You might have wondered at least once in your life what makes the perfect bed. Whether you’re traveling on vacation and want to get the best night’s sleep or you are purchasing a new mattress in a box, how can you be guaranteed that you’ll sleep through the night—like a baby?
Softness
Softness plays a vital role in determining how comfortable a bed feels. However, the ideal level of softness varies from person to person, depending on individual preferences and sleeping positions. Some key considerations regarding softness include:
Lie down on various mattresses and gauge how they feel against your body. Assess the level of sinkage and whether it aligns with your comfort preferences. If you’re not able to test a bed in person, you’ll likely want to opt for a bed with a ‘sleep trial.’ This will allow you to test the bed's comfort before committing.
Softer mattresses tend to provide better pressure relief by contouring your body's curves. This can be beneficial for individuals with joint pain or pressure point issues. Different sleeping positions require varying levels of softness. Side sleepers may prefer a softer bed to alleviate pressure on their hips and shoulders, while back and stomach sleepers may opt for a slightly firmer surface to maintain proper spinal alignment.
Support
While softness contributes to initial comfort, support is equally crucial for a bed to provide proper spinal alignment and prevent discomfort or pain. Consider the following factors related to support. Different mattress types offer varying levels of support. Innerspring and hybrid mattresses typically provide a more responsive and supportive feel, while memory foam and latex mattresses offer contouring support.
Evaluate the mattress's edge support, especially if you tend to sleep near the edges or share the bed. Strong edge support ensures that you can utilize the full surface of the mattress without the fear of rolling off. Heavier individuals may require a firmer mattress to prevent excessive sinkage and maintain proper support, while lighter individuals may find softer mattresses more comfortable.
Warranty and Pricing
Don’t purchase a bed that has no warranty or return policy. It will ensure you are 100% in love with your new bed and eliminate the hassles in the event you don’t love it. Look for an extended sleep trial before committing. You’ll need at least 60 nights before really knowing if a bed is for you or if you should try something else. Also, remember to shop for your bed based on your budget. Shoot for a bed that isn’t the cheapest. This is often where people make a mistake. Sleep is essential, and you’ll want the best night's sleep possible.
