Mattress Buying Guide: Find the Best Mattress for Couples, Kids, Hot Sleepers, Pet Owners, Sleep Positions, and More

Sleep isn’t one-size-fits-all. Everyone has unique sleep needs, health conditions, and sleep partners. Do you run hot? Sleep with a menagerie of pets? Need a bed for a growing child? From heavier folks to people with bothersome allergies, picking a new mattress comes down to a whole lot more than just bed dimensions. 

This article explores how to choose a mattress that’s perfectly suited to your unique needs. No more sleepless nights and achy bones, the ultimate mattress buying guide is here to help. 

Key Takeaways

• The right mattress depends on how you live; couples, kids, pet owners, hot sleepers, and heavy sleepers all have different needs.

• Reserve Hybrid offers top motion isolation for couples.

• Kids Mattress supports growing bodies.

• Plus Hybrid is the best mattress for heavy people needing reinforced support.

• Sapira Chill Hybrid keeps hot sleepers cool all night.

• Pet owners benefit from the Original Mattress paired with a waterproof protector.

What's the best mattress for couples?

The best answer is, it depends. You and your partner aren’t like every other couple. You have specific sleep needs, so picking the best mattress for both of you requires careful consideration of these four mattress characteristics:

• Motion Transfer: Does your better half constantly flip-flop between sleep positions? The key to saving your sleep (and your relationship) is a mattress that minimizes movement transfer. 

• Size: Think about how much room you physically need to sleep and what size mattress your bedroom can house before you consider preference.  

• Firmness: Most couples need a medium-firm mattress, though there are some exceptions that we’ll touch on later. 

• Support: A supportive mattress prevents aches, pains, and midnight bickering. 

For sleeping partners who never lie still, a Reserve Hybrid Mattress may be a good option to help both of you get better sleep. The micro-springs, zoned support layer, and comfortable foam layers work together so there’s minimal motion transfer. That way, you won't feel your partner rolling over or moving in their sleep and vice versa. 

The most popular mattress size is a Queen size and is usually a comfortable choice for couples. By comparison, a King-size mattress gives you an additional 16 inches of width over a Queen mattress if you prefer a little more room. If you or your partner is very tall, you might want to consider the California King mattress; it's got extra length. Remember, the most important factors are individual size requirements and bedroom space. 

Again, medium-firm is usually the best firmness level for all sleepers, and a supportive mattress is absolutely vital for good sleep. Look for mattresses with multiple layers of support and those that combine foam and innersprings.

What's the best mattress for kids?

We're often asked which mattress is good for kids, especially because little ones tend to need the most hours of quality sleep. You also need a mattress that serves as a transitional bed for when your kid is ready to move out of the crib into their “big kid bed.”

The Leesa Kids Mattress is perfect for kids, helping them dream big and sleep soundly. When the mattress is placed on a solid platform or slatted foundation, like the Platform Bed, they'll have the perfect bed for years to come.

What truly sets the Leesa Kids Mattress apart is its thoughtful, kid-specific construction. The mattress includes a layered foam design, giving your child age-appropriate support at every stage, including:

• Cooling, breathable memory foam on the top side helps new sleepers stay comfortable as they adjust to a bigger mattress.

• A supportive middle layer with billions of micro-air capsules creates buoyancy that protects growing joints while maintaining healthy spinal alignment.

• A durable foam core base ensures the mattress stays supportive year after year, even with the inevitable jumping, tumbling, and middle-of-the-night wiggles.

Parents can also rest easy knowing the Leesa Kids Mattress is built with safety in mind. We use CertiPUR-US® certified foams, ensuring materials are free from harmful chemicals. These mattresses also have a GREENGUARD Gold Certification, which is one of the highest safety and emissions standards, crucial for kids who spend up to 12 hours a night in close contact with their mattress.

Transition Ages and Growth Considerations

Now, choosing the right mattress also depends on where your child is developmentally. 

• Ages 2-3: Children begin transitioning out of their cribs. A low-profile, medium-firm mattress like the Leesa Kids Mattress provides the extra space and gentle support they need.

• Ages 4-7: Kids sleep more actively and benefit from responsive foam that adapts to their movement and helps them stay cool. 

• Ages 8-12: As they get taller and heavier, tweens tend to prefer the additional thickness and advanced pressure relief of the Leesa Youth Mattress. 

• Ages 12+: A Full or Queen Leesa mattress offers the most long-term value, giving them enough space and support to carry them into adulthood. 

Easy Delivery and Returns

Our standard shipping is free for all 50 states! Alternatively, you can pay a fee for In-Home Setup & Removal by Ryder, including delivery, setup, and removal. 

Don’t like your new mattress? No problem! Initiate a return anytime for free during the 120-night trial period.

What is the best mattress for people with pets?

Do you often share your bed with your furry best friend? Or maybe it's more like you're sharing their bed. The mattress type here makes a big difference, but so do your habits. If you're going to let your pets sleep with you, it's a good idea to set some ground rules first. Make it clear which furniture pieces and beds they're allowed on and assign them a spot. This way, they don't get used to sleeping in the middle of the bed (and if they do, at least you tried).

