Choosing a Bed

When it comes to sleep, you don’t want to settle for less than a great bed. A quality mattress supports your body while you’re slumbering, helping to prevent soreness and back pain that can keep you awake during the night. The right bed can also help you feel more rested when you wake up and improve your performance at work or school the next day.

A bed is the foundation for a restful night’s sleep and should include a frame or base, a mattress, and optional components such as a headboard and footboard. There are a variety of styles and sizes to choose from, and each offers various features to suit your preferences. A mattress can be made of foam, innerspring coils, latex, or a combination of materials and typically has different firmness levels to suit different sleep needs.

The type of mattress you select depends on your sleeping position, comfort preference, and the amount of space you have in your room. Some mattresses are available in multiple sizes, while others offer special features such as motion isolation or adjustable bases.

Mattresses are available in a wide range of prices, but you can often find a good deal by shopping around. Many retailers offer lengthy sleep trials, so you can return a mattress that doesn’t meet your needs.

Comfort is the most important factor to consider when choosing a bed, and it’s especially vital for those with chronic back pain. A quality mattress should support your spine to keep your vertebrae in alignment, which can help reduce soreness and aches throughout the day.

A soft mattress may provide light contouring, while medium soft and medium firm models offer a balanced feel with a moderate amount of cushioning. Firmer beds shouldn’t sink much for people who weigh 130 pounds or more, and they should provide modest support with a bit of plushness on the surface.

If you’re a side sleeper, you’ll want a mattress with good edge support, which ensures that you won’t roll off the sides of the bed. This is important if you share your mattress with a partner or kids who tend to roll out of bed during the night.

A mattress’s price depends on several factors, including the materials it uses and where it’s manufactured. Higher-quality materials and handcrafting can drive up the cost, as can a brand name.