Blog

Questions about beds and mattresses answered & stories told.

When buying a custom-size mattress, several important considerations should shape your decision-making process to ensure you get the best possible sleep experience. A custom mattress is an investment in comfort, well-being, and even health, which makes it essential to make informed choices that match your unique needs and preferences. This guide will explore everything you should think about when selecting a custom-size mattress—from size and comfort to materials, support, and practicalities.

1. Assessing Your Space and Needs

One of the first and most crucial considerations when buying a custom-size mattress is understanding why a custom mattress is necessary for you in the first place. Common reasons include having a uniquely sized bed frame, an unconventional room layout, or a specific requirement for an RV, boat, or tiny house. Custom sizes are often also needed if standard mattress dimensions don’t meet your comfort requirements.

• Room Layout: Take accurate measurements of your room to determine what size would comfortably fit without overwhelming the space. Ensure you consider the placement of other furniture, windows, and pathways.
• Special Situations: For recreational vehicles, boats, or other unconventional spaces, precise measurements are essential. Curved walls, uneven dimensions, or specific bed frame shapes may require specialized cuts.

2. Comfort Preferences and Sleeping Position

Comfort is highly subjective, and it’s influenced by your sleeping habits, preferences, and physical needs.

• Sleeping Position:
  • Side Sleepers: If you sleep on your side, you may prefer a softer mattress that contours well to your shoulders and hips, which helps relieve pressure points.
  • Back Sleepers: Back sleepers tend to benefit from a medium-firm to firm mattress that provides adequate support for the spine.
  • Stomach Sleepers: For stomach sleepers, a firmer mattress helps keep the spine in alignment, preventing lower back pain.
• Firmness Level: Firmness preferences vary from person to person. When buying custom, you have the freedom to choose the exact level of firmness you find comfortable. This can be especially helpful if you find standard options either too hard or too soft.
• Couples' Needs: If you sleep with a partner, consider their needs as well. Customizing firmness on either side of the mattress can be a solution, especially if your preferences differ. Look for a dual-firmness option, where each side of the bed can be customized for each person’s comfort.

3. Material Options

The materials used in the mattress significantly impact your sleep quality. Consider the pros and cons of various types of mattress materials when selecting a custom-size mattress:

• Memory Foam:
  • Pros: Memory foam is excellent for contouring to your body and providing pressure relief. It’s a popular choice for people with joint pain or those looking for a mattress that reduces motion transfer (though not any better than latex)
  • Cons: Memory foam can retain heat, making it less suitable if you tend to sleep hot. However, newer memory foams often include cooling technologies like gel infusions. Often does not have as long a lifespan as other types.
• Latex:
  • Pros: Latex is known for its durability, support, and natural properties. It is highly responsive, providing a bouncy feel, and is naturally resistant to dust mites and mold. Latex also tends to stay cooler than memory foam.
  • Cons: It can be on the pricier side, and some people may find latex mattresses too firm initially.
• Innerspring:
  • Pros: Innerspring mattresses offer solid support and breathability, making them suitable for people who sleep hot. They are also generally more affordable than other types.
  • Cons: Innersprings may not provide the same pressure relief as foam or latex, and they can transfer more motion if you sleep with a partner.
• Hybrid:
  • Pros: A hybrid mattress combines materials, often innersprings with memory foam or latex, offering both support and pressure relief. Hybrids aim to provide the best of both worlds.
  • Cons: These can be more expensive, and the quality can vary greatly depending on the components used.
• Organic/Natural Options: If sustainability is a priority, look for materials like natural latex, organic cotton, or wool. They are hypoallergenic and tend to be free of harsh chemicals.

4. Support and Alignment

Good support is crucial for spinal alignment and preventing pain. Support is not the same as firmness; it's about how well the mattress maintains your body alignment.

• Body Weight: Your body weight affects the level of support you need. Heavier individuals often need firmer mattresses that offer greater support, while lighter individuals may prefer a softer mattress that still provides adequate support.
• Zoned Support: Custom mattresses can be tailored with zoned support, which means that different areas of the mattress have varying levels of firmness. For instance, your shoulders and hips may need softer support, while your lower back might need a firmer surface.

5. Temperature Regulation

Sleeping comfortably often depends on maintaining the right temperature. Materials like memory foam can trap heat, which may not be ideal if you’re prone to overheating at night. When customizing your mattress, consider options that help regulate temperature:

• Cooling Technologies: Look for cooling gels, phase-change materials, or breathable foam layers. Hybrid mattresses that incorporate coils also allow for more airflow compared to all-foam options.
• Breathable Covers: Choosing a breathable mattress cover made of natural fibers like cotton or wool can also aid in keeping you cool.

