What to Look For in a Bed

A bed is a place to rest after a long day. A good night sleep can normalize the immune system, regulate weight, boost happiness and help manage conditions like asthma, eczema and heart disease. The right mattress is crucial to getting a healthy night’s sleep and can also aid in treating specific medical issues like back pain, insomnia or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

There are a number of factors that influence the feel of a bed. Some are important for everyone, while others may be a matter of personal preference. To help narrow down your options, start by taking the GoodBed Quiz to see what features are a priority for you. Then use the filters on this page to narrow your search even further.

Construction

Foam mattresses are constructed with layers of foam–either the same or different types of foam–to provide a cradling feel. They tend to be more expensive than innerspring and hybrid beds. They also retain heat and can be challenging for some sleepers to move around in because of their firmness.

Hybrid mattresses combine a coil foundation with layers of foam–either the one same type or different types of foam–to offer a bouncy feel. They can be more affordable than foam mattresses and are easier to maneuver because of their resilience. They also don’t retain as much heat as foam mattresses, but they still may feel warmer than some people prefer.

Allergy-Friendly

If your old mattress is harboring dust mites and other microorganisms, you’re more likely to have hay fever symptoms and asthma attacks. A new mattress can reduce irritants that lead to those problems and keep you from sleeping well.

Adjustable Bed

An adjustable mattress allows you to raise the head of your bed to improve breathing and relieve pressure on the hips, knees and spine. This can improve the comfort of your sleep and reduce a variety of health issues such as back pain, arthritic joints and fibromyalgia. It can also alleviate symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

When choosing an adjustable mattress, make sure to consider the frame of your existing bed or look for a frame that’s compatible with the mattress you’re considering. Many manufacturers sell matching frames as part of their collections, making it easy to create a fully integrated system.