How to choose a mattress in San Diego
San Diego residents hoping to alleviate lower back pain should find a mattress that supports their spine in a neutral position while allowing for natural curvature.
One of the first decisions you need to make when mattress shopping is what firmness level is best for you. There is no standard measurement for mattress firmness, but most manufacturers classify their mattresses as soft, medium-firm or firm. If you don’t know which level of firmness you prefer, you may be able to narrow your options by considering your favored sleep position.
Which mattress firmness is right for me?
- Soft mattresses provide the most give and allow you to sink into the mattress. These mattresses are the best for side sleepers because they provide even support while conforming to your body and cushioning your pressure points.
- Medium-firm mattresses are the most popular choice for San Diego residents and are often the best choice for back sleepers and people with lower back pain. Medium-firm mattresses are also good choices for combination sleepers who change position.
- Firm mattresses give you the feeling of sleeping on the mattress instead of sinking into it. These are the best mattresses for stomach sleepers and those with large or heavy body frames who sink too far into softer mattresses.
In addition to firmness options, mattress companies now offer many more options than the traditional innercoil design. It’s helpful to understand the different mattress styles available as you shop so you know what you’re getting.
Mattress types in San Diego
| Mattress type | Description | Best for... | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Innerspring/coil mattress | Uses a layer of steel springs/coils for support | Multiple support points and traditional bouncy feeling | $600+ |
| Memory foam mattress | Dense polyurethane foam that gives to touch but retains shape | “Cocoon-like” sensation of sinking into bed, dampens motion transfer | $700+ |
| Latex mattress | Similar to memory foam but made from all-natural latex | Long-lasting, alleviates pressure points | $1,400+ |
| Hybrid mattress | Innerspring topped with memory foam or latex for padding | Dampens motion transfer while providing multiple support points | $1,200+ |
| Pillow top mattress | Extra padding sewn on top of innerspring support, can be made of various materials | Proving innerspring support with extra cushioning | $700+ |
Bed in a box vs. in-store mattresses
Online mattress stores are popular options among San Diego shoppers. These bed-in-a-box stores compress end fold or roll the mattress to reduce packaging size and ship the mattress directly to your door. These online mattress stores compete with brick-and-mortar mattress stores, and each has its advantages.
Advantage of bed-in-a-box and traditional mattress stores
| Advantages of bed-in-a-box mattress stores | Advantages of brick-and-mortar mattress stores |
|---|---|
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What is the average mattress price in San Diego?
The average cost for a queen-size mattress in San Diego is around $1,000, but prices vary significantly based on factors such as features, materials, size, brands and place of purchase. If you find a mattress you like, shop around at different retailers for the lowest price and find out if stores offer price matching.
Online retailers usually keep their prices low throughout the year, while mattress stores tend to have sales during holiday weekends. Spring is often a good time to find a cheap mattress — that’s typically when retailers make room for new models and put the old ones on sale.
You may need to pay extra for a box spring or foundation, but not all mattress types require them. Your new mattress might need a different kind of foundation or frame than what you use currently, so be prepared to purchase a new bed if you are switching mattress types. Some mattresses can be used directly on top of a platform frame, so ask the store what you need for your new mattress.
Mattress disposal in San Diego
California law requires proper disposal of old mattresses, and several facilities in San Diego accept mattresses at no cost for residents. ByeByeByeMattress, a program of the Mattress Recycling Council, provides a list of participating facilities.
Some mattress stores offer free mattress removal when delivering a mattress, but others charge a fee of up to $150 for the service.
How to buy a mattress in San Diego
When searching for a mattress, check customer reviews of brands, online retailers and store locations you are considering. Verify the warranty and ask whether you or the retailer is responsible for shipping charges if you return the mattress for a warranty claim. Check for any conditions that might void the warranty.
In California, the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act protects customers if they purchase a faulty product. Ask about return policies for online mattresses and in-store purchases. Many mattresses come with a trial period, especially ones sold online. Make sure you understand delivery, pick up/disposal and return shipping charges in case you return the mattress.
