What to Look for When Purchasing a New Mattress
A mattress is an investment that ensures the quality of your sleep. It is a major purchase that requires careful forethought and consideration. Choosing a mattress that matches your specifications and your needs contributes to how well you will sleep. Even a high-quality mattress does not ensure good sleep unless it matches your needs and your lifestyle. Choose a mattress based on your personal situation and preferences. Does this Spark an idea?
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Size
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The size of a mattress should be determined by how many people intend to sleep in it, how much room is available in the bedroom, and the sleeping habits and size of the people who sleep in it. For example, while two people who sleep cuddled up and without a lot of movement may comfortably share a full-size bed, two people who sprawl and move during the night may need a queen-size bed or even a king-size bed. A single, or twin, bed is a good choice for a child or for a small guest room, where the adult sleeper will not be staying long.
Testing
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When you go shopping for a new mattress, be prepared to test it. Bring along the people who intend to sleep on the mattress and, if possible, bring the pillows along too. Wear shoes that are easy to slip out of, and try out the beds. This type of exhaustive testing ensures that you get a mattress that suits your needs. Lie on the bed as you would at night and judge how comfortable you are. If you feel like your body is not adequately supported, move on to the next mattress.
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Types of Mattress
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Most mattresses provide support either with foam or through the use of springs settled inside interior pockets. According to Elizabeth Meyer of the Today Show, neither option is innately superior to the other. Test out both types of mattress and choose the one that best suits your tastes. Foam mattresses react to the heat of the body and create a depression so that your entire body is supported. Spring mattresses provide less precise support, but are significantly cheaper.
Warranty
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Before making the final decision to purchase a mattress, ask about warranties and return policies. A warranty ensures the replacement of a defective mattress while a return policy allows you to return a mattress that was not what you wanted. Choose a mattress that has a 5- to 10-year warranty to ensure that you get your money's worth out of it.
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References
- Photo Credit bedroom image by Jorge Casais from Fotolia.com
