November 2, 2025
Mattress Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Mattress in 2025
Your complete guide to buying a mattress on Amazon. Learn about materials, firmness, sizing, and trial periods before you purchase.
Start with your sleep position
Your dominant sleep position determines the foundation of your mattress search. Side sleepers need softer surfaces that cushion shoulders and hips, back sleepers benefit from medium-firm support, and stomach sleepers require firm mattresses to prevent midsection sag.
Track your actual sleep position over a week using a sleep app or ask your partner to check. Many people think they're back sleepers but actually rotate to their sides overnight. Knowing your real habits prevents buying the wrong firmness.
Understanding mattress types
Memory foam mattresses contour closely to your body, offering excellent pressure relief and motion isolation. They can sleep hot unless equipped with cooling technologies. Budget models under $500 provide decent comfort for 5-7 years.
Hybrid mattresses combine foam comfort layers with innerspring coil support, delivering the best balance of cushioning, bounce, cooling, and edge support. They cost more but typically last longer and satisfy a wider range of sleep preferences.
| Mattress Type | Best For | Price Range | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Memory foam | Pressure relief, motion isolation | $300-$1,200 | 5-8 years |
| Hybrid | Balanced comfort, cooling, couples | $600-$2,000 | 7-10 years |
| Innerspring | Bounce, budget, firm support | $200-$800 | 5-7 years |
| Latex | Natural materials, responsive feel | $800-$2,500 | 8-12 years |
Firmness selection by body type
Your body weight impacts how deeply you compress mattress materials. Lightweight sleepers (under 150 lbs) feel mattresses as firmer and can choose softer options. Heavy sleepers (over 230 lbs) compress materials more and need firmer support to avoid bottoming out.
Use this general guideline: subtract or add one firmness point for every 50 lbs above or below 180 lbs. A 130 lb side sleeper might love a 4/10 softness, while a 230 lb side sleeper needs closer to 6/10 for the same feel.
- Under 150 lbs: Go 1-2 points softer than position recommendations.
- 150-230 lbs: Follow standard firmness guides for your position.
- Over 230 lbs: Choose 1-2 points firmer to prevent excessive sink.
- Couples: Split the difference or choose medium-firm (6/10) and customize with toppers.
Mattress sizing and room planning
Twin and Twin XL work for kids and single adults in small spaces. Full (double) fits couples on a budget but provides only 27 inches per person. Queen offers 30 inches per person and fits most bedrooms comfortably.
King and California King provide maximum space for couples and families. Kings are 16 inches wider than queens, while Cal Kings add 4 inches of length but reduce width. Measure your room and doorways before ordering larger sizes.
| Size | Dimensions | Best For | Price Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twin | 38" x 75" | Kids, single adults | Lowest cost |
| Twin XL | 38" x 80" | Tall singles, dorms | +$50-$100 |
| Full | 54" x 75" | Singles, tight budgets | +$100-$200 |
| Queen | 60" x 80" | Couples, standard bedrooms | Baseline |
| King | 76" x 80" | Couples wanting space | +$200-$400 |
| Cal King | 72" x 84" | Tall couples | +$200-$400 |
Evaluating Amazon sellers and brands
Check whether Amazon ships the mattress directly or if it comes from a third-party seller. Amazon-direct orders typically have simpler returns but shorter trial windows. Brand storefronts offer longer trials but may require more documentation for returns.
Read recent reviews from the last 3-6 months to catch any quality changes. Look for verified purchase badges, customer photos showing the mattress over time, and detailed feedback about firmness, cooling, and durability.
- Verify the seller's return policy before purchasing.
- Look for CertiPUR-US or OEKO-TEX certified foams.
- Check warranty length (10+ years is standard for quality mattresses).
- Read 1-3 star reviews to understand potential issues.
- Confirm trial period length and who pays return shipping.
Trial periods and return policies
Most quality mattress brands offer 90-365 night trials, while Amazon's standard return window is just 30 days. Know which policy applies before ordering. Set calendar reminders for 5-7 days before deadlines to avoid rushed decisions.
Give mattresses at least 2-3 weeks to break in and your body to adjust before making final judgment. Track comfort levels daily to identify patterns. Review our Amazon Return Playbook for detailed guidance on testing and documenting issues.
Budget planning and hidden costs
Factor in the total cost of ownership including mattress, foundation or box spring, protector, and possibly new sheets. A $500 mattress might need another $150-200 in accessories to perform optimally and stay protected.
Budget mattresses under $500 work well for many situations, but spending $800-1,200 on a quality hybrid typically provides better long-term value if you plan to use it nightly for 7-10 years. Calculate cost per night of sleep to evaluate true value.
Making your final decision
Create a shortlist of 2-3 mattresses that match your sleep position, firmness needs, and budget. Compare their trial periods, return policies, and recent customer reviews. Order the top choice and test it thoroughly during the trial window.
Keep the packaging until you're certain about keeping the mattress. Document your experience daily and reference our other guides like Best for Back Pain, Side Sleepers, and Firmness to troubleshoot any issues before the return deadline.