A bed is a piece of furniture for sleeping and resting on. It typically consists of a mattress and frame or foundation, although in some cases, headboards, footboards and side rails are included. It also can include a box spring inner-sprung base, which provides additional support and suspension for the mattress. Beds are available in many sizes, ranging from infant-sized bassinets and cribs to large queen and king-size beds for two adults.

There are many factors to consider when choosing the best mattress for you, including firmness, comfort level and budget. If you are a light sleeper, you might prefer a soft, sagging mattress that conforms to your body, while heavier sleepers will want to look for a medium-firm option with good support. If you’re a hot sleeper, you might find that a cooler-feeling mattress with gel memory foam is more comfortable than a warmer-feeling one made from coils or other material.

The type of mattress you choose will also depend on how often you plan to use it, as different materials have different properties in terms of heat retention and breathability. If you’re looking for a hypoallergenic bed, your best bet will be to opt for an organic cotton and wool blend. This type of mattress has excellent breathability, which will help you stay cool and dry as you sleep.

Similarly, an eco-friendly mattress might be made from latex, which offers pressure relief and bounce, while being better at dispersing heat than foam. It’s more expensive than a foam mattress, however, so this is an important factor to keep in mind when making your decision.

For those who love the idea of a minimalist approach, a mattress in a box is ideal. This type of mattress is compressed, rolled and shipped in a box for easy transport and set-up. It’s a great choice for those who move frequently or are unable to carry heavy mattresses up and down stairs. It’s also a good option for those who want to avoid the hassle of buying and returning a traditional mattress.

When it comes to a mattress in a box, our top pick is the Nectar Sleep Hybrid. It has a quilted cooling cover that works to circulate air throughout the night and prevent overheating, while a dynamic foam support layer provides bounce and helps with spinal alignment. This mattress also includes up to 1,600 individual micro-springs that adapt to the unique shape of your body for more personalized support.

When shopping for a new mattress, it’s important to remember that the best time to buy is typically November through January or February when retailers have their biggest sales of the year. These events are aimed at enticing shoppers to get off the fence and make a purchase. As a result, prices are typically much cheaper than they would be at other times of the year. Nevertheless, you can find mattress deals all year round, so be sure to check out the latest offers on mattresses that interest you.