How to Choose a Mattress
A bed is a piece of furniture used to sleep on. It usually consists of a frame with a mattress and can include a headboard, foot board and side rails. Some beds are also equipped with storage drawers, pillows, blankets and sheets. A bed can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, metal and plastic. The most common type of bed is an innerspring or foam model that supports a mattress, but other options include futons and air mattresses.
A good night’s sleep leads to better health, higher productivity and a greater sense of well-being. A quality mattress promotes the correct sleeping posture, alleviates pressure points and aligns the spine. It also regulates body temperature and promotes restful sleep that allows you to wake up feeling rested. The right mattress can also significantly reduce the amount of time you spend tossing and turning at night.
When choosing a mattress, it’s important to consider your preferred sleep position and how you typically roll out of bed in the morning. Many people find comfort in a medium firm or plush mattress, while others prefer the support of a firm or even more durable model.
In addition, your mattress should be able to provide proper support for your spine while you sleep, and the fabric of your mattress should be durable enough to last years without losing its initial softness or becoming worn down by regular use.
When comparing mattresses, make sure to look at the layers and the material that goes into each layer. The top layer is the comfort system, which can consist of a variety of material, from quilting to memory foam and gel-infused polyfoam. The next layer is the support layer, which varies between models. It can include innerspring coils, polyfoam or a hybrid of both, and it typically contains higher-density materials than the comfort layer.
The final layer is the encasement, which is the cover that protects your mattress from dirt and debris. Most covers are breathable and made from cotton, viscose or synthetic blend fabrics, and they can affect the breathability, durability and overall feel of your mattress. A ticking layer is a thin layer of tightly woven cotton, viscose or synthetic blend fabric that can enhance the comfort and support of the mattress.
For example, the Leesa Sapira Hybrid has a 2.5-inch layer of copper-infused memory foam that contours to your shape and alleviates pressure points along your spine. This layer is atop a 2-inch zoned transitional polyfoam that provides different levels of firmness to various parts of the body and prevents you from sinking too deeply into the mattress.
Most mattresses have a 10- to 12-month sleep trial, so you can test them out before you decide to keep or return them. The more the mattress is compressed while being shipped, the less it will retain its original feel once you set it up at home. Luckily, most online retailers deliver their mattresses in a box, making this process simple and stress-free.