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Mattress Buying Guide

Mattress shopping doesn’t have to be complicated—it just has to be personal. Better sleep starts with a mattress that supports your body the right way and feels comfortable to you.

Mattress Buying Guide

Mattress shopping doesn’t have to be complicated—it just has to be personal. Better sleep starts with a mattress that supports your body the right way and feels comfortable to you.



Custom Mattress Fitting

Strength Resistance Test (SRT)

At Denver Mattress®, we understand how personal the mattress buying process can be, which is why our in-store sleep experts provide Custom Mattress Fittings using our patented Strength Resistance Test (SRT) to help find the ideal mattress and pillow combination for healthy alignment.

The best way to dial in your match is to visit your local Denver Mattress—but if you’re shopping from home right now, this guide is the next best thing to coming in and getting fitted.

Find My Store
mattress expert conducting the Strength Reistance Test with a customer
pillows, sheets, mattress and pillow protectors

When you tie a mattress, sheets, and pillow together you are 97% more likely to to hit a home run with your sleep.

Pillows

Pillows pair directly with your mattress height and feel to keep your head and neck aligned with your spine.

Sheets

Sheets create the surface you actually feel against your skin, and different materials (like cooling fabrics or softer weaves) can subtly change your comfort experience.

Protectors

Mattress protectors do more than guard against spills---many add a thin layer of cushioning or cooling that fine-tunes the overall feel of your bed.



STEP
#1
step 1 of 5

Start with sleep position

support first
side, back, and stomach sleepers

Most shoppers start with “firmness,” but the smarter first question is: what kind of support does your body need based on how you sleep. Think of support as what keeps your spine in a neutral, comfortable position, while still allowing your curves to settle in naturally.

Side Sleeper

If you sleep on your side, look for softer support that can accommodate your shoulders and hips so pressure doesn’t build up in those spots.

Back Sleeper

If you sleep on your back, look for medium support that lets your hips/glutes settle just enough while keeping your lower back comfortably supported.

Stomach Sleeper

If you sleep on your stomach, look for firmer support to help prevent your midsection from sinking too much, which can make your back feel over-arched.

Combo (Multi-Position) Sleeper

If you’re a combo sleeper, start in the “balanced” zone (often medium to medium-firm) and fine-tune from there based on what feels best.

side, back, and stomach sleepers

neck pain caused by incorrect alignment
back pain caused by incorrect alignment
STEP
#2
step 2 of 5

Shop by pain points

a real-life shortcut
neck pain caused by incorrect alignment
back pain caused by incorrect alignment
In stores, one of the first things our sleep experts ask is where you’re feeling discomfort, because that can change what will feel best night after night. This section isn’t medical advice, but it can help you choose a better starting point before you test beds in person.

Neck pain (common culprits and what to try)

Neck pain often comes from your pillow not matching your mattress height and feel, so the goal is keeping your head and neck comfortably aligned with your spine. If your pillow feels “too tall” or “not tall enough” on a new mattress, it may be time to shop pillows at the same time so your setup works together.

Lower back pain (common culprits and what to try)

Lower back discomfort is often tied to support that lets the hips sink too far (or not enough), so the goal is a stable base that still fits your curves. Many back and stomach sleepers do best starting with medium-to-firm support, then choosing the comfort feel on top that relieves pressure without losing alignment.

Denver Mattress log and store front
Need further assitance?

If pain is chronic or persistent, the fastest path is a Custom Mattress Fitting in-store, where our experts use the patented Strength Resistance Test (SRT) to help identify the mattress and pillow combination that suits your body best.

Find My store
Denver Mattress log and store front
Need further assitance?

If pain is chronic or persistent, the fastest path is a Custom Mattress Fitting in-store, where our experts use the patented Strength Resistance Test (SRT) to help identify the mattress and pillow combination that suits your body best.

Find My Store





STEP
#3
step 3 of 5

Choose the right support core

the mattress “engine”
individual-pocket coils close up
A mattress support system is the internal core that distributes weight and helps keep your spine in neutral alignment. Once you choose the support core that fits your needs, comfort level becomes much easier to dial in.

