How to choose the right mattress

Whether you fully subscribe to the recommended six to eight hours of sleep each night, or are plagued with bouts of insomnia, it goes without saying that a large portion of anyone’s time is spent in bed. And whether you live like royalty on a king-sized bed with a four-poster canopy or are a student maximizing a half-bed, half-study table bunk, having the right mattress can make all the difference in the quality of sleep your bed can offer.

Before picking out a headboard or choosing a pack-and-go airbed you can take with you from apartment to apartment, consider these six main factors to help give you maximum comfort and restful sleep.

Support. The goal of a mattress that offers proper support is to maintain the natural curve and alignment of your spine. Ideally, your spine should sit straight when you are lying on your side on a mattress that offers good support. This factor is determined by the way the coil springs of a mattress are laid out—typically, a standard twin size will carry a 300-coil count, a queen has at least 375, and a king will hold 450.

Comfort. There is no cookie cutter mattress that offers optimum comfort for all body types, since people are shaped differently and also have a wide array of preferences. While some people argue that firmer, more orthopedic mattresses are better for the body, beds that are too firm can put an unnecessary amount of pressure on some parts of the body. The best way to find out if a mattress is comfortable enough for you is to test it out. Sit down on it, and lie on it for at least 10 minutes—showrooms always have mattresses on display and some even offer a private nook with dimmers to provide you the best simulation possible.

Permanence. Aim to find a mattress that will last you 10 years. Think of your mattress as an investment, and one that merits a warranty that can guarantee five to 15 years of service.

Size. Before shopping for a mattress, measure out the available space in your room and have your dimensions written down and easily accessible. While a twin size bed may seem too small for your standards, if you’re working with a studio unit that does not afford too much space, it might be the best type of mattress for your requirements.

Box Spring. Usually sold along with mattresses, these bed bases can improve the durability of your mattress by reducing wear and tear and creating a solid foundation.

Price. Depending on your budget, your mattress choice can range from practical to luxuriously high. Canvass several department stores and mattress dealers before making your choice—find out what the market has to offer and stick to a price point that you can work with. Err on the side of value as the payoff of a good mattress is a good night’s sleep.