Some manufacturers and brands offer “lifetime warranties” on their mattresses. The industry average for a mattress warranty is around 10 years, so “lifetime” sounds great — right?

The key is to compare the tolerance for body impressions that qualifies for a warranty claim. For example, on many foam mattresses, a 3/4-inch body impression is covered under a 10-year warranty, while a so-called lifetime warranty might only cover impressions deeper than 1 1/2 inches.

Pro tip: Always read the fine print — sometimes a longer warranty doesn’t mean better protection.

It depends — there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to mattresses.

Most mattresses are designed with specific features and benefits in mind. Ask yourself these qualifying questions before deciding which one is right for you:

Am I a hot sleeper?

Look for a mattress with cooling gels or breathable foams to help regulate temperature.

Do I sleep with a partner or pet?

If you’re a light sleeper, choose a pocket coil or all-foam mattress. These help isolate motion so you won’t feel every toss or turn.

Do I sit on the edge of the bed a lot?

Look for a model with a coil-reinforced edge or firm perimeter support for better durability and stability.

Do I wake up with sore spots?

Choose a mattress that uses stronger coils in the center third (for extra hip and lumbar support) or one with a higher coil count overall.

How much should I spend?

That depends on your budget and which of these features matter most to you. Generally, the more specific needs a mattress addresses, the higher the cost — but also the better the sleep quality.