Chances are, you spend more time in your bed than anywhere else in the world. A good night of sleep is essential to keeping you productive in every facet of your life, from work to play. That's why it's so important to choose the mattress that will give you the most comfortable rest. The following is some information that will aid you in your selection.



The first thing to consider when you're in the market to purchase a mattress is price. If your budget is high, obviously you'll have a wider range of options to choose from. The top mattress companies generally use higher quality materials that will be more comfortable. These mattresses will also probably last longer than their generic counterparts. You may also want to consider purchasing a gently used mattress. Often, purchasers will experience buyer's remorse, and will quickly look to pawn off their “too firm” or “too soft” mattress.

Next, think about the size you're looking for. Standard sizes are twin, double, queen, and king. If you have a partner, you'll almost certainly want to opt for a double mattress or larger. When deciding on the size of your mattress, take into account the dimensions of the room in which it will be placed. All the space of a king size mattress might be appealing in a huge showroom. When you bring it back to your apartment, however, you may find that it completely dominates your bedroom, leaving little room for your other furniture. As with any other furniture purchase, it's wise to measure the room first, and then bring this information to the store.

Also consider the foundation that you'll be using. Do you have a bed frame picked out? The dimensions of this frame will determine which mattresses you can purchase. Perhaps you'll put the mattress right on top of a box spring on the floor. If this is the route you choose to take, it will certainly leave you with a wide variety of mattresses to choose from.

The next decision is the most crucial you'll have to make. Every person has a different preference for firmness. If you're buying a bed for both you and your partner, you may want to consider a model that allows for two separate chambers, capable of different firmness on each side. It's also commonly believed that firmer beds are better for your back, so take that into consideration, especially if you're a bit older.

The goal in any mattress purchase is to get it right the first time. Delivery and tax are both fees that you wouldn't think of, but they add a substantial amount of money to the final price tag. If you do find after a few months that your mattress isn't suitable, there are some options. Many “aftermarket” items are available to drastically change the feel of a mattress. These include eggshell pads, memory foam, and mattress protectors.

The most important thing in the whole process is patience. Take an extra few minutes to lay down on the mattress you like most, and try to determine whether you could spend the next ten years comfortably sleeping away the hours. When you've found the mattress that definitively answers yes to that question, it's time to pull out your wallet.