Are you struggling to get that perfect night's sleep? Does your alarm go off every morning without you feeling fully refreshed? If you're looking to change up your sleep routine to give you more energy for the day ahead, the key may be your bed or mattress.
You spend almost a third of your life asleep, and if you spend all that time on a disagreeable surface, it can set you up for discomfort during your waking hours.
Before shopping for a new bed or mattress, you have to identify what you're looking for. Factors like the firmness and thickness of the mattress, the durability, ease of cleaning, and how it'll fit into your living space are critical to finding the best fit for your sleep needs. Before making your next mattress purchase, make sure you run through all of the following factors:
Softness/Firmness
When looking at mattresses, you'll notice that they have a grade for firmness. No matter the material, they'll be on a scale from one (very soft) to 10 (very firm).
Spring mattresses get their firmness from spring tension, while other mattress materials are constructed to a specific firmness. Whether a very soft, soft, firm, or very firm mattress is right for you will depend on your unique sleep preferences and current ailments.
If you don't suffer from back pain, a firm mattress may be more comfortable because your bones will absorb the pressure. This improves circulation and provides lower back support, aiding your breathing while you sleep. If you're used to a soft mattress, the switch can be initially uncomfortable and impair your ability to fall asleep, but in time, you will grow used to it.
A soft mattress is ideal for someone who has pre-existing back pain or is too light to suitably compress a firm mattress. They're also more comfortable for side-sleepers, though they may not be ideal for bed-sharers if one partner is heavier than the other. Air-foam mattresses are among the softer models and offer a high level of adjustability to add a feeling of weightlessness when sleeping.
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Price
There are mattresses available for every budget, but the lower-cost option isn't always the best buy. In terms of maximizing your value, you're better off making a purchase that will last and that better fits your personal sleep needs.
Lower-cost mattresses are more standardized, while premium models are more likely to contour to fit your body and provide personalized comfort.
Size and Thickness
To find the right mattress size, you need to think about the habits and body type of those who will occupy the bed. For example, a queen mattress is ideal for one adult, as it leaves enough space for tossing and turning as you try to fall asleep.
A king mattress is perfect for a couple, while a California king mattress is perfect for family sleepers. Smaller sizes like twin, twin XL, and full are suitable for children, teens, smaller individuals.
You also have to consider mattress thickness. Not only does the thickness of a mattress contribute to the level of comfort it provides, but it also affects how long the mattress will last before sagging. Furthermore, you need the right mattress thickness to fit the bed frame you use.
Durability
Aside from thickness, what makes some mattresses more durable than others? Primarily, this comes down to the mattress construction and material. Generally speaking, air foam and latex mattresses last the longest, followed by memory foam and then innerspring mattresses.
If you hope to get the most out of your mattress and make it last for the long haul, consider buying a flippable mattress with two sleep-ready sides. You can buy a mattress protector to keep the bed safe from spills.
Combining Comfort and Value
The ideal bed will be a constant companion to you for years to come, giving you the rest you need to tackle each day. Not all mattresses are created equal, so starting the shopping process equipped with the information you need will increase your odds to find the perfect fit for your sleep needs.
