What Type of Mattress Should I Buy?

Take this quiz to get matched with your dream mattress!

Choosing the right mattress is crucial for getting a good night’s sleep, which impacts your overall health. But these days, there are so many mattresses to choose from that it’s not always easy to tell which one you should buy.

Not anymore! Just answer these quick questions about your sleeping habits and what you’re looking for in a mattress, and we’ll tell you which type is best for you. We’ve even included a shopping guide down below to help you know what to look for.

A clean looking mattress sits on a wooden frame.

Quizzes Are More Fun With Friends

Share this quiz with your friends and compare results.

Questions Overview

1. What's your sleeping position?
  1. Back sleeper
  2. Side sleeper
  3. Stomach sleeper
  4. More than one of these
2. Do you experience any back or joint pain?
  1. Yes, back pain
  2. Yes, joint or hip pain
  3. No
3. Are you a cool or hot sleeper?
  1. Hot
  2. Cool
  3. Neither, or I don't know
4. What's your budget?
  1. I'm looking for something cheap.
  2. I can afford to spend a little more, if the mattress is good.
  3. I'm looking for the best mattress, regardless of price.
5. How often do you plan to use this mattress?
  1. I'll use it every night.
  2. Now and then.
  3. Rarely.
6. Are you concerned about portability?
  1. No. Once it's in my home, it's not going anywhere.
  2. Maybe.
  3. Yes. I need to be able to move it easily.
7. Are you shopping online or in store?
  1. In store
  2. Online
  3. Doesn't matter, or I don't know
8. What's your body type?
  1. Light
  2. Medium
  3. Heavy
9. Do you generally like softer, or more firm mattresses?
  1. Soft
  2. Firm
  3. Somewhere in between
  4. I don't know, or I don't care

More Quizzes

Did you like this quiz?

Mattress Buying Guide

Buying a mattress is a big deal. How well you sleep determines the quality of your day, and how well you sleep depends on the quality of your mattress. Not all mattresses are created equal, though, and not every mattress is the right fit for every person. Here are the top things to consider when mattress shopping:

Mattress firmness
Your mattress’s firmness is one of the most, if not the most, important factor. It determines how the mattress will support your spine, how easy it is to move on the mattress, and how comfortable the mattress is for your particular sleeping positions. Mattresses range from extra soft to extra firm, and much of it comes down to preference, but there are also some physical considerations to take into account, like your body type and sleeping position.

Your sleeping position
Your sleeping position has loads of implications for how your spine sits when you’re lying down, and different mattresses support your spine in different ways:

  • Back sleepers sleep best on a medium-firm mattress, since too little support can make your torso sink lower than your legs, and too much support won’t accommodate the curve of your spine.
  • Stomach sleepers tend to prefer firm mattresses, so they don’t sink too far down and feel suffocated.
  • Side sleepers usually enjoy medium to medium-firm mattresses that can keep their spine aligned without being too hard on their shoulders and joints.
  • Combo sleepers, or people who sleep in multiple positions, should choose a firmness based on their most-used position. Otherwise, medium-firm is a safe bet, since it allows easy movement.

Your body type
How heavy you are influences how deeply you sink into a mattress. Usually, people who are lighter opt for softer mattresses, which contour to their bodies more easily. Heavier people opt for firmer mattresses that can support them without letting them sink too far down.

Warranties and returns
When you buy a mattress, it’s best to make sure the retailer offers warranties or a solid return policy. After all, the best way to choose a mattress is to try it for a few nights, and if it’s not the right fit, you’ll want to return it for a different mattress.

Want to learn more?

You Might Also Like

Reader Success Stories

  • Dena B.

    Dena B.

    Jun 16

    "It was insightful and informative."
Share your story
If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.