You can judge a mattress just by its looks. Nope. Two similar-looking and -feeling mattresses could be very different in quality.You can judge a mattress just by its price tag. False. An expensive product isn’t necessarily better for your particular body and sleeping habits.Firmness reflects quality. Actually, you may end up with a very firm mattress that doesn’t contour or offer enough support, eventually causing you pain. Firmness is a personal preference.Now, about that price point. Today, there are more mattress options than ever. If you’ve started browsing, you may wonder how two mattresses claim the same benefits but are thousands of dollars apart. In many cases, an expensive item is better. But in the case of mattresses, the expensive option might not be the one for you.A good place to start when comparing products is with the label. Mattress manufacturers are required by law to disclose the materials used in their product, and that can often dictate the quality and price. And most companies share the construction of the mattress, which helps us analyze the three most important factors when choosing a mattress:Weight: Heavier mattresses are denser, making them more durable and supportive. If there is a large weight difference between two mattresses (like 30-plus pounds), the heavier one will be of better quality.Layers: The material and positioning of each layer determine how comfortable it will be to you specifically.Cover: While you don’t sleep directly on the cover, its material and construction play into the coolness and immediate feel of the mattress.Hopefully, this breakdown aids in your mattress-shopping endeavor. Remember, you can’t learn everything about a mattress just from lying on it for a few minutes. Before testing one out, come prepared with your top priorities (level of firmness, sleeping position, edge support, motion transfer, cooling level, bounciness, delivery method, and warranty), and don’t forget to look at those labels for the construction details.FAQsHow often should you replace your mattress?It’s best to replace your mattress every eight years to make sure you have the support you need, recommends Michael Breus, PhD, a clinical psychologist, clinical sleep specialist, and the author of The Power of When. However, if you want to extend the life cycle of your mattress and give your bed a boost of comfort, you can always add a mattress topper for another cozy layer.What mattress type is the most durable?Latex is known as one of the most durable mattresses because it has solid support no matter your body weight or body type. And although the mattress feels soft to the touch, it can offer firm support depending on the model. Sleep expert Justin Redman recommends flipping and rotating your latex bed regularly (once every six months to a year) to keep it from sagging.What type of mattress is the most comfortable?We consider hybrid mattresses to be the most comfortable since they offer a balance between support and a plush sleeping surface. Mattress materials can vary, but since these beds include encased coils as well as layers of foam, you can often find soft mattresses or some with a purely firm feel under this category.But this answer depends on your personal preference. Some people want a soft, cozy mattress to sink into at night, but may opt for one with medium firmness for a guest room. A person who is a back sleeper may appreciate a firm mattress way more than anything with extra padding that, to them, might feel like sleeping in quicksand.