Expectations vs. Reality; How to Find The Perfect Mattress

Once you’ve made the decision to purchase a new bed, you’re on the way to better and more sleep every night. Finding the perfect bed may seem confusing. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. Use this guide to find the best mattress for your comfort, style and needs.

Discover the Different Mattress Types

There are many types of mattresses that you’ll notice when browsing online or visiting a mattress store. It’s important to know the differences between them so that you can focus your search.

Innerspring

An innerspring mattress uses springs to provide support for your body. The springs create a bouncy effect that you feel when you lay on the bed. They provide firmness, especially when compared to other types of mattresses. There are different coil types that help you find the perfect level of support for your body and weight.

While there are many advantages to this type of bed, they do have some drawbacks as well. As more people gravitate towards plush memory foam beds, innerspring

Adjustable

If you want to adjust the elevation of your head or feet at night, an adjustable bed is the way to go. They’re a good option if you like to read in bed or if you have a habit of sitting up to watch TV or work in bed. They often include different massage functions, as well.

Adjustable beds come in a few different types. If you have health problems such as heart disease or arthritis, electric adjustable beds are the right choice for you. They offer more control over how much elevation they provide and what position they put your body in while sleeping or when getting out of bed.

Organic Beds

Many people want to avoid volatile organic compounds, pesticides and plastics that harm the environment and may cause serious health effects. If this sounds like you, consider an organic bed. They don’t off-gas chemicals, and their components were made in an environmentally friendly way.

Hybrid

Hybrid beds contain an ideal combination of foam and springs. You get the benefit of the support from the springs and the pressure relief and coolness of foam.

A hybrid mattress must have at least 2 inches of foam in the comfort layer and a pocketed coil system below. Many hybrids include transition layers to aid the mattress’s adaptation to your movements and enhance support and comfort.

Air Bed

Air beds are lightweight, affordable and adjustable. You control how much air inflates the mattress, which allows you to increase or decrease firmness. Most air mattresses can be customized on each side, so you and your sleep partner can be comfortable.

Foam Beds

If you’re all about comfort, go for a foam bed. They offer relief from pressure on sore areas of your body. Most foam beds include a gel layer in order to dissipate heat away from your body. If you get hot while you sleep, be sure to pick one with a gel layer.

Test Many Mattresses

Go out and try some mattresses. A mattress should last for 10 years, so you’ll want to make sure that you pick the right one. Testing a product in the store for a few minutes will help you decide which type and firmness level feel the best. If you have a sleep partner, you should test the mattresses together. Each of you should roll or move from one side to the other to mimic natural movements during sleep. This will help you know if the movement will disturb your rest.

Consider How You Sleep

Each person has their own sleep preferences. Perhaps you’re a night owl, and your partner goes to bed hours earlier than you. A mattress that minimizes movement may be a good idea. If you spread out like a starfish, you’ll need a big bed. If you sleep on your stomach, choose a firm mattress. Back and side sleepers often feel more comfortable on a medium-firm mattress.

Consider the Size

When purchasing a mattress, one of the three most important things to consider is size and what fits in your bedroom. If you move a lot in your sleep or you have a sleep partner, get the biggest mattress that fits into your budget and your bedroom.   When you upgrade to a queen, king or California king mattress, you’ll have plenty of space to stretch and move while sleeping. Even if your sleep partner is a dog or cat, having the extra space is a good idea. If you’re buying a new bed for a child, keep in mind that they’ll probably have the mattress until they’re a teenager. The bed should accommodate their body’s weight and height from childhood to near-adulthood.

Take Your Time

Unless you’re dealing with a disaster, you don’t have to buy a bed the same day you go to the mattress store or look at mattresses online. Consider the prices and any sales that might be available. Think of your mattress as an investment in your health and well-being. Spend your time reading reviews, researching mattresses, testing beds and considering the features that are most important to you. You’ll be sleeping in your new bed for a decade, so don’t let a salesperson talk you into a mattress that doesn’t feel good to you.

Maintain Your Investment

When you buy a mattress, add a protector to your order. Mattress protectors prevent stains, sweat and dust mites from getting into your mattress. When bringing your mattress into your bedroom, avoid folding it. If you get a dual-sided mattress, be sure to rotate it every three to six months. It will last longer if you rotate it regularly. Don’t let kids jump on the bed, and avoid eating or drinking in bed.