The Strategist – Choosing a Bed

A bed is a piece of furniture on which people sleep. If a place such as a hospital or hotel has a certain number of beds, it means that the facility is able to accommodate a certain number of patients or guests. A bed can also refer to the platform on which a moving part, such as a crank or pulley, rests. The word bed is also used to describe a portion of land that has been prepared for planting crops or flowers.

The Strategist

A mattress is a key element of any bed, but it’s not the only one. A mattress is only as comfortable as it’s foundation, and a good frame can make or break the whole package.

In fact, we don’t recommend putting a mattress directly on the floor without an additional foundation—the floor often carries bacteria and can suck moisture into the mattress, leading to mold and mildew growth. Plus, using a mattress on the floor voids nearly all mattress warranties.

The bed you choose can have a major impact on your sleep quality—and if you’re not getting a great night’s rest, it might be time to upgrade your bedroom basics. To help you figure out what your needs are, we’ve compiled our best advice on selecting a mattress, frame, and other accessories.

Mattresses are available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and firmness levels, so picking the right one for you requires some thought. To help, we’ve rounded up the best mattresses we’ve tested in our labs, along with some tips for choosing the best bed frame and mattress protector for your sleep environment.

Bed frames are a key component in any bedroom, and they come in a variety of materials and heights to offer a distinct aesthetic. For example, you can find metal or wooden frames in low-profile or standard-profile styles, as well as taller headboards and footboards for queen- and king-sized beds.

You’ll also want to consider your mattress type and size when choosing a frame—some frames are designed to hold just the mattress, while others are intended as a platform for a box spring. Finally, you’ll need to determine whether or not you want a headboard and footboard.

A mattress’s firmness level is determined by its layers, and a mattress’s top-to-bottom layer order can have a big impact on the overall feel of the bed. Generally speaking, lighter individuals should opt for a softer mattress that offers both comfort and support, while heavier individuals can benefit from a medium-firm or firm mattress. Additionally, some mattresses have additional features that can enhance your sleep experience, such as a cooling memory foam layer, zoned lumbar support, or built-in pillow tops. These additional features may increase the price of your mattress slightly, but they can add to its comfort and longevity.