When you consider that humans spend an average of 1/3 of their life sleeping, you can see why it is fairly important to put some thought into the bed you will occupy. A good quality mattress is not going to be cheap –– you might find the average traditional spring mattress to be over $1000 and an advanced memory foam mattress can cost $1200.
The mattress you choose is also important to other aspects of your life even when you aren’t in bed. A good night’s sleep on the right mattress can mean the difference between a sharp focused and well-rested mind and one that is tired and strained. Good sleep is good avoiding other chronic health ailments as well.
Some considering that a mattress is a support to just about every aspect of your life, we hope you find this essential buying guide useful in guiding you to the mattress you are dreaming of.
Know Your Size
It is common to buy a new mattress to be just like the old, especially if the old one served so well. But, it is important to think about your specific needs at the moment. Perhaps you bought a king-sized mattress back when the kids were home and you would all pile in bed to watch TV with family dog –– a Mastiff appropriately named “Goliath.”
But now, the kids are gone, Goliath is gone and your bed is only for you and your new dog –– a dachshund named “Misha”. Well, now you might be able to size down quite comfortably. Here is where a queen-sized might suit you better. By the same measure, you may be all grown up know moving out on your own and that twin bed is just not going to be enough for you.
The point is, you have to think about your needs now.
Size Dimensions:
– King 76 x 80 inches
– California King 72 x 84 inches
– Queen 60 x 80 inches
– Full XL 53 x 80 inches
– Full 53 x 75 inches
– Twin XL 38 x 80 inches
– Twin 38 x 75 inches
Try Before You Buy
This is harder to do when online shopping, but the only way to know for sure what to expect from you mattress is to lie down and assume you sleeping position. Don’t be swiping credit cards until your do this. Don’t be shy about this, lie down, stretch out, sit up, curl up, roll this way and that, finally, sit on the edge of the bed and see what it’s like for comfortable sitting. If you do the task right you should spend full ten minutes putting these mattresses to the test.
If you will be shopping for a mattress online read city mattress reviews. It might be a good idea to visit a brick and mortar location where they have some designs and models to try out before selection.
Ask About Returns and Trial Periods
You tried it out for the full 10 minutes at the store and decided this mattress is the right one for you –– but in your heart you know the only way you‘ll know for sure is after you have slept on it for a few weeks. For this reason, many outstanding producers will offer a time trial period. This can be a full 30 days, this is the time where you can get a feel for the mattress and make sure it is up to your standards. If you do find your mattress offers this trial period, be sure the store where you buy it is not going to throw in a restocking charge. But even if they do, a free trial period will ensure that your acquisition is ideal.
How Firm Do You Like It?
There are no standards in the mattress industry and the term firm usually is in comparison with the other item made by the mattress manufacturer. This means that a firm from one company could be an “extra firm” from another company. This is yet another reason to make sure you try out your mattress before buying it.
Then you will find some companies use an easy to understand verbal system to describe their softness rating: soft, firm, hard, etc. Others will use a less definitive number rating system using higher numbers to mark firmer mattresses. Still none of these are very definitive and a “7” from one manufacturer will feel like a “5” from another.
Furthermore, don’t assume that because you have a bad back a firmer mattress is going to mean a better night’s sleep. In the same way, don’t assume that a softer mattress is going to mean a more comfortable sleep either. Most people are happy on something in the middle but leaning a little to the firm side
Pillow Top: Yes or No?
This is an exciting item that manufacturers are very excited about recently. Nevertheless there is some doubt that the puffy head section is actually more comfortable and worth the increased cost. For one, you can expect this piece to be the first to flatten out, this is especially true for the heavy person. Those who are lacking in body weight might find that their lightness may make them unable to enjoy the full support of the mattress through the pillow top. If you are looking to adjust the feel of your mattress, consider a luxurious mattress topper.
Know Your Options
You should also be fully aware of the many great options out there for you. There are three mattresses that are more popular than the rest. The traditional innerspring, memory foams and then there are some very nice hybrids that combine the advantages of both mattress designs.
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Each of these have their own pros and cons, so taking the time to learn about each will always pay off in the long run. In short:
Innerspring mattresses are popular, and usually the most cost-effective. You can expect good support and these are available in all firmness levels. Excellent support for amorous activities too. The downside is their inevitable demise comes all too soon.
Memory foam mattresses are usually expensive but provide excellent cushioning for sore joints and aching muscles. They can be hot though and the materials is particularly “huggy” making it less than ideal for all but the most sedate romantic romping.
Latex foam mattresses are like memory foam, but latex is more elastic and doesn’t “hug” the body in such a localized way. This is a good option for those who like the idea of memory foam but not the clinging capacity. This option is much better support for sweaty passionate bodies in action. Furthermore, it is available in synthetic, natural and blended options.
Hybrid mattresses are innersprings springs with a foam overlay. A decent hybrid provides all the advantages of the foam and innerspring. But, it is important to shop for quality as a poor option is likely to have the worst of both. You can also find hybrids in latex and memory foam varieties.
Adjustable air mattresses allow the sleeper to set the firmness to the exact registers you’d like. The same is true for both sleepers on either side. The only downside to this considerable advantage is going to be the considerable price tag.