4 Questions to Help You Pick the Best Mattress

Mattresses are one of the biggest investments you will make and can have long-term implications on both sleep wellbeing and overall health.

Quality mattresses are essential to supporting healthy spines, pain-free postures and providing restful rest. When shopping for one, consider these four questions to find your ideal choice.

1. What is your sleeping position?

Most people sleep either on their back or side. Back sleeping, which is recommended by many sleep experts, helps alleviate back pain and improve posture, may help with acid reflux symptoms and may reduce snoring/sleep apnea; however it's not appropriate for those struggling with lower back issues and it could worsen those snoring/sleeping apnea issues. Side sleeping promotes healthy back and spine alignment but may worsen neck issues that cause snoring/sleep apnea issues and worsen snoring/sleepapnea symptoms while worsen snoring/sleepa occurrence.

No matter your position of preference, it's essential that your mattress be comfortable. A mattress that does not offer proper support can lead to neck and back pain as well as fatigue; so it is a good idea to go to a showroom before buying and try them in various positions; also bring along any pillows from home so you can evaluate how well they fit with the mattress.

Consider whether the mattress you are considering offers an appealing warranty and return policy, as this plays a key role in its value; for example, investing $300 into a mattress which deteriorates within five years is likely not worth your while.

2. What is your weight?

Mattress durability and capacity to support your weight can greatly impact your night of restful slumber. Heavier individuals require mattresses that provide adequate support, encouraging proper spinal alignment. For these individuals, firm models usually work best, depending on foam type or other features.

Heavy sleepers may benefit from selecting a mattress with increased edge support to prevent them from rolling off in the night or when sitting on one side of their mattress. Firm models tend to offer superior edge support; hybrid and innerspring options with reinforced edges may also make an excellent choice.

Polyfoam mattresses tend to compress significantly at the edge, and may degrade faster under heavier loads - shortening their lifespan significantly. On the other hand, latex and memory foam models that use dense high-density foam tend not to sag over time even with larger individuals sleeping on them.

If you are a large sleeper, check the manufacturer specifications and reviews online to assess a mattress's ability to support your weight. Also look for mattresses offering generous trial periods and extended warranties to find your ideal sleeping surface.

3. What is your budget?

A new mattress is an investment with long-term consequences, and choosing wisely can mean the difference between restful sleep and insomnia for years to come. Making this choice requires careful consideration and you should never base it on how it feels in store; take into account how long you want the mattress to last as well as whether its price fits within your budget constraints.

Your costs depend on factors like sleeping position, body type and preferences for materials and firmness; memory foam mattresses tend to cost more than innersprings or hybrids but don't break the bank to find quality beds; see our selection of best value picks as proof.

Be sure to consider other costs, including delivery, flipping and rotating fees. Some mattress brands provide at-home set-up services with additional fees attached while others ship compressed mattresses directly to your door for you to assemble yourself. Keep in mind that many foam bed-in-a-box brands can be quite heavy; be sure to ask if their assistance can help set them up quickly and easily.

Consider also purchasing a mattress warranty. As opposed to return policies, warranties cover damage from manufacturer defects over an extended period; however sagging and indents caused by regular wear-and-tear may still apply.

4. Where will you be sleeping?

As well as considering the mattress itself, it's also essential to think about where and how you will sleep - such as room size and layout. If you sleep with someone and often disturb one another by rolling over or moving about during the night, motion isolation could be key in creating a peaceful night's rest for both partners.

If you share a small space or live in an apartment and require frequent mattress movements, look for one with compact dimensions that fits through doorways and other tight spaces easily. A flippable mattress might also help reduce body indentation over time.

If you tend to sleep hot, consider mattress materials that allow airflow for proper temperature regulation while sleeping. Traditional memory foam mattresses often lack breathability and trap body heat during the night - however there are numerous innovative brands dedicated to cooling technology that offer solutions.

After considering these factors, it's time to begin your mattress search. Our in-depth reviews offer tips and advice about comparing the pros and cons of various mattress types; from memory foam mattresses through hybrid and pocket sprung models - we provide all of the facts that help make an informed purchase decision. In addition, warranties and sleep trial periods will give you piece of mind before making your choice.