On average, we spend one-third of our lives sleeping

Sure, we catch a few catnaps here and there, but most of the time we sleep on mattresses.  People tend to hold on to their mattresses for about ten years.  When you do the math that means we spend roughly 30,000 hours sleeping on a mattress which is a lengthy amount of time for anything to withstand.  For this reason, it is essential that you purchase a mattress that will last.

Since you will be spending so much time on your mattress for a decade or so, you will want to take your time when shopping for a mattress.  The size you require will depend on several things- the size of your room and if you will be sharing your bed with someone.  The first decision you need to make is what size of mattress you will be looking for.  There are a number of sizes to choose from:

·         Small single

·         Single

·         Small double

·         Double

·         King

·         Super king

·         Odd sizes

Use your current mattress to help you determine what you need in your new mattress.

The next thing you will need to decide on is the type of mattress you would like.  Take a good look at your current mattress and how it has performed for you.  Did the center of the mattress withstand the wear and tear or is the center of the mattress caved in a bit?  This is a sign that your current mattress did not have the ability to support the weight of your body over time.  Are the side edges of the mattress still in good shape?  If the sides of the mattress are sagging, then you have probably spent too much time sitting on the edge of the bed.  Since this is a habit, your next mattress should be one that has adequate support along the sides of the mattress.  By taking a close look at your current mattress, you will be able to see what type of usage your new mattress will need to withstand. 

There are many types of mattresses on the market today:  Innerspring, pocket sprung coil, open coil, latex foam, memory foam, combination spring and foam, orthopedic, foam top, pillow top, turnable, non-turnable, firm, medium, soft, hypoallergenic and more.  There are also a number of manufacturers like Sleepeezee mattress, Silentnight, Sealy, Rest Assured, Kaymed and more.  It can be quite overwhelming if you don’t know where or how to begin.  Knowing what type of firmness you prefer, your body size, and how you sleep are three key elements in choosing a type of mattress. 

Your body shape and size should be considered when shopping for a new mattress as well.  If your body is disproportionate, you might want to consider a mattress that distributes your body weight evenly from head to toe like the MIracoil Sleep System from Silentnight mattress.  Another type of mattress to consider for even weight distribution is a memory foam mattress.  Pocket sprung coil mattresses can also work for those who want their body weight distributed equally throughout the mattress.

Your preferred sleeping position should also be considered.  It has been found that we tend to toss and turn an average of about 60 times throughout the night but most of us do have a preference of sleeping on either our stomachs, backs or sides.  Stomach sleepers need a firm mattress to keep their back from aching in the morning.  Back sleepers often find mattresses that are neither too hard nor too soft to be perfect for them.  Side sleepers most often prefer soft mattresses and do well with latex mattresses or memory foam for the orthopedic support needed. 

Goldilocks had the right idea when she tried each mattress out

Sure, you can do some research on the types of mattresses, but reading about mattresses is nothing like experiencing how a mattress feels.  The best advice that can be given to you is to just go and try out the mattresses at a mattress showroom.  Take your spouse with you and take your time.  You should spend at least 15 minutes on each mattress.  Since you have already considered your sleep position preferences, get into your favorite positions and relax.  Imagine you are on an oasis and don’t worry about being embarrassed.  Don’t make an immediate decision; go home and think about it and talk the purchase over with your spouse.  Take a look online at Mattress Next Day and do some price comparisons.