How to Select a Bed

A bed is the large flat surface at the back of a vehicle used to carry cargo. A bed is also the name of a room in a house or hotel, and may refer to the entire room or just the portion reserved for sleeping.

How you feel after a night’s sleep is a direct reflection of the quality of your mattress. A good mattress ensures that you enter and maintain the deep stages of sleep necessary for energy restoration and health. This leads to better performance throughout the day, both mentally and physically. But a bad mattress can leave you feeling hot, sweaty, and cranky. The best mattresses use breathable covers that draw moisture away from the body, allowing you to enjoy cooler, more comfortable sleep throughout the night.

Mattresses come in a wide variety of styles, from traditional innerspring to gel memory foam to hybrid models. Each style has a unique set of characteristics that can make them right for you. In general, look for a firm mattress that conforms to your body shape and provides plenty of support for your spine and hips. A cushioning layer or “contouring system” is important, too, as it can enhance pressure relief and comfort.

The comfort layer is a key component of any mattress. Its job is to form a cradle around your body, reducing pressure on your shoulders and hips. It should also be soft and breathable, as well as durable.

Depending on the model, a cushioning layer is often made of high-density foam or latex. These materials are breathable and provide superior contouring, but are also more expensive than other types of mattress construction. For budget-minded shoppers, cotton or viscose blend fabrics are a less expensive alternative.

While a high-density foam or latex mattress can have a warmer feel, some models use perforation in the cushioning layer to improve breathability. A quilting layer, typically stitched into the mattress cover, can also affect a bed’s breathability and temperature regulation.

When selecting a mattress, test how it supports you while lying on your back. Your spine should feel neutral, not arched. Your hips and shoulders should feel cradled. For side-sleepers, you should also check that your ribcage feels cradled.

If you want a medium-firm mattress, consider your weight and sleeping position to narrow down your options. The charts that describe who benefits from different firmness levels aren’t perfect, but they help you compare options and find the mattress that feels most supportive for your specific needs.

The best mattress will be free of harmful chemicals, including polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), which are linked to a range of health problems, from respiratory issues to hormonal imbalances. Check the label of your mattress for this and other chemicals, as some manufacturers have begun to remove these flame retardants from their products. A PBDE-free mattress can improve the quality of your sleep, helping you wake up more refreshed and ready to take on the day.