How to Find a Good Bed
A bed is a complete sleeping system with a frame, headboard and footboard or platform, often in different sizes (twin, full, queen, king) and styles (platform, sleigh, adjustable). Mattresses come in a variety of thicknesses, firmnesses and materials. They’re designed to relieve pressure points, align the spine and distribute weight evenly so that you don’t wake up feeling tired or achy. They also help alleviate chronic pain, preventing a vicious cycle of sleeplessness and pain, and provide support for the body’s natural curves.
A great mattress should offer comfort in all sleep positions, distribute weight evenly and be long-lasting. But with so many options out there, finding the right bed isn’t easy. Your sleep position, body type and personal preferences for feel, materials and cost will all play a role in your decision-making process. Plus, you might be dealing with specific sleep problems such as back pain or waking up hot.
To find a great mattress, you’ll want to test out several models to ensure they offer the feel and support that suits your needs. Start with the basics: Lie on each one and focus on your back, side and stomach positions. A good mattress will keep your spine aligned, and it should offer enough support to lift your hips if you’re a stomach sleeper to prevent your back from sinking too far into the mattress.
Foam beds tend to be soft and responsive, moulding around your pressure points but retaining the bounce that makes getting in and out of bed a pleasure. If you’re a heavier sleeper, opt for an extra-thick foam mattress with lots of layers to ensure you get the right amount of cushioning.
If you sleep with a partner, consider a modular mattress that lets each person choose their own firmness level. Brands like Naturepedic and Bedgear make great modular mattresses that you can easily assemble and take apart, so you can swap out the firmness for an upgrade or change up your sleeping style over time.
Mattresses can be expensive, but you don’t need to break the bank to find a quality bed. We recommend keeping an eye out for sales at retailers and online, especially around holidays like Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day and Thanksgiving (i.e. Black Friday and Cyber Monday).
The vast majority of mattresses are made with either innersprings or foam, both offering a solid combination of comfort and support. Innerspring beds are sturdier and softer than the foam-only models, and they’re better suited for back and stomach sleepers who need firmer surfaces to keep their spines aligned. They also tend to be less expensive than the premium foam mattresses.