Buying a mattress is an overwhelming prospect no matter how you look at it. How do you know which size mattress to buy? There are so many options out there. Could buying a mattress be any more confusing?
Many people procrastinate buying a mattress because they focus on queen size mattresses, which can be pricey. Queen mattresses may be a popular size but it isn’t the only choice. Full size mattresses used to be the go-to mattress size and for good reason. They are less shocking to the wallet. If you’re in the market for a new mattress, consider how a full size mattress would fit into your life. This article will help guide you to your best options and help make the process a little easier.
These are some of the most recommended mattresses:
Who benefits from a full size mattress? Most people who buy a full mattress choose it because either it works better for their budget or it works better in the space they have in their bedroom. Let’s face it, it’s often both and that’s why young couples and young professionals are one of the biggest demographics. Full mattresses are also a great size and price for a guest room where you usually have a smaller space and decorating budget.
Buying a full size mattress does not mean that you are settling. Full size mattresses can feel just as luxurious as a king or a queen and the affordability makes it easier to snuggle into your new mattress. Even though it’s smaller, you won’t be giving up a large amount of room. Full size mattress dimensions are usually around 54 inches by 75 inches. Compared to a queen that runs 60 inches by 80 inches, you can see that there’s not as much space lost as one might think.
If you are sharing the bed with a significant other or a roommate, the motion isolation of a mattress can make a huge difference. Motion transfer is the measure of movement shared throughout the mattress. The lower the motion transfer, the better movement is absorbed and the less you feel your sleeping partner move.
Look for a full mattress that has as little motion transfer as possible. With the full size mattress dimensions being what they are, being able to sleep uninterrupted by your partner’s movements allows more comfort and feeling of space.
Puffy Mattress is known as one of the lowest motion transfer mattresses available.
Edge support is the stability of the edge of any mattress. Some mattresses will slope at the edges, making the mattress feel smaller. Supportive edges give you more room to spread out in comfort, which makes the mattress feel bigger.
Be sure to check out Dreamcloud. They have some of the best edge support on the market.
Innerspring mattresses are your typical metal coil spring mattresses with a thin foam layer as the top layer. They are usually affordable but not considered the most comfortable mattress on the market. The edge support in most innerspring mattresses is often nonexistent. These mattresses also have a high level of motion transfer, meaning you feel every movement of your sleeping partner.
All of this adds up to making the full size mattress dimensions feel much smaller. This isn’t a top recommended type of mattress for couples.
Pocket coil mattresses are similar to innerspring, except that the coils are individually wrapped in a fabric sleeve. The sleeve allows them to act independently of each other, lessening the motion transfer and providing a more comfortable rest. The top layer of foam is usually a higher quality in a pocket coil mattress.
The downside to most pocket coil mattresses is that they also don’t provide much edge support. They are a better option for a full size mattress but will still not feel as spacious as a couple might need for a good night’s sleep.
A full size memory foam mattress will bring a lot more to the table than the coil mattresses. Memory foam is a lightweight polyurethane foam that allows body weight to be distributed more evenly. It is a durable and malleable material that provides pressure point relief.
Another benefit of memory foam is the distribution of air that makes it a cooler material, which would also help with couples sharing a full size to feel like they are sharing a bigger space.
Our review of Nectar shows why it is one of the top choices right now for an affordable full size memory foam mattress.
Latex mattresses are made out of latex foam. The construction uses either synthetic rubber materials or natural latex harvested from rubber trees. The latex material gives a bouncier feel without the sinking hug around the body that memory foam provides. This makes it easier to move around and the rubber foam allows more air to circulate for an even cooler feel than with memory foam.
Because it’s bouncier, it does provide slightly less edge support. There is a slight increase in motion transfer but still less than either coil mattress type. The extra bounce does provide excellent support for every sleep position. To get the best comfort as well as value, the latex full size mattress in a box option is the way to go.
Zenhaven is one of the most well-known latex mattress companies for a reason. Check out our review and see why.
A hybrid mattress is exactly like it sounds. It’s a mixture of foam and coil. Most hybrid mattresses use pocket coils as the strong bottom layer and then top it with two to three layers of thick memory foam or latex foam. It’s a little pricier but if you stick with a full size, it still stays in the affordable range.
One reason people are willing to spend a little more for a hybrid mattress is that they are the best of both worlds. You get the low motion transfer, high edge support, and pressure relief with the top foam layers while enjoying the firm stability of the bottom coil layer.
Saatva has created a latex hybrid that’s worth a look if you’re looking for a more luxurious yet affordable mattress.
As you can see, a full size mattress should not be overlooked. As long as you ask the right questions and figure out what type of mattress works for you and your sleeping needs, there is a perfect option waiting just for you. Queen size mattresses get all the attention but a full size mattress in a box could surprise you with how well it can fit into your life.