Nearly half of your life is spent in the bed; also known as mattress, pad or simply a place where one sets for sleeping. The bed is a very private and personal thing; it is the major furniture in the bedroom and most often, occupies the largest space. Some people have enjoyed the benefits of sleeping on the best quality beds there is while others have experienced back ache, pain and sleep troubles. It is crucial then, that from getting the best or the worst from it, you must make the right decision when you're considering buying one. What exactly should you look for in a bed? Here's a number of shopping pointers.

The bed size is basic. Bed sizes can be single or double, queen or king. The maximum life span is 10 years. A bed should be the size enough for a room to look capacious. It should allow space for other room furniture such as drawers, cabinets and dressers. Most importantly, it should allow you minimal movements with ease and comfort.

To buy a firm or a soft bed, that is the question. Experts say that firmness or softness does not guarantee support for your body during sleep nor do the two equate with support. You get a lot of back pain when the bed is too firm and necessarily, it goes the same when it is too soft. A good bed should be tested for support and must provide improved foundation, decrease the pressure and offer appropriate alignment of the backbone.

There is always a tug-of-war between price and quality. Sacrificing quality for a cheap bed is absolutely a no-no! Quality beds can last long for 10 years and can provide ample support for the body giving you the most sought after features. A pre-owned bed on the other hand may have a saggy median, small arachnids and nasty mites. It is never good to buy a used one because you really don't know what you're getting.

Durability should never be compromised. The shopper must look for the quality of the materials used and the upholstery. Each material, from the box springs to the coils, upholstery and the fabric must be of top quality to produce a durable mattress; otherwise, something that looks good may just be a facade while the insides are of no value. Don't be fooled.

As for any other expensive purchase, you should look for the warranty. More expensive beds have longer warranty. Pro-rating also applies where a certain percentage is assigned according to the length of ownership.

Another consideration is moisture absorbent quality. Typically, a healthy person perspires 0.5l a night and a moisture absorbent mattress is suitable and hygienic.

Sleep is a very important body requirement. Sleep troubles have plagued back troubles to anyone who isn't sleeping in the right bed. Having the best bed is equal to a good night's sleep, it means minimal to zero back aches and pain. If you want to feel more alive the next day, getting a good sleep is always the premise.