Choosing the right mattress is one of the most important decisions you can make for your sleep quality and long-term health. Studies show that the average person spends roughly one-third of their life in bed, yet many sleepers use a mattress that does not properly support their body. Learning how to choose a mattress involves matching your sleep position, body type, firmness preference, and budget to the right materials and construction.
This 2026 mattress buying guide walks you through every factor - from mattress types and firmness levels to sizing, sleep concerns, and budget - so you can make a confident, informed purchase.
Quick Facts at a Glance
Factor
Options
Mattress Types
Memory foam, hybrid, innerspring, latex
Sizes Available
Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Firmness Range
Soft (1–3), Medium (4–6), Medium-Firm (6–7), Firm (8–10)
Key Features
Cooling gel technology, motion isolation, lumbar support, hypoallergenic materials
Price Range
Starting under $400 for quality memory foam options
Best For
Side sleepers, back sleepers, combination sleepers, couples, hot sleepers
For full product specifications and model comparisons, visit Novilla's Complete Mattress Buying Guide.
Consider Your Sleep Position
Your sleep position is the single most important factor in choosing a mattress. It determines how much support and pressure relief you need, which directly affects firmness, thickness, and material choices. For a deeper dive, see our sleeping positions guide.
1. Back Sleepers
Back sleepers need a medium-firm mattress that supports the natural curve of the spine without creating gaps under the lower back. A memory foam mattress in the 10 - 12 inch range, such as Novilla's AiryFlow™ series, distributes weight evenly across the surface while gel-infused foam layers provide contouring without excessive sinkage.
2. Side Sleepers
Side sleepers put concentrated pressure on the shoulders and hips. Look for a mattress with a soft-to-medium comfort layer (3-4 inches of contouring foam) over a supportive base. Novilla's COZY Gel Memory Foam mattress conforms closely to body contours, reducing numbness and joint pain for side sleepers.
3. Stomach Sleepers
Stomach sleepers need a firm surface to prevent the hips from sinking too deep, which can strain the lower back. A hybrid mattress with a sturdy pocketed-coil support core (6+ inches) and a thin comfort layer (2-3 inches) keeps the spine in a neutral position.
4. Combination Sleepers
If you change positions throughout the night, a hybrid mattress with responsive foam and individually pocketed coils allows smooth transitions without pressure buildup or the "stuck" feeling of slow-responding foam.
Tip: During Novilla's 100-night sleep trial, pay attention to which position you naturally wake up in most often - that is your dominant sleep position and should guide your mattress choice.
Choose a Mattress Type
A mattress type refers to the primary materials and construction used inside the mattress. Each type offers a different balance of support, pressure relief, temperature regulation, and durability. Here is how the four main types compare:
Feature
Memory Foam
Hybrid
Innerspring
Latex
Support
Contouring
Balanced
Firm
Responsive
Cooling
Moderate (improved with gel)
Good (coil airflow)
Excellent
Excellent (natural)
Motion Isolation
Excellent
Good
Low
Moderate
Durability
7–10 years
8–10 years
5–8 years
10+ years
Best For
Side sleepers, pressure relief
Most sleepers, couples
Stomach/back sleepers
Hot sleepers, eco-conscious
1. Memory Foam
Memory foam mattresses use high-density polyurethane foam (typically 4–5 lbs/ft³) that conforms to your body shape under heat and pressure. Novilla's Bliss™ Memory Foam features a NanoGEL™ cooling layer on top, a 2-inch transitional foam layer for gradual support, and a high-density 6-inch base for spinal alignment.
Pros: Excellent motion isolation, targeted pressure relief, quiet sleep surfaceCons: Can retain body heat - look for models with gel infusion or breathable covers to offset this
Novilla Bliss™
Best budget-friendly classic memory foam - medium-plush comfort with pressure relief and gentle cooling for everyday sleepers.
Shop Novilla Bliss™
2. Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses combine foam comfort layers with a pocketed-coil support system, offering the pressure relief of foam with the support and airflow of springs. Novilla's Vitality™ Hybrid 12-inch model supports sleepers up to 230 lbs with minimal sagging and features enhanced edge support.
Pros: Balanced support and bounce, improved breathability, strong edge supportCons: Typically heavier and more expensive than all-foam models
Novilla Vitality™
Balanced comfort and support in a breathable, medium-firm hybrid design for everyday sleeping comfort.
Shop Novilla Vitality™
3. Innerspring
Innerspring mattresses use a traditional coil system topped with a thin comfort layer. They provide a firm, bouncy feel with excellent ventilation.
