Buying a New Bed
A good bed can help you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up more refreshed. But if your mattress doesn’t offer the right level of comfort and support, you might spend the night tossing and turning instead of sleeping—and you’ll probably wake up feeling groggy and irritable the next day.
The right bed can help alleviate back pain and prevent snoring, as well as improve circulation and support the natural curve of your spine. Proper spinal alignment can also relieve strain on muscles and ligaments and reduce aches and soreness in the neck, shoulders, hips and knees.
But there’s a lot to consider when choosing a new bed, from the type of firmness you prefer to whether it’s a memory foam or hybrid model. If you’re not sure what kind of mattress is right for you, try laying down on several models and paying attention to how they feel as you lay on them for 10 minutes or more. Pay special attention to the head and back support—a mattress that’s too soft can cause back pain, while one that’s too firm can be uncomfortable.
Another important consideration is whether the bed can accommodate a headboard, footboard and side rails. Some beds may feature a headboard only, while others have both a headboard and footboard. The headboard and footboard can be attached to the frame or mounted on it as part of a separate piece that’s called a platform base. Platform bases can be made from wood or metal and can include drawers for storage.
Other considerations for a bed include its edge support and motion isolation, especially if you have a sleep partner. The latter can be a big issue for those with chronic back or neck problems because shifting positions can result in the mattress sinking or pushing against one of these areas, creating pressure points and making it harder to get out of bed in the morning.
Some mattresses have smart features, including integrated temperature controls and sensors that can track movement and snoring. You can also add a compatible adjustable base to your bed for even more support and to treat conditions like snoring, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and sleep apnea.
When shopping for a new bed, pay special attention to the return policy and trial period. Some companies will ship a mattress in a box directly to your door, making it easy for you to test it out in your home without the hassle of returning it if you’re not satisfied. Others will provide in-home delivery and setup, or let you swap out a mattress for something different if it doesn’t meet your needs. You’ll also want to make sure your bed is complemented by comfortable and supportive pillows, sheets and blankets. These non-furniture components are known as bedding and can be washed or aired out periodically to keep you comfortable during the night.