Mattress Shopping — The Smart Guide To Good Sleep

By: Louis ZW

So you think it’s time to buy a new mattress. Let’s take a few minutes to look at just what you need to know before you head out to the stores. A little time spent before shopping can save valuable time, and maybe a little money, later on.

While purchasing a new mattress can be intimidating, remember, it is the most used piece of furniture in your home. If you let the salesman decide for you, both you and your wallet may wake up aching in the morning. But, doing your homework and making a good investment can save you many sleepless nights…

What do you need to know before buying a new mattress?

Before making a major investment in a new mattress set you must first know what you need. Do you wake up with new aches and pains every morning? Is the middle of your mattress competing with the Grand Canyon as the largest valley? Or do you need a little more room to spread out? All of these factors figure in when buying a new mattress.

What Mattress Size?

You must decide what size mattress you need. In a small room, a twin size mattress will take up the least amount of space. Twin size beds are common in children’s rooms. Since twin mattresses are not overly large, many people choose to use them on a daybed. A daybed is dressed to look like a couch or sofa during the day. But, it is a complete, comfortable bed at night.

A full size mattress used to be the most common size. Most houses built with even modest bedrooms can accommodate the full size bed. It provides enough sleeping space for two people that like each other. Each person had considerably less space than his or her own twin bed would allow. However, most couples can sleep without too much discomfort.

But with larger bedrooms and the “family bed”, more and more people are opting for Queen and King size mattresses. While King size is becoming more common, the Queen size mattress has taken the lead as the most purchased size. It gives less room than a King size mattress, but it also takes up less space. However, if your room is large enough to allow it, the larger the bed, the more comfortable everyone can sleep.

What level of softness?

Another factor you must decide on is what level of softness you require of a mattress. The support level of most name brand mattresses is the same despite the level of cushioning.

Mattresses begin at firm, which has the least amount of padding. The next step up is plush, which has a larger layer of cushioning on top of the coils. At the top of the softness chart, there is the pillow top mattress, which has a large, cushiony pad atop the other layers of padding.

How to dispose of your old mattress?

Once you have chosen your new mattress, you must decide how to dispose of your used one.

Many times mattresses stay in circulation long after their ability to support is gone. Often children or young couples inherit an old mattress. Just remember, if a mattress is not supporting you, it will not properly support anyone else.

Many companies will pick up your old mattress when delivering your new one. Some do it for free while others charge a small fee. You may also be able to have your local trash collector take it if you arrange to have it picked up on heavy trash day.

Conclusion

When starting out, choosing a new mattress can seem like a daunting task. Many people put off the purchase simply because they are confused. But, no matter what mattress you finally choose, you can rest easy knowing you did your homework.

Your Mattress: It’s what’s inside that counts! At Foam Mattress Central, Louis ZW compares different mattresses and gives you tips on how to get a good night’s sleep. Find out how to get a great deal on a mattress as well as other mattress basics at Mattress Shopping