Pros: Strong edge support, cool sleep surface, familiar feelCons: Less pressure relief and contouring; higher motion transfer between partners
4. Latex
Latex mattresses are made from natural or synthetic rubber foam. They are durable, responsive, and naturally hypoallergenic.
Pros: Excellent breathability, long lifespan, eco-friendly (natural latex)Cons: Higher price point; heavier to move
Tip: If you sleep hot or experience night sweats, prioritize hybrid or gel-infused memory foam mattresses that actively manage heat. For more advice on finding the right comfort level, see how to find a comfortable mattress for better sleep .
Pick Your Firmness
Mattress firmness is typically measured on a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest. The right firmness depends on your sleep position, body weight, and personal comfort preference. For a detailed breakdown, see our mattress firmness selection guide .
Mattress Firmness Guide
Firmness Level
Scale
Novilla Models
Ideal For
Key Benefit
Soft (3–4)
Plush, deep sinkage
COZY Plush Memory Foam
Side sleepers under 130 lbs
Cushions shoulders and hips, relieves pressure points
Medium-Firm (5–7)
Balanced feel
COZY Gel Memory Foam, Novilla Bliss™
Most sleepers (130–230 lbs)
Supports spinal alignment while contouring to the body
Firm (7–9)
Minimal sinkage
Hybrid, Latex models
Stomach sleepers, sleepers over 230 lbs
Prevents excessive sinking, maintains neutral spine
Tip: If you are unsure, medium-firm is the safest starting point - it suits the widest range of body types and sleep positions. Taller sleepers may benefit from thicker models (12-14 inches) to accommodate greater sinkage distribution. Novilla provides detailed layer breakdowns for each model so you can compare comfort levels before buying.
Select a Mattress Size and Thickness
Choosing the right mattress size depends on who is sleeping on it, your room dimensions, and your bed frame. Here is a quick reference for standard U.S. mattress sizes:
Size
Dimensions (inches)
Best For
Twin
38 × 75
Children, small rooms
Twin XL
38 × 80
Teens, dorm rooms, taller individuals
Full
54 × 75
Single adults, guest rooms
Queen
60 × 80
Couples (standard), most master bedrooms
King
76 × 80
Couples wanting extra space, large bedrooms
California King
72 × 84
Taller sleepers, narrower bedrooms
For a detailed comparison of Twin vs. Twin XL dimensions and use cases, see Novilla's Twin vs. Twin XL guide .
Thickness Guidelines
- 8 - 10 inches: Budget-friendly, suitable for lighter sleepers and children.- 10 - 12 inches: Standard comfort for most adult sleepers.- 12 - 14 inches: Extra support and a luxury feel; recommended for heavier sleepers or those who prefer deeper cushioning.
Tip: Before ordering, measure your bedroom, doorway widths, and bed frame to ensure the mattress fits. If you are using an adjustable base, confirm the mattress thickness is compatible.
Assess Your Body Type
Your body weight affects how deeply you sink into a mattress, which in turn impacts spinal alignment and pressure distribution. Choosing the right firmness and construction for your weight range helps prevent premature sagging and ensures consistent support.
- Lightweight (under 130 lbs): A softer mattress (3–5 on the firmness scale) with a plush comfort layer prevents "floating" on top of the surface and provides adequate pressure relief at the shoulders and hips.- Average (130–230 lbs): A medium-firm mattress (5–7) offers the best balance of contouring and support for this weight range. Most 10–12 inch memory foam and hybrid mattresses perform well here.- Heavyweight (over 230 lbs): A firm mattress (7–9) with a robust support core — such as a hybrid with a 6–8 inch pocketed-coil foundation — prevents bottoming out and provides long-term durability. Look for reinforced edge support and high-density foam layers.
Tip: Check the weight capacity listed on each Novilla product page to confirm the mattress suits your body type. Couples should consider their combined weight when assessing support needs.
Address Your Sleep Concerns
Different sleep concerns call for different mattress features. Here is how to match common issues with the right solution:
- Hot sleeping and night sweats: Look for gel-infused memory foam, hybrid mattresses with open coil airflow, or latex mattresses with natural breathability. Novilla's COZY Gel Memory Foam layer is engineered to draw heat away from the body.- Back pain: A medium-firm mattress (rated 5–7) is widely recommended for back pain relief. Hybrid models that combine conforming foam with coil support help stabilize the spine while cushioning pressure points.- Partner motion disturbance: Memory foam and hybrid mattresses with individually pocketed coils excel at motion isolation, allowing one partner to move without disturbing the other. The Novilla Bliss™ and Novilla AiryFlow™ are designed specifically to minimize motion transfer.- Allergies: Hypoallergenic materials such as natural latex and CertiPUR-US® certified foams resist dust mites, mold, and allergens. CertiPUR-US® certification also ensures low VOC emissions for healthier indoor air quality.
