1. Comfort
We spend more than 1/3 of our lives sleeping. This is quite a long time to spend on an uncomfortable bed. That said, it would be advisable to look for the most comfortable mattress (for your body size) whenever shopping for one. 3 factors define a mattress’ comfort level, firmness, size, and type of material used to manufacture the mattress. It is worth noting that there’s no one-size-fits-all mattress, a reason you might want to test several of them to settle on the most comfortable one, best for your specific needs and preferences.
2. Size
In addition to comfort, you don’t want to invest in a mattress that feels too confining and restrictive. While small mattresses may come in handy for camping, you need to shop for a mattress big enough to allow you to move or roll easily. For those that love the extra space or sharing with their better half, a queen or king-sized mattress would be a better pick. You, however, need to consider the size of your bedroom before purchasing such large mattresses.
3. Firmness Level
Mattresses have 3 firmness levels: soft, medium, and high-density. It is also worth noting that the firmness level indicated on the label might not be as accurate. This is why sleep experts recommend testing the mattress before making an order. Most mattress stores will allow you to lie on the mattress or jump on it before making the final decision. Some companies will even allow you to test your choice mattress for a few months, then keep or return it, depending on your experience.
4. Research On The Mattress (Read Reviews And Testimonials)
Product reviews are an excellent place to start whenever shopping for a mattress (or any other item, like mid century modern brands) online. Reviews give you first-hand information on experiences from past buyers/users and recommendations too. This is especially important if looking to buy a specific mattress brand. Reading through consumer reviews and testimonials can help you make a more informed decision on the purchase.
5. Choose Between Firmer And Softer
As mentioned before, spending 1/3 of your life on a comfortable bed and mattress is better than an uncomfortable one. On the same subject, you want to choose between a firmer and softer mattress, depending on your body type and size. The ideal mattress should be firm enough to support proper spine alignment while eliminating pressure points. Some mattresses might be too firm, hence unable to provide adequate support for your body and spine alignment. A softer mattress will embrace your body curve much better, though it might not last as long. The main idea is thus to settle on the mattress that offers the best spine support.
6. Budget
Set a budget for how much you’d like to spend on the mattress. Since a nice mattress should last anywhere between 6 and 10 years, you should consider it a major investment. This means saving up enough money to buy the most comfortable mattress you can afford without sacrificing quality and support. Various mattress manufacturers will claim their mattresses to be the best, a reason you’ll want to check into factors such as service warranty when making the final decision. Companies offering longer warranties are considerably better than those that don’t.
7. Learn About The Cons
Every type of mattress (memory foam, innerspring, etc.,.) has pros and cons. Whatever your choice is, it would be best to understand its advantages and disadvantages before making the final order. Innerspring mattresses, for example, are prone to allergens and sagging, noisy, and too bouncy for some people. On the other hand, foam mattresses are prone to body indentations, produce an unfriendly chemical smell, and can get hot sometimes. Hybrids provide the best of both worlds without sacrificing quality and durability. You could try these as well.