretch cotton cover: This cover reduces pressure on the surface of the mattress, allowing for undisturbed sleep of all occupants.
- Eco fire barrier: This barrier is a flame-resistant barrier derived from plants, therefore, is not made of harmful chemicals
- 100% natural latex layer. This layer allows for exceptional support for a good night’s sleep
- Supportive plush foam core. The Eco Bliss is made of CertiPUR certified poly foam, providing a comfortable sleep surface resistant to sagging
Memory Foam
Below is a selection of PlushBeds memory foam mattresses.
Gel Memory Foam Mattress: The Ocean Mist
The Ocean Mist mattress consists of a plush top layer of CertiPUR certified cooling gel foam, a supportive core of CertiPUR certified poly foam, and covered in a stretch organic cotton cover. The Ocean Mist mattress allows people to sleep 30% cooler and drier, provides greater pressure relief, and has no chemical odors or off-gassing.
Cooling Gel Mattress: The Cool Bliss
The Cool Bliss mattress is a 12” mattress, consisting of 5 comfort layers and cooling gel memory foam. The Cool Bliss mattress uses our patented gel memory foam that improves airflow, and dissipates heat and moisture 3 times faster than competitors’. It is made of 100% natural latex, therefore, it is not made with chemicals. The natural components of The Cool Bliss mattress ensure there are no chemical odors or off-gassing from the mattress.
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