One of the best things you can do for your health is to get a good night’s sleep. Investing in a good mattress is a solid choice, especially considering that you spend about one third of your life on one. But with so many mattress choices, it can be hard to know which is best.
A good mattress should support your body in a neutral position and keep your buttocks, head, shoulders, and ankles all in alignment. A mattress that is too firm or too soft will take your body out of alignment, so the best mattress for you would be somewhere in the middle.
There are exceptions—for example, someone with low back pain might find that a firmer mattress is better, and heavier people seem to be more comfortable with pillow top mattresses. You can ask your doctor if they have a recommendation for you based on your health.
Here are some tips for choosing a good mattress:
- Research online. Take advantage of reviews and descriptions to narrow down the type of mattress you want to check out in the store. Look for sales in your area.
- Test a mattress in the store for 10 to 15minutes. You want a mattress that doesn’t cause you to feel any pressure. It should feel like you are floating on air.
- Ask about a money back guarantee and a warranty. You might find after a few days or weeks that the mattress you buy is not right for you. For example, you may purchase a comfortable mattress but find that you consistently wake up with lower back pain in the morning. You wll want to be able to return the mattress without hassle.
- Get a mattress protector. In most cases, a stain will void your warranty on the mattress. Protect your investment with a comfortable protector.
Look at adjustable beds. Not everyone needs an adjustable bed. However, if you tend to be more comfortable sleeping on a recliner, you might enjoy an adjustable bed that allows you to elevate your head and knees.