Mattresses have come a long way, baby! It used to be that you were stuck with whatever they offered at your local furniture store. Recently, modern science has highlighted the importance of a good night’s sleep for your mood and overall health. Having the right mattress is the most important building block when it comes to sleeping soundly. However, with more great mattresses on the market than ever, it can be a confusing choice to make.

Learn more about choosing the best mattress today!

Photo by Hiroshi Kimura on Unsplash

Spring Vs. Memory Foam

So many of us grew up sleeping on springform mattresses, and therefore, sleeping on anything else might seem strange or unnatural. But consider this: the spring model of mattresses hasn’t changed in over a century. Though they’re perfectly fine, you’d be amazed at the sleep benefits you get from a modern memory foam mattress. The new generation of mattresses used modern technology and the best materials for an exceptionally comfortable sleeping experience. What’s more, they’re usually less expensive, easier on the environment, and better for allergy sufferers.

Softer Is Better

Contrary to popular advice, a softer mattress is better for your back. Think about it—when a mattress is too firm, your body can never fully relax into it. Your spine, hips, and neck all have to twist into unnatural positions when you’re laying down, especially if you sleep on your side. However, mattresses can be too soft, causing the exact same problem. What you want is a mattress that’s soft enough to conform to your shape, with the right amount of give for your body. How soft it should be also depends on how you sleep. People who sleep on their stomachs require a firmer mattress, people who sleep on their backs should go with medium softness, and side sleepers need the softest mattresses of all.

It’s Time For A New Mattress

Did you know most people will hang onto the same mattress for over twenty years? This isn’t the best idea, for a host of reasons. Older mattresses tend to accumulate a buildup of dust, dust mites, and other allergens that are affecting your sleep quality by making it harder to breathe. Furthermore, any amount of sagging can impact your sleep quality and your back. The right time to replace a mattress is usually within the five to ten-year mark, which isn’t such a burden as mattresses become more affordable all the time.

Boxspring Or No Boxspring

These days, using a boxspring is only necessary if you have a springform mattress or if you want to add height to your bed. Modern memory foam mattresses are made to sit comfortably on slats or trendy platform beds, and don’t need the boxspring underneath. This is good news for couples who are light sleepers, since the boxspring can contribute to the bed shifting due to the other partner’s movement in the night.

The More You Try, The Better

These days, you can order any number of mattresses online. This is great because it’s convenient and online retailers are often cheaper and offer free shipping. However, even if you do choose to go with an online retailer, head into a big box or sleep specialty store first to get a feel for what’s available. Try a few different mattresses of different types and firmness levels to see what you like. This way, even if you do order online, there will be a smaller margin of error. Many online retailers do, however, have a return or exchange program, so if you’re not satisfied you can change it for a mattress you love.

To start getting a sense of what’s out there, do a quick search online. There are a ton of quality mattresses at low prices across the web, and you're sure to find one that's right for you. Sweet dreams!