Worldwide, furniture sales are expected to exceed $650 billion by 2025, and a sizable portion of that figure will come from mattress sales. Your bed is the most-used item of furniture in your entire house. It should be a haven you can’t wait to get into every night. Proper sleep is crucial to your health and well-being, so when you shop for a new mattress, you should choose carefully. Before heading off to mattress stores, here are some points to consider.
Tip 1: Consider Your Comfort Level
Comfort should be at the top of your list of concerns when buying a new mattress. A higher price does not necessarily mean you’ll be more comfortable. You’ll need to think about a number of mattress aspects, including dimensions, firmness, and the kind and quality of materials.
Tip 2: Don’t Automatically Zero in on the Mattresses Praised by Experts
Again, choosing the right mattress is about your comfort, first and foremost. If industry experts claim that a particular mattress is the most desirable, it may not be the best for you.
Tip 3: Choose the Size Before You Visit Mattress Stores
You may as well narrow down the possibilities before you go shopping. Figure out beforehand what size mattress is best for your height and weight, and for your partner’s height and weight if you share a bed. Twin beds are often too small for single adults. If your current bed is a twin, and you feel you don’t have enough room to move around in it, look for a double or even a queen sized bed as a replacement. King sized and California king mattresses are designed for couples who want extra space.
Tip 4: Don’t Pay Attention to Firmness Labels
These labels can be misleading. Firmness varies among different brands, so a brand marked medium firm may actually have more give than one marked firm. You are the best judge of a mattress’s firmness, since you know what’s comfortable for you.
Tip 5: Test the Mattress
When you’re checking out the merchandise in mattress stores, lie down on each mattress you’re considering buying. Stores should allow you to do this; otherwise, it’s very hard to make a decision about comfort. Note your impression of the mattress’s firmness, and try to imagine sleeping on it.
Tip 6: Read Online Reviews of Mattresses by Consumers
Customers who actually own the mattresses you’re considering can offer a wealth of information on general comfort, firmness, durability, and other important factors. They can help you pare down your list of potential brands so that you don’t get lost in a sea of options. Again, you’re the best judge of your own comfort, but other consumers can help point you in the right direction.
Tip 7: Remember that Firm Can Be Too Firm
The firmest mattress may not be best for your back. You should feel supported all over your body, but if the mattress is too firm for you, it may cause discomfort at pressure points and interfere with the natural curve of your spine.
Tip 8: Remember that Comfy Can Be Too Comfy
An overly soft mattress might feel nice when you first lie down on it, but over time, it can cause back pain and contribute to bad posture.
Tip 9: Consider Adjustable Air Beds
If you can afford the higher cost, an adjustable air bed may be a good option for you, since firmness can be modified using a remote. You may not even need to test the mattress in a store, since it can be customized to fit your needs.
Tip 10: Consider Multi-Zoned Mattresses
If adjustable beds are beyond your price range, you might opt for a mattress that offers different levels of firmness at different places. The mattress should be softer to accommodate the shoulders and hips, and firmer near the middle of the spine.
Comfort, firmness, and size are major considerations when you’re buying a mattress. Price is also a factor for most people. It’s crucial to your well-being that you choose a mattress that fits your needs. Research mattress stores in your area and then go shopping with your personal requirements memorized or jotted down.
