Essential Tips for Mattress Shopping With Your College Student

There’s no need to put money under the mattress. There’s money in the mattress. 

The mattress industry is worth 16.5 billion dollars. Thousands of businesses sell mattresses, in both retail and online outlets. 

When faced with so many shops and products, mattress shopping can be overwhelming. When coupled with preparing your child for college, shopping can be stupefying. 

Don’t panic. You can find the best mattress for college students once you figure out what to look for. Here is a quick guide. 

Consider Sizing

Many people have heard of “king size mattresses” or “twin size mattresses.” But few people know what those terms actually mean. 

Twin size mattresses are best for children. They are roughly 39 inches wide by 75 inches long. If your student is small, they can sleep in a twin size bed, but they’re not ideal if the student moves in their sleep. 

Twin XL mattresses are a longer version of a twin mattress. They are 39 inches wide by 80 inches long. Twin XL is ideal for taller students, as they have more room to stretch their legs and back. 

Full mattresses are 54 inches wide by 75 inches long. They are mainly for couples, though they provide space for a sleeper that moves around. If your student has a significant other, you can buy a full-size mattress to accommodate both of them. 

Queen and king mattresses are for couples. Queens are 60″ x 80″, while kings are 76″ x 80″. There is no need to buy these sizes for your college student. 

Different Materials for a College Mattress

Once you’ve picked the size, you need to pick the materials. There are several factors to consider what picking the right materials. You should consider texture, temperature, and chemicals. 

Innerspring mattresses are bouncy yet firm. The coils are covered with fabric, so the student doesn’t feel them if they move across the mattress. If you want added softness, pick a product with a plush top.

Memory foam mattresses have less spring but more contours. Memory foam adapts to the shape of the body, touching each pressure point. If you are concerned about heat, buy gel foam that dissipates body heat. 

If your student wants to adjust their support night-to-night, you can purchase an air-filled mattress. The student can inflate the mattress for firm support, or they can deflate it for a softer experience. Some foam mattresses have soft and firm sides that they can flip when they want a change. 

Foam and latex mattresses are very popular. But they are substances that can hold in body heat, especially when a person sleeps with sheets over them. 

You can select an air-filled mattress to deflect heat. The student can also use sheets and toppers that cool their body down. 

Foam and latex resist dust mites and mold. They can place an allergen-resistant cover over their mattress for added protection. 

If you’re worried about chemicals, select foams that CertiPUR-US certifies. They inspect mattresses for harmful substances. 

Match the Mattress to the Sleeping Position

You want a mattress that supports your sleeping position. You need a surface that holds the student’s body weight and conforms to their shape. 

If your student is a side-sleeper, they need pressure relief for their joints. Innersprings can offer that relief. A soft foam mattress that has built-in relief points can work as well. 

Stomach sleepers often feel like they are being smothered in their sleep. Enveloping memory foam will create that feeling, even if the sleeper moves their head to the side. A firm foam or air-filled mattress provides better support. 

Back sleepers need a surface that supports their back but provides a little slack. Nearly every type of mattress works for back sleepers. Your student should try out several and pick the best one for them. 

If your student moves around in their sleep, an innerspring or memory foam mattress provides support. Springs and memory foam can adjust to any movement, comforting your student as they sleep. If you want to reduce their motion, a medium-firm mattress can help. 

Make sure your mattress can accommodate pillows and sleeping aids. Some people who sleep on their backs tuck in pillows to support their spine. Your mattress should not cave in when the pillow is against the back. 

While Mattress Shopping

You and your student can shop for mattresses online or in stores. But your student should try out different mattresses. Shopping in stores allows them to do that without the need to ship products back. 

Even after you’ve picked size and materials, you have several options to choose from. Don’t be afraid to try each mattress out.

Your student can practice lying on the mattress for five minutes. Test out toppers, comforters, and pillows with each product. 

You can buy accessories at the store. Keep in mind that most colleges provide box springs or board foundations. 

Return the mattress if your student has complaints. Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for success in college. Sleep deprivation can decrease school performance and lead to depression and weight gain. 

How to Shop for a Mattress

Everyone needs a good mattress, even college students. Mattress shopping is difficult because there are so many products, but you can find the perfect college dorm mattress. 

A Twin XL or Full mattress is probably best. Innersprings and memory foam provide support for all body sizes and most sleeping positions. If you want to reduce heat, you can select an air-filled product. 

Try out many mattresses before selecting the best one. Rest on the mattress with pillows and comforters. Do not buy box springs or board foundations since colleges provide those. 

Get expert help for your perfect mattress. The Mattress Outlet has more than 15 years of experience in providing premium mattresses at affordable prices. Find a location near you.