What to Look For in a Bed

A good night’s sleep can lower your stress levels, improve your mood and normalize your immune system. But you need the right mattress to ensure it happens. And a bad mattress can lead to chronic back pain, aching joints and even insomnia. That’s why it’s worth spending a little extra money for the mattress that will support your health and well-being for years to come.

In the past, many of our readers shopped only at brick-and-mortar stores to get a great deal on a bed. But this year, 41% of our mattress shoppers shopped online. And, according to our research, they were just as satisfied with their purchases as walk-in buyers. If you know what to look for, you can avoid the most common mattress scams and save money in the process.

What is a bed?

The bed is the primary piece of furniture in most bedrooms. It consists of a frame with a mattress that supports your body during the night and keeps you comfortably aligned, regardless of your preferred sleeping position. A mattress also absorbs and reduces movement, which can help you get a good night’s rest.

Mattresses are usually made of foam, springs or a combination of the two. They can also have a cover or a mattress pad. The mattress’s construction determines how it feels. For example, the type of foam and how it’s layered will affect its feel. And the springs or spring system will determine how firm it is.

If you want a soft and supple feeling, opt for a foam or latex mattress. The foam will cradle around your shape. For a medium feel, look for a mattress with less foam layers and a thicker base layer. A medium feel is best for average-sized sleepers and is ideal for most people.

Another important factor in a mattress is how it supports the natural curves of your spine. A great mattress will distribute weight evenly, which can alleviate soreness and prevent chronic pain. Some mattresses also help to correct your posture, which can improve back pain and shoulder problems over time.

If your sleep is disturbed by allergies, you may need a hypoallergenic mattress. These are tightly sealed to keep out dust mites, which can cause sneezing and itchy eyes.

The most important function of a bed is to help you get a good night’s sleep. A great mattress will help to relieve pain, improve your posture, reduce pressure points and keep you cool at night. If you’re suffering from back pain, hip or shoulder pain or insomnia a therapeutic mattress may be able to help you find relief. There are a wide variety of mattresses designed to help with specific sleep issues, including night sweats, asthma, eczema and allergies. The best therapeutic mattress will support your back, soothe aches and help you sleep soundly through the night.