General Thoughts

Bed Mattresses: Food For Thought

Bed mattresses are extremely personal decisions and are often the first major purchase of an adult’s life. There are several things one has to consider when you find yourself in need of a bed—many that most people don’t even realize.

Firstly, and perhaps most importantly, you must understand what makes you comfortable. If you’ve slept on hard mattresses all your life, you may think that’s what you like. Try the ultra-soft pillow top, just to make sure. You may surprise yourself.

But do your research before you go shopping. Sleep over at a friend’s house, take a look at the mattress when you go on a trip, do anything to avoid making the decision right in the store. No one wants to decide such an important thing while lying down in public with a salesperson breathing down your neck.

Also know that, though mattresses are extremely expensive, it may be better to save for a nice one than to buy a cheapie to ‘tide you over.’ A nice mattress an box spring (ranging anywhere from $500-$5,000) will last you a lifetime and will give you excellent support for your back and joints. Why buy a cheap mattress if you’ll just have to replace it in a few years? And why buy a cheap mattress if they have been proven to lead to health problems? This is one instance in a consumer’s life where quality REALLY counts.

Size is the other great consideration. Do you share a bed or sleep alone? How much space do you need and how much space does your partner need? It is good to see the difference between the size ranges in person. You may be surprised by how much or how little you actually want when you’re able to see the sizes all lined up.

Make sure you know what you want; is the extra few hundred dollars really worth a few extra inches in mattress width? For some, it’s a pointless expenditure. For others, it makes all the difference in the world.