MATTRESS TYPES

Insufficient sleep is costing the U.S. economy up to

$411 BILLION ANNUALLY according to a study by RAND Europe, a division of the

nonprofit RAND Corp. A new mattress can help. Here are the top things to consider when buying a new mattress.

INNERSPRINGMost traditional type; features core of metal

springs and offers little adjustability

FOAMMade from advanced

memory, latex or polyurethane foam; available in varying degrees of firmness

HYBRIDCombines two or more types, most often using foam on top of another

type of core

FIRMProvides most support and

solid feel

PLUSHMore give on the surface; strikes a balance between

comfort and support

PILLOW TOPVery soft top

layer provides greater comfort

CONTOUREDConforms to sleeper’s body,

providing support to specific areas; relieves pressure to help prevent

morning aches and pains

PERSONALIZEDCustomized to sleeper’s

unique sleep requirements and body type

BACK SLEEPERGenerally can pick

a mattress based on comfort preference

STOMACH SLEEPERShould choose a mattress

that’s on the firm side

SIDE SLEEPERSofter mattresses

recommended as side sleepers sometimes

experience numbness from their weight being

concentrated in one area

MILDIf you wake up with

minor aches and pains that dissipate, experts don’t

believe a specific type of mattress is needed, unless

pains continue after four weeks

LOWER BACK PAINChronic lower back pain

indicates need for a firmer mattress that offers more

spinal support

ACUTE PAINFor serious joint (or other)

pain, foam mattresses are recommended; they are softer and provide

targeted support

COMFORT LEVELS

SLEEP STYLE

PAIN INTENSITY

TIMINGConsider replacing a mattress more than 8 years old

CAPACITYInnerspring

mattresses tend to provide the

best support for heavier people,

but memory foam mattresses are well

suited for people of any size

TEMPERATUREFoam mattresses that conform to

the body also trap more heat than other types, so

consider another type if you prefer a cooler sleeping

environment

ALLERGIESHighly sensitive

to dust particles? Look for a

mattress with a mitecover or other

hypoallergenic qualities

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

FULLTWIN

TWIN XL QUEEN KING

CALIFORNIA KING

MATTRESS SIZE CHART

Twin 38 x 74

Twin XL 38 x 80

Full 54 x 74

Queen 60 x 80

King 76 x 80

California King 72 x 84

Note: Sizes are in inches; may vary slightly by product and manufacturer.

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A NEW

MATTRESS

LB