Which full-size mattresses are best?
If it’s time to replace your full mattress, it’s worth spending some time considering what to buy next. The majority of adults spend eight to 10 hours in bed each night, so sleeping on a mattress that’s comfortable and supportive makes a huge difference to your well-being and helps you wake up feeling rested.
Check out this guide to full mattresses to find the information you need to pick the right option for you. Our favorites include the Saatva Classic Mattress, which has a hybrid design and is a delight to sleep on.
What to know before you buy a full-size mattress
Mattress types
Full mattresses come in three primary types: foam, innerspring, and hybrid. The sleeping experience on each is quite different, so choosing the right one is vital to your comfort.
- Foam mattresses are primarily made of memory foam, though you can find some other foam options. Memory foam molds to your body to help relieve pressure points and generally has a plush feeling while still being supportive. However, it can make you feel hot at night. Gel foam is essentially gel-infused memory foam that has the same benefits as memory foam but with cooling properties. Latex mattresses are made from natural latex foam and are more breathable and cooler to sleep on.
- Innerspring mattresses are filled with an array of springs for support, covered by a pillow-top layer, generally consisting of wool, polyester, or other soft fibers. Innerspring mattresses are highly supportive and tend to feel firmer than foam, and with a bounce to them some people enjoy.
- Hybrid mattresses are a mix between foam and innerspring mattresses. They have a supportive base layer of springs, topped with memory foam for comfort and pressure relief.
What to look for in a quality full-size mattress
Motion isolation
Motion isolation reduces the amount of motion that moves from one side of the bed to the other when you get up or roll over. If you sleep alone, this isn’t important. If you sleep with your partner, motion isolation is more important on a full mattress than a larger mattress, because the small size of the mattress means you’re more likely to disturb the person sleeping next to you.
Removable covers
Some mattresses feature removable outer covers, allowing you to wash and replace them to keep the exterior of your mattress clean. It’s still a good idea to use a mattress protector to keep stains at bay.
How much you can expect to spend on a full-size mattress
Basic full mattresses start at $100-$300, but you can find better options in the $400-$800 range. High-end options can cost as much as $1,000-$2,000.
Full-size mattresses FAQ
Q. Is a full-size mattress big enough for two?
A. Two individuals can share a full mattress, but it doesn’t give each person much room to spread out — most couples are more comfortable in a queen- or king-size bed, space allowing. Full beds are more commonly used by children who like to fill their bed with soft toys or need an adult to lie down with them to get to sleep, teenagers who have outgrown a twin bed, and adults who generally sleep alone.
Q. How can I tell if my mattress needs replacing?
A. It’s advisable to replace your mattress roughly every 10 years, but some low-quality mattresses won’t last that long. Waking up with back or joint pain every morning is a good indication that you should replace your mattress. Additionally, your mattress probably needs replacing if it sags, doesn’t feel as supportive as it once did, or has springs that dig into you when you lie on it.
What’s the best full-size mattress to buy?
Top full-size mattress
What you need to know: This hybrid innerspring mattress is available in plush soft, luxury firm or firm varieties.
What you’ll love: The 365-night trial gives you plenty of time to decide if you like it. Memory foam layer provides optimal spine support. Individually pocketed coils.
What you should consider: Some buyers had issues returning their mattress.
Top full-size mattress for the money
What you need to know: This extremely comfortable and supportive memory foam mattress is surprisingly affordable.
What you’ll love: It offers total-body pressure relief while maintaining spinal alignment. The gel layer helps keep you cool at night, and it has a stain-resistant cover.
What you should consider: Users who prefer a firm mattress find it a little too soft.
Worth checking out
What you need to know: This mattress combines the plush comfort of memory foam with the bounce and support of innersprings.
What you’ll love: The top layer of foam has holes punched in it to improve airflow and avoid overheating. It has edge-to-edge support. The company offers a 120-night trial.
What you should consider: It feels too firm for some people, especially those used to memory foam mattresses.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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