How to Select a New Mattress

Select the right size. Standard mattress sizes include twin, full, queen and king. If you're sharing the bed with someone, you should have a queen or larger. If you're buying for only yourself, the size will depend on the dimensions of your bed frame as well as your sleeping habits. For example, someone who rolls around a lot in his sleep would want a larger mattress than someone who stays relatively still.

Research your options. The most standard options for mattresses include spring mattresses and memory foam mattresses. Spring mattresses are composed of a mattress and box spring, and the main support mechanism is steel springs surrounded by upholstery. Memory foam mattresses do not need a box spring and support you with a dense layer of foam that conforms to the shape of your body.

Pay attention to the firmness. Spring mattresses come in a variety of firmness levels, depending on the type of springs inside. The upholstery on top of the springs can make the mattress plusher. These are referred to as pillow-top mattresses. Memory foam mattresses, on the other hand, get firmer as the density of the foam increases.

Try it out. Before you select a new mattress, make sure you try it out in the store. Lay on it for at least 10 minutes in your typical sleeping position. Salespeople will be used to this behavior from mattress shoppers. Also, find out the retailer's return policy in case the mattress doesn't cut it after a full night's sleep.