Purchasing a new mattress can be a life changing decision. Your sleep is a precious thing, so don’t risk discomfort and restless nights on a low quality mattress. As the place in which you spend roughly 8 hours per night, your bed should never be an afterthought. Keep these tips in mind when selecting your next mattress.
Don’t be afraid to splurge
While you can buy budget mattresses for next to nothing, it always pays to make your mattress one of your more expensive purchases. Considering humans spend almost one third of their lives in bed, cost shouldn’t dissuade your choice. Many people stick to established brands such as Silentnight as they are well reviewed and have a certain guarantee of quality. Think of it as an investment, as better sleep means you’ll be more productive in life.
Is firm best?
Firm mattresses tend to be touted as being good for your back. However, this doesn’t usually ring true for most people. Comfort is subjective and depends on what style of bed you like – whether it’s a medium memory foam or a firm pocket sprung one.
Personal comfort and feel is key. Depending on your bodyweight, a softer option may suit you – although the heavier you are the more firmness you will need to prevent your body pressing into the springs/base of the mattress.
Online versus in store
Massive savings can be had by buying a mattress online, but buying one in-store means you can try the mattress out. However, it’s worth noting than a five minute lie down in a shop won’t give you a true impression of what a night’s sleep on the mattress will feel like. If you do opt for in-store testing, make sure you wear light clothing to get an accurate approximation of what the mattress feels like against your body.
Buying online sometimes carries additional shipping costs that can offset the savings made, unless you opt for a site that offers free delivery.
Measure up
If you’re buying a mattress individually to match a pre-existing bed frame, you need to measure the frame to ensure it will fit. You should also consider the weight of the mattress – some slat beds can struggle with heavier memory foam mattresses – a divan may be more appropriate.
Check the warranty
A good mattress should come with a guarantee or warranty. Outside of anything going wrong, a good mattress should last between 8 to 10 years depending on usage. Any retailer worth their salt should have a good, no-hassle returns policy.