Choosing the right mattress is an important decision and one that will affect your sleep and health for years to come. Mattress shopping can seem overwhelming, but with a little time and knowledge, it is possible to find the perfect mattress.
Support
Some people naturally prefer a firm mattress while others prefer one that is soft. It is important for the mattress to properly support the shoulders, hips, and lower back as these are the areas that require the most support during sleep. A mattress that doesn’t provide enough support can worsen or cause back pain. A mattress that is too firm, however, can place too much pressure on the body and cause aches and pains as well. A plush pillow top can be a good choice for people who prefer a soft mattress but need some level of firmness underneath to prevent back pain.
It is always a good idea to test the beds and not rely on descriptions like “soft” or “extra soft.” These descriptions vary a lot from brand to brand. Only by testing the beds is it possible to know how the support will feel.
Size
As long as there’s space in the bedroom, a queen or king is usually the best choice for two people. These sizes provide more space both length wise and width wise on the bed than a standard double or full bed. A twin mattress, suitable for one person, measures 39 inches wide and 75 inches long. A full-size mattress is 54 inches wide and 75 inches long. A queen-sized mattress is 60 inches wide and 80 inches long, and the largest, the king-sized mattress, measures 76 inches wide and 80 inches long. Having the right size bed and enough space is move around at night is critical to getting a restful sleep.
Material
Choosing high quality materials can help to guarantee that the mattress will last for years. Most people recommend replacing a mattress every 10-15 years, so regardless of the material, it is important for it to be good quality and made to last.
There are many types of mattresses available including various types of foam, spring, and air mattresses. Some people find foam mattresses too hot as they tend to warm up the person using the bed. High quality spring mattresses have coils that should provide good back support, while poorly made ones can have detectable, uncomfortable springs. Some brands of air mattresses are adjustable and can be a good choice for two partners that have different mattress preferences. One side can be made firm and the other soft.
