8 Steps to Choosing the Right Mattress: Your Complete Guide to Finding Perfect Sleep

Looking for a mattress that delivers exceptional comfort, supports your body properly, and provides lasting value?

Confused by the many mattress options on the market today?

At Monarch Rest, we understand! We have over 30 years of mattress industry experience and are happy to guide your decision.

We know exactly which mattress options deserve careful consideration and which ones don’t. In this blog, we’ll guide you through 8 key steps to finding the perfect mattress – one you’ll love for years to come!

Why Your Mattress Choice Matters

Choosing the right mattress isn’t just about finding something comfortable to sleep on —it’s an investment in your daily well-being, your business productivity, and your precious peace of mind. But too many consumers have been burned by the “5–7-year mattress-replacement concept,” a cycle perpetuated by many big-brand mattresses that simply aren’t built to last.

At Monarch Rest, we believe in something different: a handcrafted sleep solution that stands the test of time (our mattresses last 15–20 years), supports your unique needs, and delivers luxury every night to people who depend on rejuvenating sleep.

Ready to learn these 8 important considerations before you shop?

Let’s dive in!

1. Understanding Firmness: The Foundation of Great Sleep

When it comes to mattress selection, firmness preference is absolutely critical—and it’s more nuanced than many people realize.

Firmness and Back Pain Relief

Proper firmness isn’t just about personal preference; it’s also about supporting your body’s natural alignment. A mattress with the right firmness can significantly help with back pain by maintaining your spine’s natural curves while you sleep. Too soft, and your body sinks inappropriately, creating pressure points and misalignment. Too firm, and you’ll experience uncomfortable pressure that prevents deep, restorative sleep.

How the Inner Core and Outer Padding of a Mattress Affects Firmness

A quality mattress has two distinct components: a firm inner core that provides essential support, and varying softness levels of outer padding that deliver comfort. This dual-layer approach is what separates premium mattresses from their inferior counterparts.

The inner core serves as your mattress’s foundation, providing the structural integrity needed to maintain proper spinal alignment throughout the night. Meanwhile, the outer padding layers can be customized to deliver the exact comfort level your body craves—whether that’s plush softness or firmer surface support.

The right balance of support and softness can relieve pressure points, reduce tossing and turning, and help alleviate back pain. At Monarch Rest, we’ll help you find this perfect balance so essential to your long-term comfort and health.

2. Sleep Position: Tailored Support for Every Sleeper

Your preferred sleep position significantly impacts the type of mattress support you need.

Back Sleepers

If you sleep primarily on your back, you need a mattress that maintains the natural curve of your spine while providing even weight distribution. A medium-firm mattress typically works best, offering enough support to prevent your midsection from sinking, while providing comfortable cushioning for your shoulders and hips.

Side Sleepers

Side sleepers require different considerations. If you’re a side sleeper, your mattress needs to accommodate the natural curves of your body—allowing your hips and shoulders to sink slightly while supporting your waist. A slightly softer surface often works best, providing pressure relief for these key body parts while maintaining overall spinal alignment.

Combination Sleepers

If you change positions throughout the night, a mattress with responsive, zoned support is the best option as it will adapt to your movements and keep you comfortable in every position.

Understanding your sleep position helps narrow down the firmness and construction features that will serve you best for years to come.

3. Size Matters: Find the Perfect Fit for Your Space and Lifestyle

Selecting the right mattress size is about more than just measuring your room—it’s about ensuring every night’s sleep is as comfortable and restorative as possible. Here’s a description of the most common mattress sizes and their best uses.

Mattress SizeDimensions (inches)Best For
Twin38 x 75Children, teens, solo adults in compact rooms, bunk beds, guest rooms
Twin XL
(split king)
38 x 80Taller solo sleepers, college dorms, guest rooms where extra length is needed. (Also, place 2 side by side to make a king bed for individual flexibility on adjustable bases.)
Full
(Double)
54 x 75Single adults wanting more space, teens, guest rooms
Queen60 x 80Master bedrooms, couples, guest rooms, singles who like extra room
King76 x 80Luxury master suites, couples wanting maximum space, families with young children

4. Double-Sided vs. Single-Sided: Maximizing Your Investment

Remember the days when flipping your mattress was standard practice? Monarch Rest brings that tradition back with our double-sided mattresses, designed for even wear and extended life. This choice significantly impacts your mattress’s longevity and value.

Double-Sided Mattresses

Double-sided mattresses can be flipped regularly, distributing wear evenly across both surfaces. This feature can extend mattress life significantly—often adding 50–75% to the usable lifespan when compared with similar single-sided alternatives.