Most common support cores and why people choose them:

Innerspring (classic support)

  • Innerspring systems use a network of coils connected to each other to create a unified sleeping surface.
  • They’re a go-to for shoppers who want a breathable, durable, often more affordable traditional mattress feel.
Shop Innerspring Mattresses ->

Individually wrapped coils (pocketed coils)

  • Individually wrapped coil units place each coil in its own fabric pocket so each coil can flex more independently.
  • This design helps the mattress conform to your curves and can minimize motion transfer between partners.
Shop Individual Coil Mattresses ->

Foam or latex cores (all-foam style support)

  • Foam or latex cores can deliver an “indulgent” sense of support and are typically best at minimizing motion transfer.
  • Some sleepers also notice a different kind of firmness feel and breathability compared to coil systems, which is why testing in person helps.
Shop Foam Or Latex Mattresses ->

Hybrid (springs + foam together)

  • Hybrid mattresses pair a coil support core with comfort foams on top, aiming for a best-of-both-worlds mix of airflow/bounce plus contouring and pressure relief.
  • Hybrids are a strong starting point if you want that “lift” of coils but still love a cushioned, body-hugging top.
Shop Hybrid Mattresses ->
individual-pocket coils close up
comfort layers close up
STEP
#4
step 4 of 5

Pick your comfort level

the feel is personal
comfort layers close up
Comfort level is subjective—there isn’t one “correct” feel for everyone, as long as your mattress is providing the right underlying support. In other words: get the support core right first, then choose the top feel you’ll look forward to every night.

Common comfort materials and how they tend to feel:

Traditional Mattress Foam

  • Traditional foam is a widely used comfort material that can feel light, comfortable, and versatile—often layered with other foams to fine-tune the feel.
Shop Value Collection Mattresses ->
Shop Doctor's Choice® Mattresses ->

Memory Foam

  • Memory foam is known for its body-conforming feel and pressure point relief, creating a “hug” that many sleepers love.
  • It’s also popular for reducing motion transfer, and modern versions are designed to sleep cooler and breathe better than early generations.
Shop Memory Foam Mattresses ->

Latex

  • Latex offers pressure relief with higher resiliency and breathability, and many people describe it as springier or more buoyant than memory foam.
  • Denver Mattress latex models use premium natural HeveaPUR latex.
Shop Latex Mattresses ->

Gel/grid style comfort (like a “purple grid” feel)

  • Gel/grid comfort layers are known for adaptability and breathability, with an easy-to-move-on feel that can still cushion pressure points.
  • These beds can also be noticeably heavy, which is helpful to know if you’re moving or setting up at home.
Shop Gel Mattresses ->
Pro tip: When testing comfort, pay attention to your shoulders, hips, and lower back first—those are the spots that usually tell you “yes” or “no” within a few minutes.
STEP
#5
step 5 of 5

Don't forget bedding essentials

they're part of the system
It's common to upgrade bedding essentials when you upgrade your mattress---so the whole setup works together the way it's supposed to.

woman laying in bed with pillows
Pillows

Are you a side sleeper or do you wake up on your back? Finding the right pillow for your specific sleep habits is something we specialize in at Denver Mattress stores. The right pillow fit is just as important as the mattress because neck support is an important element in achieving proper spinal alignment. To learn more, visit your nearest Denver Mattress store for a custom pillow fitting.

Shop Pillows ->
woman folding bedding accessories
Sheets & Pillowcases

There's nothing better than climbing into a bed with fresh, clean sheets. However, it is important to make sure that those sheets have the quality necessary to keep you cool and comfortable enough to sleep through the night with ease. This is why the buyers at Denver Mattress are heavily involved in the production process, from selecting the quality of material, to participating in the design and distribution.

Shop Sheets & Pillowcases ->
man fastening mattress protector on his mattress
Pads & Protectors

Wear and tear is one of the prominent reasons why mattresses, as well as pillows, may need to be replaced before the end of their expected life span. Adding a mattress or pillow protector will help keep these items clean and fresh for longer, which allows you to make purchases less frequently. In addition to saving you money in the long term, Denver Mattress protectors are breathable and made with high quality materials that ensure comfort will not be sacrificed for protection.

Shop Pads & Protectors ->

woman laying in bed with pillows
Pillows

Are you a side sleeper or do you wake up on your back? Finding the right pillow for your specific sleep habits is something we specialize in at Denver Mattress stores. The right pillow fit is just as important as the mattress because neck support is an important element in achieving proper spinal alignment. To learn more, visit your nearest Denver Mattress store for a custom pillow fitting.

