How to Buy a Great Mattress

DO A QUICK INVENTORY OF YOUR SLEEP STYLE

Ask yourself these ten questions:
1. Do I sleep on my side or on my back?
2. Do I shift positions frequently at night?
3. Do I perspire easily?
4. Do I share a bed with someone else?
5. Does my sleep partner have a different sleep style from my own?
6. Do I have back problems or joint problems?
7. Do I often suffer from insomnia?
8. How tall am I?
9. How heavy am I?
10. How much am I able to spend for my mattress?

UNDERSTAND HOW DIFFERENT TYPES OF MATTRESS FEATURES RELATE TO YOUR STYLE

Innerspring mattresses can have connected springs or individually pocketed springs. Individually pocketed springs allow for less movement across the bed and keep movement localized, preventing disturbance of a sleep partner.

Likewise, memory foam mattresses also offer protection from disturbance by the movement of a sleep partner.

CHOOSE A MATTRESS THAT IS AN APPROPRIATE FIT TO YOUR SIZE

If you are tall or especially heavy, you will have special considerations in your mattress choice. If you are tall, you will very likely want to purchase a king-size mattress for the extra length.

If you are large and have a sleep partner, extra width in the mattress may be important to you, leading to choices of queen or king size mattresses. See size chart under Resources.

CONSIDER MUSCLE AND JOINT PAIN

If you have muscle and joint pain or if you are concerned about preventing the onset of muscle and joint pain, you will want to take a look at visco memory foam mattresses. Memory foam is said to prevent pressure points, which can lead to pain.

Be sure you actually lie down on different mattresses in the stores and try them out for comfort.