Your mattress: Without a doubt, it’s one of the most important things you own. Without a comfy place to rest, your body feels stiff and sore, your mood suffers, and your mind is nowhere near its best. The good news is that choosing the perfect mattress doesn’t have to be difficult and these days, there are great mattresses available for just about every budget. Ready to shop? Arm yourself with our mattress buying tips and you’ll find that it’s far easier to find a bed that’s just right.
1. Consider your sleeping position and size:
Do you sleep on your back, or are you more of a side sleeper? Believe it or not, the way a mattress feels has a lot to do with your body position. For example, you’ll probably prefer a firmer mattress if you sleep on your back or your stomach. If you’re a side sleeper, something a touch softer is likely to feel better. Many manufacturers recommend different models for different sleeping positions and more than a few offer mattresses with sides customized to fit two individuals with different preferences so nobody has to compromise.
Your body weight has an impact on the way your bed feels, too. In general, the heavier you are, the more likely you are to enjoy a medium-firm to a firm mattress. Slim and/or muscular individuals often find that they feel best on softer mattresses. These preferences definitely don’t apply to everyone but you might find it helpful to look a little outside your usual comfort zone.
2. Read reviews:
Whether you’re planning to visit traditional furniture stores or shop for a mattress online, you’ll find that reviews can help you decide which brands and models to focus on and which ones are best to avoid. When reading reviews, keep in mind that no single mattress is ideal for every person; for example, someone who loves the feel of a firm mattress will probably give a soft one a lower rating and vice versa. The best mattress reviews contain plenty of details about everything from the quality of the materials to the way the mattress feels and performs. It’s true that reading takes some time but this is one of the best ways to create a shortlist of mattresses that are likely to meet your criteria.
3. Look for a reasonable trial period:
If you’ve ever found yourself searching a traditional store for the most comfortable mattress, you know just how awkward it can feel to test different models right there and then. You’re probably wearing your shoes, you’re not in your favorite comfy PJs, you don’t have your special pillow, and the list goes on. Luckily, mattress manufacturers have come to realize that the old-fashioned method for choosing the best mattress just doesn’t work. That’s why many now offer trial periods that give you the opportunity to actually sleep on the mattress at home, let your body get used to the new sleeping surface (yes, this is a thing!) and return the mattress if it doesn’t suit you.
Trial periods vary. Some are just a couple of weeks long and others are surprisingly generous; for example, a few offer one-year trial periods.
4. Consider different options:
Remember when memory foam mattresses were the latest and greatest option available? They’re still very popular and if you love the way a memory foam mattress feels, then go for it! Some other choices include latex mattresses, organic mattresses, and ultra-comfy hybrid mattresses that combine the luxurious “floating” sensation of a memory foam mattress with the support and bounce associated with traditional innerspring mattresses.
There’s more: Some mattresses have to be supported by a traditional box spring, some are fine for placing on a plain platform bed, some are OK for those who prefer to have their mattress on the floor, and some are ideal for pairing with an adjustable base. Knowing how you’d like to set up your mattress isn’t something most people think about, but it’s key to shopping for the best one.
5. Look into temperature control and other unique features:
In search of a little something extra? While advanced features can increase the cost significantly, you might like what you find when you look beyond standard options. Many of the newest mattresses offer unique features like special cooling fibers, cooling gels, and even covers that can be integrated with your smart home for pre-warming, better temperature control, and more. Some smart mattresses can give you insight into your sleep trends, some have built-in alarms, and some have adjustable firmness. As time passes, we’ll probably see even more unique mattresses with amazing features.
6. Recognize that a higher price doesn’t always mean higher quality:
…At least if you’re shopping online! While most traditional mattress stores inflate their prices in order to cover the cost of doing business, it’s possible to get amazing mattresses online at about the same cost as a lower-grade one from a brick and mortar store.
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