Rest Assured
Your mattress is one of the most important pieces of furniture in your home.
In fact, you'll spend a third of your life on it. That's more than the time
you spend watching television or sitting at a computer. No other piece of
furniture contributes so profoundly to your health and well being. Buying
a mattress is a decision that you should carefully consider. Since most
people replace their mattress every seven to ten years, you'll have to live
with your decision for a long time.
For most buyers, comfort is the single most important factor. Support and
durability rank close behind. When it comes to comfort, there is no right
or wrong. When people consider buying a mattress, all too often they let
price be their first, and only, guide. It becomes clear that mattress buying
deserves the same amount of careful research as your choice of what to drive
or where to go on vacation.
For many of us, a good night's sleep is just a pipe dream. But it doesn't
have to be! Studies show that a good mattress improves sleep quality, reduces
neck and back pain, and increases energy levels during waking hours as well.
Here is a short checklist to help you plan, research and pay for your new
mattress:
Budget
People often over extend themselves with purchases that they may not be
able to afford. A high price tag for a mattress does not guarantee the absolute
best set. However, do not go cheap either. Set a budget and let that be
your guide.
Size
The size of your mattress will be somewhat limited to the actual size of
the room it is going in. Consider whether you're sleeping alone or with
a partner. In that case a queen size or king size might be a better option.
There are also extra long beds for all of you tall people.
Composition of Materials
Different mattresses provide combinations of material that give the desired
firmness level. Some give the sensation of firm or stiff support, while
others feel like a marshmallow and let you sink directly into them. Typical
construction of a mattress is a box spring foundation with an innerspring
mattress on top. Currently there are also popular models of memory foam
mattresses, individual air mattresses, and even futon type bed tops. To
test out these different types of materials, visit store locations, spend
the night at a fancy hotel, and ask your friends about what they own or
recommend sampling.
Thickness
Thickness is also known as the "depth" of a mattress. Manufacturers add
foam to increase the comfort and softness of the mattress. Theses surfaces
are called a pillow-top, which can be stuffed with foam or even feathers
to give an additional layer of comfort. This is important as the dimensions
for your sheets might be affected because of the extra inches added to the
mattress's overall depth. In other words a deeper bed may require a larger
bedspread than the claimed size. Make sure you measure the mattress from
top to bottom and get the correct thickness. 
Foundation
You cannot build a solid house without a good foundation. The same applies
to a mattress. Your bed frame should provide a firm, strong support for
the mattress and counterparts. A solid steel frame is usually recommended.
This frame should have support on the four major corners and middle frame
so it will not sag. Some frames are specifically built to fit a specific
box spring size; others are adjustable and fit different bed sizes.
Level of Firmness
Mattress firmness is personal preference. Some people like the hard support
of sleeping on the floor, while others may find comfort in a soft pillow
surrounding. Any type is suitable as long as it supports your back and body
evenly while you rest. They currently have adjustable beds which allow you
to inflate the air coils to a certain level of firmness depending on how
you sleep. You could also purchase two smaller mattresses and place them
side by side, one being firm and the other being soft.
Brands
I find it difficult to select a brand, so listen to what your friends and
family say as well as the mattress sales person at your home furnishings
store. Most of the well-known brands offer the latest in comfort, style,
and technological advancements. Don't be afraid to take a look at and research
some newer models with the higher end technology. Just remember to keep
it within the budget.