Single-Sided Mattresses

Single-sided mattresses offer convenience and often feature specialized top layers designed for specific comfort preferences—layers that cannot be duplicated with a double-sided mattress. However, single-sided mattresses cannot be flipped, which may result in shorter overall lifespan.

Although single-sided mattresses have become popular, double-sided construction represents a smart investment that pays dividends in spite of the extra work involved.

5. Customization: Personalized Comfort Solutions

Since no two sleepers are alike, your mattress shouldn’t be “one-size-fits-all.” Monarch Rest specializes in customizable comfort, including:

  • Split Firmness: Select mattress models allow you to choose a different firmness level on each half of the mattress—perfect for couples with divergent preferences.
  • Multiple Choices: Each of our seven mattress models comes in three quality levels to give you maximum choice.
  • Specialty Sizes: Need a mattress for your RV, camper, boat, or antique bed frame? We’ll craft it to your specifications.

On certain models, other customization options may be available. Monarch Rest is committed to working with you and finding the perfect custom solution!

6. Temperature Regulation: Sleeping Cool and Comfortable

Many people struggle with overheating while they sleep, and mattress construction plays a vital role in regulating temperature.

Especially consider the following premier options when choosing a mattress:

  • Breathable natural fibers like wool and cotton, which wick away moisture and promote airflow.
  • Components that allow air flow such as an open coil system and natural latex.
  • Optional cooling covers for those who sleep hot.

Proper temperature regulation ensures you maintain comfortable sleep throughout the night, preventing the sleep disruptions that occur when your body overheats.

7. Budget Considerations: Investing in Quality Sleep

To many people, cost is one of the biggest considerations when shopping for a mattress, and that’s understandable. But it’s important to remember what you’re getting for the price. Suggested retail prices on Monarch Rest queen mattresses range from $1,000 to over $5,000, reflecting our use of premium materials, our commitment to expert craftsmanship, and our investment in lasting durability.

Monarch Rest Longevity

Our handcrafted mattresses typically last 15-20 years with proper care. This exceptional durability comes from premium materials, expert construction techniques, and attention to detail that mass-produced mattresses simply cannot match.

As you look at a higher-priced mattress, consider the long-term value. Premium quality becomes remarkably affordable when you calculate the cost per night over a mattress’s lifespan. A $3,000 mattress that lasts 20 years costs just $0.41 per night—less than most people spend on their morning coffee!

Remember this: you spend approximately one-third of your life in bed. Investing in exceptional sleep is probably one of the best investments you can make, as it pays dividends in improved health, better mood, increased productivity, and overall life satisfaction. Don’t let short-term budget concerns compromise your long-term health and well-being!

8. Durability: A Long-Term Investment in Quality Sleep

Here’s where Monarch Rest truly distinguishes itself from many mass-market alternatives.

Monarch Rest Longevity

Our handcrafted mattresses typically last 15–20 years with proper care. This exceptional durability comes from premium materials, expert construction techniques, and attention to detail that mass-produced mattresses simply cannot match.

Industry Standard Comparison

Many other mattresses last only 5–7 years before requiring replacement. This shorter lifespan often results from inferior materials, cost-cutting manufacturing processes, and planned obsolescence designed to generate repeat sales.

When you calculate the total cost of ownership, investing in a durable Monarch Rest mattress often costs less than repeatedly purchasing cheaper alternatives. Plus, you continue to reap the nightly benefits of consistent comfort and support throughout the entire lifespan of the mattress.

Making Your Decision: The Path to Perfect Sleep

So how do you best put it all together?

Choosing the right mattress involves balancing all these factors to find your perfect match. Consider creating a prioritized list of your most important requirements—whether that’s specific firmness preferences, temperature regulation, or budget constraints.

Remember, this isn’t just a purchase; it’s an investment in your health, comfort, and quality of life for the next 15–20 years. Taking time to make the right decision is well worth your time.

Experience the Monarch Rest Difference

Imagine sinking into a mattress that feels just right every night—one that supports your back, cradles your pressure points, and stays comfortable year after year. Picture the satisfaction of knowing your investment is built to last, crafted with care, and tailored to your needs. That’s the Monarch Rest difference.

  • No more restless nights.
  • No more mattress regret.
  • No more wasteful replacements.

Don’t buy into the 5–7-year mattress replacement concept that poor craftsmanship has created in many big-brand mattresses. Don’t get a mattress you’ll regret because of the pain or discomfort it causes.

Remember: A third of your life is spent in bed.

Investing in the BEST mattress only makes sense!

Ready to Find Your Perfect Mattress?

Your perfect night’s sleep is waiting. With Monarch Rest’s expert guidance and premium craftsmanship, you’ll enjoy exceptional comfort and lasting value for years to come!