Tip: If you have a specific medical condition affecting sleep, consult a healthcare professional before choosing a mattress. For most common sleep concerns, the right firmness and material combination makes a significant difference.
Set Your Budget
Quality mattresses are available at every price point. Here is what you can expect at each budget level:
Budget
What You Get
Novilla Options
Under $400
Solid memory foam construction, CertiPUR-US® certified foam, basic comfort layers
COZY Memory Foam, entry-level hybrid models
$400–$800
Hybrid construction with pocketed coils, cooling gel technology, enhanced edge support
Full-featured hybrid mattresses with cooling layers
$800+
Premium materials (natural latex, advanced hybrid systems), thicker profiles, additional comfort zones
Premium latex and advanced hybrid models
Novilla's mattress-in-a-box models provide factory-direct savings and ship compressed for easy setup - no need to wrestle a traditional mattress through doorways.
Tip: A higher price does not always mean a better mattress for your needs. Focus on the features that match your sleep position, body type, and concerns rather than price alone.
Compare Policies: Returns, Warranties, and Trials
Before purchasing any mattress, review the brand's trial period, warranty, and return policies. These protections let you test the mattress at home with confidence.
- Sleep Trial: Novilla offers a 100-night risk-free trial. If the mattress does not meet your expectations, you can return it for a full refund. For comparison, the industry standard ranges from 30 to 90 nights.- Warranty: Novilla mattresses come with a 10-year warranty covering manufacturing defects and sagging greater than 1 inch - meaning the mattress retains its structural integrity over time.- Free Returns: In most locations, Novilla arranges free pickup for returned mattresses during the trial period.
Tip: Always read the fine print. Some warranty exclusions apply - for example, using an improper bed frame or foundation may void coverage. Check the specific terms for hybrid models, which may have different requirements.
Enhance Your Sleep With a Novilla Mattress
Novilla mattresses are designed to deliver quality sleep at an accessible price. Whether you need conforming memory foam for side sleeping, cooling gel layers for hot nights, motion isolation for shared beds, or firm hybrid support for back pain relief, Novilla offers a model to match.
With prices starting under $400, a 100-night sleep trial, and a 10-year warranty, you can try a Novilla mattress risk-free.
Explore Novilla's full mattress collection to find the right mattress for your sleep style.
Choosing a Mattress FAQ
1. What is the best mattress for side sleepers?
Side sleepers benefit most from a memory foam mattress that is 10–12 inches thick with a soft- to-medium comfort layer. This construction cushions the shoulders and hips, which bear the most weight in a side-sleeping position. Look for a firmness rating around 4–6 out of 10.
2. Are hybrid mattresses good for back pain?
Yes. A medium-firm hybrid mattress is one of the best options for back pain because it combines the conforming pressure relief of foam with the structural support of pocketed coils. This helps maintain natural spinal alignment while reducing pressure on sensitive areas.
3. How do I choose the right mattress firmness?
Start with your sleep position: side sleepers generally prefer soft to medium, back sleepers do best on medium-firm, and stomach sleepers need firm support. Your body weight also matters — heavier sleepers typically need a firmer mattress to prevent excessive sinking.
4. Can I get a quality mattress for under $400?
Yes. Novilla offers several CertiPUR-US® certified memory foam mattresses under $400 that provide solid support, pressure relief, and cooling features. Budget-friendly does not have to mean low quality.
5. What mattress thickness should I choose?
For most adult sleepers, 10–12 inches provides standard comfort and support. Sleepers over 230 lbs or those who prefer a plush feel should consider 12–14 inch models for additional cushioning and durability.
6. Which mattress is best for couples?
Couples should prioritize motion isolation and a size that provides enough personal space (Queen or larger). Memory foam and hybrid mattresses with individually pocketed coils are the top choices for minimizing partner disturbance. The Novilla Bliss™ is specifically designed for couples.
7. How long does a mattress last?
Most quality mattresses last 7–10 years with proper care. Hybrid and latex mattresses tend to be the most durable, while all-foam models may need replacement slightly sooner. Rotating your mattress every 3–6 months can extend its lifespan.
8. What does CertiPUR-US® certification mean?
CertiPUR-US® is an independent certification program that verifies foam meets standards for content, emissions, and durability. Certified foams are made without harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, mercury, and lead, and have low VOC emissions for better indoor air quality.