Sleeping with pets can have excellent mental and emotional benefits, but it can keep you up at night. Walk or exercise your pet before bed to get them sleepy and keep them well-groomed to minimize allergens. 

Now, to choose the best mattress for sharing the bed with a pet, look for a mattress with low motion transfer, like the Leesa Original Mattress. That way, when either one of you gets in and out of bed, you don't wake the other. This is ideal if your pet gets up a lot in the middle of the night or changes their position on the bed. As cute as their hunting dreams are, their constant movement shouldn't keep you from getting a good night's sleep. 

In addition to motion transfer, it's important to consider the size of your bed if you're going to be sharing. A Twin-size mattress might not be great for you and your 80-pound Labrador retriever. 

Finally, consider getting a hypoallergenic Waterproof Mattress Protector to prevent any accidents or dander from ruining your mattress. You shouldn’t be bed sharing with a young animal who is still learning when and where to urinate, but even older animals can have accidents or get sick from time to time.

What's the best mattress for heavy people?

Overweight folks have a higher occurrence of sleep problems and often report trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. Even people who aren’t obese but instead are taller and heavier than the average person can struggle to find proper bed support for their size. All people, regardless of weight and health conditions, deserve access to good sleep.  

While most folks benefit from a medium-firm mattress, people with bigger bodies need a firmer bed. The Plus Hybrid Mattress from Leesa has the support you need. 

It's purposefully built to support up to 1,000 pounds, using plush, contouring foams that won’t sink or sag. The gel-infused memory foam layer pulls away body heat for cooler sleep, while up to 981 individually wrapped springs minimize motion transfer, strengthen edge support, and ease pressure points for better circulation.

The reinforced edge support and durability mean that heavier folks can enjoy the same support and mattress longevity as lighter folks.  

What's the best mattress for hot sleepers?

Around 57% of adults say they sometimes sleep hot, a condition that’s heavily associated with poor sleep. If you’ve ever woken up in the middle of the night, sweaty and confused, you’re not alone. There are environmental factors, like alcohol use and perimenopause, but many folks just run a little warm. 

Sweaty sleepers need a cooling mattress that lowers their temperature and helps them get better sleep. The Sapira Chill Hybrid Mattress helps you stay cool and comfortable with a quilted top that draws heat away fast. The up to 1,032 individually wrapped springs provide targeted hip and edge support where you need it most, and you can choose from three comfort levels to enjoy hotel-quality cushioning tailored to your ideal sleep feel.

Leesa also offers cooling pillows and bedding to support proper temperature regulation for all sleepers. 

What's the best mattress for different sleep positions?

Keep in mind that your sleep position isn’t the end-all, be-all of mattress selection. That being said, matching your sleep position with mattress type can help you get the right mix of support and cushioning.  

Side Sleepers

Congrats, you’ve got the healthiest sleep position according to science. Side sleeping keeps your spine happy, but it does put some pressure on your hips and shoulders. Look for a medium-firm mattress with at least 4 inches of comfy pressure-relieving foam, plus a little extra softness in those key zones. 

A hybrid like the Legend Hybrid Mattress is a dream here. It’s plush yet supportive and gets side sleepers in proper alignment. 

Back and Stomach Sleepers

Back sleepers love zoned support, while stomach sleepers need something firmer to keep their thighs from dipping into the mattress. The goal for both positions is to stay lifted, aligned, and pressure-free. 

Back sleepers can stick with the always reliable Legend Hybrid, and stomach sleepers will feel perfectly supported on the firmer Sapira Hybrid Mattress. 

Combination Sleepers

You’re all over the place, switching between stomach, back, and side throughout the night. You need a mattress with a little more support than average. A mattress that can handle your midnight gymnastics routine. Similar to stomach sleepers, combo sleepers need a durable hybrid bed.

The Sapira Hybrid Mattress is a great option. It’s got the firm support and plush feel needed to get an excellent night’s sleep. 

Get Your Best Sleep With Leesa

Everyone deserves a comfortable mattress with excellent pressure relief. Mattress shopping isn’t overwhelming when you shop based on your sleep environment, age, health, and needs. 

Ready to upgrade your sleep? Let Leesa guide you to the best mattress for your lifestyle.

FAQ

How do I choose the right firmness level?

A too-firm or too-soft mattress is a recipe for disaster. Generally, you should look for a medium-firm mattress. Base your final choice around a combination of stature, sleep partners, sleep position, and personal preference.

What size mattress should couples get?

Most go for a Queen, but if you have the space or are taller than average, we recommend a King or larger. 

Can heavy people use memory foam mattresses?

Technically, yes, but all-foam mattresses don’t offer the support or pressure relief that hybrid mattresses do for larger individuals.  

What's the best mattress for combination sleepers?

The Sapira Hybrid is one of the best mattress options for combination sleepers.