Choosing a new mattress can be a hard decision. Not only does a new mattress affect how you sleep, but it can also affect your day (due to lost sleep on an old or ill-fitting mattress). A mattress that offers support, comfort, and a good night sleep will in turn affect how your energy, mood, productivity, and appetite levels. So let’s take a look at some new mattress buying tips that will help you choose the perfect mattress for you:

1. Consider size

When considering a replacement for your old, worn out mattress it is best to have an idea on what size you will need. You don’t need to stick with the size you currently have, because let’s face it, life changes and you might not need that size anymore. Maybe you are moving out for the first time and would rather have a larger mattress in something other than the twin you have at your parent’s house. Maybe when you purchased your current innerspring mattress, Sunday mornings was family time watching cartoons snuggled in bed and a king was necessary. Also, downsizing to a queen, since the kids are grown, can give you a lot of new space in your bedroom.

2. Mattress firmness

The mattress industry doesn’t have a standard way of measuring how firm a mattress is, which means it can be hard to choose the right one without trying it out in the store. What might be firm for one person, may feel extra firm to you. It is important to be able to try out the mattress before you buy it. You should also keep in mind that if you have a bad back, it doesn’t necessarily mean you need an extra firm mattress. In general, most people will get the best night sleep on a mattress that is close to the middle range between firm and plush, while being just a little more to the firm side.

3. Mattress type options

No longer are you stuck with just one type of mattress, there are many different options out there for you. The most common options are memory foam mattress, traditional innerspring mattresses, and a hybrid that offers a combination of the two. Each mattress type comes with both several pros and several cons. You should familiarize yourself with what each one has to offer before you head out shopping. Here’s a brief overview to get you started:

• Innerspring mattresses: are the most common type of mattress. This type uses uses a steel coil support system covered with padding or upholstery out of foam and fibrous materials. Pros and cons include:
  • Most common
  • Least expensive
  • Romance friendly
  • Not very durable
  • Does not last as long as other mattresses
• Memory foam mattresses: This mattress style features a layer of memory foam for remarkable support and comfort, and body contouring and shape, thanks to individual body heat and weight.
  • Cushions aching muscles and sore joints
  • Conforms to your unique body
  • More expensive
  • Can get very hot and hold the heat
  • Not very when it comes to romance
• Hybrid mattresses: These combine innerspring and memory foam support systems. Pros and cons include:
  • Spring support with foam overlay
  • Offers the best of both an innerspring mattress and a foam mattress
  • But may combine bad qualities of the two types of mattresses