Shop Pillows ->
woman folding bedding accessories
Sheets & Pillowcases

There's nothing better than climbing into a bed with fresh, clean sheets. However, it is important to make sure that those sheets have the quality necessary to keep you cool and comfortable enough to sleep through the night with ease. This is why the buyers at Denver Mattress are heavily involved in the production process, from selecting the quality of material, to participating in the design and distribution.

Shop Sheets & Pillowcases ->
man fastening mattress protector on his mattress
Pads & Protectors

Wear and tear is one of the prominent reasons why mattresses, as well as pillows, may need to be replaced before the end of their expected life span. Adding a mattress or pillow protector will help keep these items clean and fresh for longer, which allows you to make purchases less frequently. In addition to saving you money in the long term, Denver Mattress protectors are breathable and made with high quality materials that ensure comfort will not be sacrificed for protection.

Shop Pads & Protectors ->


Mattress Sizes

twin size mattress dimension
Twin
38in. x 74in.
  • often called single mattresses
  • fit kids’ rooms, dorms, and smaller guest rooms
twin extra large size mattress dimension
Twin XL
38in. x 80in.
  • 6” longer than a regular Twin
  • also known as a split-king single; 2 Twin XLs make a split-king (to be paired with an adjustable base)
  • great option for a growing teen or taller adult
full size mattress dimension
Full
54in. x 74in.
  • Ideal for kids, teens, and adults who want extra room without the width of a queen
  • versatile comfort that's great for all‑ages


full extra large size mattress dimension
Full XL
54in. x 80in.
  • 6” longer than a regular Full
  • Ideal for kids, teens, and adults who want extra room without the width of a queen
  • versatile comfort that's great for all‑ages
queen size mattress dimension
Queen
60in. x 80in.
  • suits couples or solo sleepers who like to spread out
  • slightly wider and longer than a full
king size mattress dimension
King
76in. x 80in.
  • 16" wider than a queen
  • delivers luxurious space so couples relax comfortably


queen size mattress dimension
California King
72in. x 84in.
  • 4” narrower and 4” longer than a standard king
  • accommodates couples of all heights
king size mattress dimension
Colorado King
76in. x 92in.
  • 12" longer than a standard king
  • offering extra length for taller sleepers while still fitting a standard king headboard
  • exclusively sold at DMC; don’t worry we also sell the sheets
twin size mattress dimension
Twin
38in. x 74in.
  • often called single mattresses
  • fit kids’ rooms, dorms, and smaller guest rooms
twin extra large size mattress dimension
Twin XL
38in. x 80in.
  • 6” longer than a regular Twin
  • also known as a split-king single; 2 Twin XLs make a split-king (to be paired with an adjustable base)
  • great option for a growing teen or taller adult
full size mattress dimension
Full
54in. x 74in.
  • Ideal for kids, teens, and adults who want extra room without the width of a queen
  • versatile comfort that's great for all‑ages
full extra large size mattress dimension
Full XL
54in. x 80in.
  • 6” longer than a regular Full
  • Ideal for kids, teens, and adults who want extra room without the width of a queen
  • versatile comfort that's great for all‑ages
queen size mattress dimension
Queen
60in. x 80in.
  • suits couples or solo sleepers who like to spread out
  • slightly wider and longer than a full
king size mattress dimension
King
76in. x 80in.
  • 16" wider than a queen
  • delivers luxurious space so couples relax comfortably
queen size mattress dimension
California King
72in. x 84in.
  • 4” narrower and 4” longer than a standard king
  • accommodates couples of all heights
king size mattress dimension
Colorado King
76in. x 92in.
  • 12" longer than a standard king
  • offering extra length for taller sleepers while still fitting a standard king headboard
  • exclusively sold at DMC; don’t worry we also sell the sheets


Custom Mattress Fitting

Strength Resistance Test (SRT)

At Denver Mattress®, we understand how personal the mattress buying process can be, which is why our in-store sleep experts provide Custom Mattress Fittings using our patented Strength Resistance Test (SRT) to help find the ideal mattress and pillow combination for healthy alignment. The best way to dial in your match is to visit your local Denver Mattress.

Find My Store
mattress expert conducting the Strength Reistance Test with a customer