Getting the right bed is crucial to a good night’s sleep. It’s also essential for maintaining your health, and there are a number of things to consider when choosing the perfect mattress.

The Firmness You Need

In general, you should pick a mattress that provides you with the right amount of support and comfort for your body type. For example, if you’re overweight or suffer from back pain, you should choose a firmer mattress to provide the right level of support.

A supportive mattress should set your spine in an even line and prevent your hips, shoulders or back from sinking out of alignment, which can cause aches or pains. A mattress that is too soft or too firm can also create pressure points, making it uncomfortable for you to sleep on.

The Right Bed Height

Ideally, your bed should be lower to the floor than other furniture in your room. This will allow you to get in and out of your bed more easily, without tripping or getting twisted.

The height of your bed can be determined by the frame it is sitting on or a box spring that raises it up from the ground. A standard bed frame sits about 25″ above the floor and requires a box spring for additional support. A platform or captain bed – which often includes drawers – can be even lower to the floor, allowing you to use space underneath it for storage.

Bed frames are typically made of wood, although many are now also manufactured from particle board. These are more lightweight and inexpensive than wood but can still be heavy and awkward to move.

When choosing a bed, it’s important to know what kind of frame you want and what mattress you need to fit into it. This will help you narrow your search and make the best decision possible.

There are a few different types of bed frames available, including upholstered and metal. A upholstered frame is more expensive than a metal frame but it can last longer and has a traditional look that fits in with a more traditional home. It’s also easier to find a matching headboard and footboard to go with it.

A metal frame can be a little more expensive than an upholstered frame but it’s less likely to rust or corrode. It can also be a little more sturdy and harder to break down, so it’s ideal for older adults who aren’t able to move around as much.

What It’s Made Of

For a firmer feel, average-weight sleepers can opt for a mattress with a higher proportion of firmness layers. This can result in a thicker cushioning layer on top to provide cradling comfort, as well as a firmer base foam layer for added support. Alternatively, average-weight sleepers can opt for an all-foam bed that features a softer cushioning layer on top and a firmer base foam layer for added stability.