A Guide to Buying a Bed
A bed is a piece of furniture that you sleep on. It can be a solitary piece, like an infant-sized bassinet or crib, or it can form part of a large sleeping area that is shared by two people. Modern beds are usually soft, cushioned mattresses that rest on a base. This may be a solid platform made from wood slats or a springy base, known as a sprung mattress. Most modern beds are built for one or two people, though there are larger beds designed to accommodate couples.
A well-designed mattress can improve your health in many ways, from preventing back pain to alleviating snoring. But selecting the right mattress can be confusing, with lots of different styles, sizes, and features to choose from. So we’ve put together this guide to help you find the bed that’s best for you.
Buying a new mattress is a big purchase, and it’s important to do your research before making a decision. When you shop, take notes about construction, features, shipping policies, and sleep trials, and keep your budget and sleep needs in mind. You can also narrow down the options by considering how you sleep – stomach, side, or back – as firmness levels are typically based on this information.
Before you buy, lie down in the bed for at least 10 minutes and focus on how your body feels. Make sure that the spine is neutral and the hips and shoulders feel cradled. Side sleepers should look for a mattress that provides good support to the shoulder and elbow areas, while those who sleep on their back should pick something firm enough to keep the spine in neutral alignment.
It’s a good idea to replace your mattress every seven to eight years, or when it begins to show signs of wear and tear. The average mattress loses up to a third of its original firmness over the course of that time, which can cause stiffness and aches in the joints, back, and neck.
A mattress can also be a breeding ground for germs and bacteria, with sweat, drool, and dead skin cells providing food for microbes. Getting the right mattress can prevent these organisms from building up, and you can also help reduce the amount of allergens in your home by investing in a hypoallergenic model that is tightly sealed to block out dust mites.
A good mattress can be a big investment, but the benefits it delivers can outweigh the costs in the long run. So if you’re struggling to get a good night’s sleep or your partner is waking up with aches and pains, it might be time to consider an upgrade. And remember, a well-designed bed can even improve your day-to-day energy levels. So you can say goodbye to sleepless nights and hello to a better quality of life.