How to Choose a New Mattress
- 1). Decide which size mattress you want to buy. In general, mattresses come in four sizes: twin, full, queen and king. Most people who share a bed with another person use either a queen- or king-sized mattress. If you have a sleeping partner, you should find out his size preference. Also, take into consideration the size of your bedroom in relation to the mattress size to make sure the mattress will fit in the room.
- 2). Consider how firm or soft you want your new mattress to be. Ask yourself how much support you need or prefer. When looking at a mattress, find out how many coils it has; the more coils there are, the firmer the mattress and the more support it will provide. Mattresses can have anywhere from 300 to 700 coils.
- 3). Decide how much upholstery or padding you prefer. Some people like very plush surfaces or pillowtop mattresses. If you prefer a less plush mattress, search for one that has minimal padding. The amount of plush does not affect how much support the mattress provides.
- 4). Review your budget and figure out how much you can spend; however, keep in mind that you are paying for quality. In other words, the more you spend on a mattress, the longer it will provide you with comfort and support, according to Mattress Discounter's website. Mattress prices can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
- 5). Visit mattress stores in your area; look in your local Yellow Pages to locate outlets or stores near you. Shop around, ask the staff questions and most importantly, try out the beds. In a May 2008 article published on Spine-Health's website, Dr. J. Talbot Sellers, a pain medicine and management physician, suggests you lay on a mattress for at least a few minutes to find out if it is an appropriate fit for you.
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