6. Motion Isolation

If you share your bed, motion isolation may be an important consideration. Motion isolation refers to how well the mattress prevents movement from traveling across its surface. Memory foam and latex tend to offer excellent motion isolation, which is helpful if one person tends to move around during sleep.

7. Durability and Warranty

Custom-size mattresses can be more costly than standard models, making durability a significant factor. The longevity of a mattress depends on the quality of the materials and how well it’s constructed.

• Material Longevity: Latex is one of the most durable materials, followed by high-density memory foam. Innerspring mattresses tend to wear out more quickly.
• Warranty: Look for a mattress that offers a robust warranty, ideally ten years or more. A warranty can give you insight into the manufacturer’s confidence in the product.

8. Budget Considerations

Custom mattresses can vary widely in price depending on the materials, brand, and specific customization options. It’s important to establish your budget beforehand and balance between comfort, quality, and affordability.

• Cost vs. Longevity: While it may be tempting to opt for a cheaper mattress, remember that a higher-quality, durable mattress could save you money in the long run.
• Financing Options: Some companies offer financing to help break up the cost into more manageable payments. Just make sure to understand the terms clearly.

9. Trial Period and Return Policy

When buying a custom-size mattress, you may not have the luxury of testing it out in-store, especially if the dimensions are unique. Therefore, it’s essential to look for a brand that offers a sleep trial.

• Sleep Trial: Many companies provide a trial period, ranging from 90 to 365 nights. During this time, you can test out the mattress to determine if it meets your needs.
• Return Policy: Make sure the return policy is clear, especially since custom products can sometimes be non-returnable or come with restocking fees.

10. Bed Frame and Mattress Compatibility

Your custom mattress needs to work with your existing or new bed frame. Some key considerations include:

• Frame Type: Make sure the mattress is compatible with your frame type, whether it's a platform bed, slatted base, or adjustable base. Some materials, like memory foam, require a solid foundation, while others, like innersprings, may need a box spring.
• Adjustable Bases: If you plan to use an adjustable base, verify that your custom mattress can bend and flex appropriately without damaging the internal structure.

11. Edge Support

Edge support is an important feature if you tend to sit on the edge of your bed or if you need stability getting in and out of bed. Foam mattresses often lack strong edge support, whereas hybrid or innerspring mattresses may offer reinforced edges.

• Custom Edge Options: When designing a custom mattress, you can request reinforced edge support for better durability and usability.

12. Allergies and Sensitivities

If you have allergies or sensitivities, the materials in your mattress can make a big difference. Natural latex, organic cotton, and wool are great choices for those who want to avoid harsh chemicals and allergens.

• Certifications: Look for certifications like CertiPUR-US®, GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), or OEKO-TEX®, which indicate that the materials meet certain health and safety standards.

13. Brand Reputation and Reviews

The brand you choose matters, especially when investing in a custom product. Research customer reviews to understand others' experiences with the brand’s products and customer service.

• Customer Support: Custom mattresses can sometimes be complicated, and working with a brand that offers excellent customer support can make the process much smoother.
• Quality Assurance: Check if the company has a reputation for quality. Reviews, testimonials, and expert evaluations can help you understand what to expect.

14. Delivery and Setup

Custom-size mattresses can be more challenging to deliver due to their non-standard dimensions. Understanding how the delivery process works is crucial:

• White-Glove Delivery: Some companies offer white-glove delivery, where professionals deliver and set up your new mattress and remove your old one.
• Weight and Maneuverability: Custom mattresses can be heavier, particularly if they include multiple layers or specialty materials. Ensure you have a plan for moving and setting up the mattress.

15. Maintenance and Care

Consider the maintenance involved in keeping your mattress in top condition:

• Flipping and Rotating: Some mattresses require periodic rotation or flipping to maintain even wear. Ask if your custom mattress has any such requirements.
• Mattress Protectors: A mattress protector can help extend the lifespan of your mattress by protecting against spills, dust mites, and allergens.

16. Environmental Impact

Sustainability might be a priority for you when purchasing a mattress. Some considerations include:

• Eco-Friendly Materials: Natural latex, organic cotton, and other sustainably sourced materials have less environmental impact compared to synthetic foams.
• End-of-Life Disposal: Consider what happens when you’re ready to replace your mattress. Some companies offer take-back programs or use biodegradable materials.

Conclusion

Buying a custom-size mattress is a unique opportunity to tailor your sleeping experience precisely to your needs and preferences. By carefully considering factors such as space, material choices, support, comfort, budget, and environmental concerns, you can create the perfect mattress that caters specifically to your requirements. A well-thought-out decision will reward you with years of restful sleep and support, making the effort and investment worthwhile. Remember, the key is to balance all aspects that matter to you, ensuring that your custom mattress is the right fit in every way possible.