The features of a queen-size mattress depend on whether you are sleeping alone or sharing a bed with someone. Factors like noise, edge support, and motion isolation play a vital role in determining the quality of the best queen mattress. Here is a guide to help you keep an eye out for the details that matter most.
Who should use a queen mattress?
Since the 1950s, queen-size mattresses have become popular and commonly used. The 60 by 80 inch size is ideal for up to two people. A queen-size mattress is more spacious than a full-size mattress (54 by 74 inches) and does not need much space like a king-size mattress (76 by 80 inches). Tall people usually find a full-size mattress small, so they opt for a queen mattress.
Single adults
By the time kids reach adulthood, they outgrow twin-size beds, and a full-size mattress starts feeling small and cramped. Thus, a queen-size mattress becomes essential as they provide ample room to sleep peacefully. Although non-sleep activities are not really a huge consideration for the bed, a queen-size mattress is perfect for activities like watching television or reading too.
Couples
One always needs some room to sleep, so even if you share your bed with your partner, you can have plenty of space to stretch. If your partner constantly shifts sides at night, you will also need to consider motion absorption and low sound. Firm edges also play an important role as you don't want to fear falling off the bed when you spread out to the edge. A queen mattress is great for couples who have a smaller bedroom, as a king will be too large and a double is not comfortable for two people.
What factors need to be checked before purchasing?
Contouring
When you come home tired and fatigued, you need to sleep in peace. Thus, alleviating pressure points and ensuring proper spinal alignment is important, especially if you are a side sleeper. A mattress having a slow response to pressure or deep contouring may make you feel trapped in your bed. You want a bed that can contour to your body and the way you sleep so you feel supported and comfortable.
Material
Various materials are used for making mattresses, so choosing the perfect quality material is the key to the best queen mattress. Foam, spring, latex, and many other components are combined to make a mattress, but the quality of materials varies from brand to brand. Usually, better-quality material will cost you a little extra, but durability and comfort can be an excellent investment. It is better to invest more in better quality that will last longer than buying a cheap mattress that will wear off in months.
Firmness
The firmness of a mattress is rated from 1-10 (10 being the most firm). Most users prefer firmness between 5 and 7 because it brings a balance of pressure relief and support. People who are side sleepers prefer to buy a mattress that is more plush and has more pressure relief. Some people who sleep on their stomach prefer a mattress with a bit more firmness, so they don't feel like they are sinking in their bed. People who weigh between 130-230 pounds or are back sleepers usually prefer a mid-level of firmness.
Pressure relief
A mattress with zero cushioning will be of no comfort, even if it has a high level of supportiveness. Thus, you will see that most mattresses include a soft material like wool, latex, or foam in the topmost layers. This helps relieve pressure and is important for side sleepers because their shoulders are taking the weight of their body. You also want to keep an eye out for pressure relief if your current mattress makes you wake up with back pain. By relieving pressure points, you'll sleep better and wake up feeling more refreshed.
Edge support
People who tend to sleep near the edge of the bed need support around the perimeter. If you are sharing your bed with someone, you should also look for a mattress with edge support so that you can comfortably fan out to the edges — you can have your entire half of the bed instead of being forced to the center.
Temperature regulation
Have you ever felt like your mattress is giving out heat? Some mattresses tend to trap heat in them, so their surface becomes warm and uncomfortable. Luckily, many queen mattresses nowadays are made of materials that allow for airflow, therefore, increasing breathability. Latex, innerspring, and hybrid mattresses are best known for temperature regulation. On the other hand, if you still prefer an all-foam mattress, you should look for cooling layers like gel foam or phase change materials.
Noise
It doesn't matter whether one is sleeping alone or with a partner; you always need a quiet environment for peaceful sleep. A mattress that makes noise while bearing weight or when you shift sides is annoying. The creak and squeak sounds of the mattress can wake you up in the middle of the night, so buy the best queen mattress with latex or quiet, all-foam material.
Queen Mattress FAQ
Q: Is there enough room for my kids when sleeping on a queen mattress?
A: Yes, you can share your queen mattress with your partner and kids as well. Make sure to buy a mattress that is noise-free and has motion isolation. Furthermore, edge support becomes crucial because you want as much usable surface area as possible. It also depends on how many kids. Two toddlers and two parents can fit snuggly.
Q: What is the weight of a queen mattress?
A: The weight of a queen mattress depends on the material and thickness. The lightest queen mattresses weigh around 60 pounds and are usually composed entirely of foam. Innerspring mattresses that are about 10 inches thick are also lightweight. Foam hybrids are a bit heavier and range between 90-100 pounds. The heaviest queen mattresses made of all latex weigh up to 150 pounds.
Q: Can a queen mattress fit on a full bed frame?
A: No, a queen mattress cannot fit on a full bed frame. It is best to use a queen mattress with a queen size frame for total stability.