Choosing a mattress varies significantly by age group due to different physiological needs, life stages, priorities, and budgets. Here's a breakdown:

A: Priorities: Safety above all (SIDS prevention), firmness, breathability, non-toxic materials.
B: Key Features:
Extra-Firm: Prevents suffocation risk; should not conform to the head/face.
Waterproof & Hypoallergenic: Easy cleaning, protection against allergens and spills.
Certifications: Look for CertiPUR-US® (foam), GREENGUARD Gold, or OEKO-TEX® (fabric) for low emissions.
Perfect Fit: Mattress must fit the crib/toddler bed exactly with no gaps.
C: Materials: Often simple innerspring or firm foam cores with organic cotton covers.

A: Priorities: Support for growing bodies, durability, spill/stain resistance, transitioning comfort.
B: Key Features:
Medium-Firm Support: Balances comfort with proper spinal alignment during growth spurts.
Durability: Withstands jumping and play. Hybrids or pocketed coils are common.
Easy-Clean Covers: Waterproof or highly stain-resistant.
Transition: From toddler beds to twin/full sizes.
C: Materials: Innerspring, hybrids, or durable foams. Less focus on advanced pressure relief.

A: Priorities: Support for rapid growth, durability, personal comfort/style preferences, budget-consciousness.
B: Key Features:
Support & Alignment: Crucial for developing spines; medium-firm to firm often recommended.
Durability: Needs to withstand study sessions, socializing, and changing weights.
Comfort & Style: Start expressing personal preferences (e.g., plush top, cool-to-sleep materials, aesthetics).
Budget: Often parents buying; balance cost with quality for longevity through college.
C: Materials: Hybrids (popular balance), durable memory foam, or supportive innerspring.

A: Priorities: Balancing budget, lifestyle (moving frequently, apartments), comfort preferences, initial investment in quality sleep.
B: Key Features:
Value & Versatility: Often seek "best bang for buck." Bed-in-a-box options popular.
Comfort Exploration: Experimenting with firmness levels and materials (memory foam, latex, hybrid).
Lifestyle Factors: May prioritize ease of moving (lighter weight foam), temperature regulation (for active lifestyles), or motion isolation (for co-sleeping partners).
Durability: Looking for at least 7-10 years.
C: Materials: All-foam (especially online brands), hybrids, sometimes latex. Often medium-firm.

A: Priorities: Long-term support & comfort, addressing specific aches/pains, quality investment, partner compatibility, health considerations.
B: Key Features:
Targeted Support: Addressing back pain, shoulder/hip pressure points. Often higher-quality materials.
Partner Considerations: Motion isolation, dual-firmness (split kings), accommodating different sleep positions/weights.
Health Factors: Temperature regulation (hot sleepers, menopause), hypoallergenic materials (allergies), edge support.
Investment: Willing to spend more for quality, durability (10-15+ years), and health benefits.
Life Stages: May consider pregnancy pillows or future-proofing for potential back issues.
C: Materials: High-quality hybrids (most popular), latex (natural/organic focus, durability), premium memory foam. Wider range of firmness, often personalized.

A: Priorities: Ease of movement, pressure relief, support for aging bodies, managing health conditions, safety.
B: Key Features:
Ease of Entry/Exit: Medium-firm to medium-soft often preferred; prevents "stuck" feeling. Good edge support crucial.
Pressure Relief: Softer comfort layers for hips/shoulders (arthritis, osteoporosis), but still supportive core.
Adjustable Bases: Increasingly popular for health benefits (acid reflux, sleep apnea, circulation, ease of sitting up).
Low Maintenance: Easy-to-clean covers.
Safety: Reduced risk of falls; height appropriate.
Health Specific: Support for chronic pain, incontinence protection (waterproof covers).
C: Materials: Often medium-firm hybrids with plush tops, high-quality memory foam or latex for pressure relief. Adjustable bases pair well.

Sleep Position: Side sleepers need pressure relief (softer top), back/stomach sleepers need more support (firmer).
Body Weight: Heavier individuals need firmer support/thicker mattresses; lighter individuals may prefer softer.
Health Conditions: Back pain, arthritis, allergies, temperature sensitivity dictate specific needs.
Partner Needs: Motion isolation, dual firmness, accommodating different preferences/weights.
Budget: Varies greatly within age groups.
Trial Periods & Warranties: Crucial for finding the right fit, especially for adults investing significantly.