Choosing the Right Mattress

Assuming you aren't skimping on shut-eye, you will spend about one-third of your life asleep, and your mattress plays an integral role in your ability to sleep soundly each night. It provides both comfort and support, helping you fall asleep and stay asleep. So when it's time to buy a new mattress, take your time and explore your options. Choosing the right mattress is easy with our simple tips.

Tips for Choosing the Right Mattress

Focus on Your Comfort

While you may find it helpful to look at customer reviews and explore respected brands, remember that the most important thing is your comfort. Which level of firmness do you prefer? Which materials do you find most comfortable? There isn't one perfect mattress that works best for everyone. Even the most expensive, high-quality mattress isn't guaranteed to give you the best sleeping experience. But if you focus on your own comfort, you can't go wrong.

Give Your Contenders a Test Run

If possible, lie down on any mattress that you're considering purchasing. Wear comfortable clothes and take your time, spending about 5 to 10 minutes in your preferred sleeping positions. If you have a partner, be sure that they come shopping too. Pay attention to how much the mattress moves when your partner shifts on the bed beside you.

Remember That Firmer Isn't Always Better

One of the most important aspects of choosing the right mattress is finding the balance of firmness and softness that works best for your body. Firmer isn't necessarily better. Your mattress should have just enough firmness to properly support your body, especially your spine. If it's too firm, you may notice painful pressure points or feel that your spine is out of alignment. If it's too soft, however, it won't support your spine at all, which can lead to poor posture and back pain.

Know Your Preferred Size and Budget

Before you begin shopping, you (and your partner, if applicable) will need to decide which mattress size fits your needs: twin, double, queen, king, or California king. Keep in mind that your selection may be constrained by the size of your bedroom. In addition, after you've begun exploring the wide range of mattresses available, decide on a budget – and stick to it!

Don't Trust Labels

You may be tempted to rely on mattress labels to narrow down your options, but it's important to remember that these labels are not always accurate. The descriptions vary from brand to brand. What one brand considers medium firm, another may call extra firm. While you can use them as rough guides, don't trust the labels completely. Instead, test each mattress personally so that you understand its actual properties.

Consider All Your Options

Even if you walk in intent on buying an innerspring mattress or a memory foam mattress, we encourage you to explore all your options: innerspring, memory foam, latex foam, hybrid mattresses, adjustable beds, and even waterbeds. Some people love the bounce and support of innerspring mattresses, while others find them squeaky and old-fashioned. Some people adore memory foam mattresses, which are surging in popularity, but others find them overly warm and prone to body indentations. There isn't a one-size-fits-all mattress material, so it's important that you understand the pros and cons of your options.

Review the Warranty

Don't purchase a mattress if you don't understand its warranty. Most range from 10 to 25 years and only cover manufacturing defects, like sagging, loose coil wires, and broken coil wires. Typically the coverage will decrease over time.

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Choosing the right mattress may take a little time and research, but it's worth it when you consider how many nights of sleep – and random naps, breakfasts in bed, and cuddle sessions – that mattress will support.

Are you looking for a new mattress? Visit Beautyrest Sleep Gallery. At our locations in Springfield and Branson, Missouri, we provide an extensive selection of top-quality mattresses, including Beautyrest®, Serta iComfort®, Tempur-Pedic®, and Scandinavian Sleep Systems. A family-owned and -operated business that supports local charities, Beautyrest Sleep Gallery offers free local delivery and setup as well as a Best Price Guarantee. Shopping for a new mattress can be overwhelming, but with our wide variety of mattresses and expert sales staff, we can put your worries to rest. To get started, please visit us in store or explore our mattress selection online.