Buying a new mattress can be a daunting task, especially if you are one half of a couple who will be sharing the bed. One of you likes a softer place to lay your body at the end of the day while the other wants a mattress so hard Wolverine would be able to use it as skeletal tissue.

Also, to buy a quality mattress, you will be making a significant financial investment. And I haven’t even got around to the fact you could be spending up to a third of your life on this piece of furniture for the next seven years. Your back health, your oral health, your quality of sleep, and consequently your quality of life, all revolve around this purchasing decision.

Having a mattress that has slowly formed to the shape of your body over the years, plus the time, and the money, and the effort involved in buying a new one can make it easy to tell yourself “My mattress is OK for now.”

Many of us keep our mattresses well past their prime, and the likelihood is, that the place you lay your head to catch some zzz’s is getting on in age.

How do I know if my mattress is too old?

The National Sleep Foundation recommends changing your mattress every seven to ten years.  Most modern mattresses that long but it also depends on the quality of the original mattress, the amount of time you have spent on it, your own weight, etc.

You should check your mattress and see if there are signs of wear and tear. Worn spots in the fabric, sagging in the middle lumps and bumps that were not there before are all signs it’s time to get a new mattress. However, the best indicator of the quality of your bed is the quality of your sleep.

What is my mattress size?

Before looking at mattress styles, you need to decide what size is right for you. If you are keeping an existing bedframe that will dictate the size you need to buy, but if you are open to buying a new bed frame or base you have the option to downsize or move up to a bigger bed.

                When it comes to US measurements, here are the common sizes:

  • California king: 72 x 84 inches
  • King: 76 x 80 inches
  • Queen: 60 x 80 inches
  • Full aka Double: 54 x 75 inches
  • Twin XL:  39 X 80
  • Twin: 39 x 75 inches

Queen size is ideal for couples. It is just big enough to fit both of you. But, if you’re also sleeping with kids, you might consider king size which is a bit bigger. Some people don’t spare money to get the best and biggest mattress on the market: California king. So, if you’re really tall or just love having a nice, cozy sleep, you might go for this option.

Types of mattress

There are a wide variety of styles on the market today. Each one is made from different materials or by using a different technology. The type of mattress you choose is critical as it affects numerous things such as heat dissipation, odors, duration, support, etc.

Here are some of them:

  • Innerspring

Innerspring is the most common model in the US today. They have existed for quite a while but are still at the top in terms of popularity. As the name implies, they are made from numerous springs that are embedded into a product. The number of springs is very important in this case; more springs provide more support.

  • Latex

Latex is very popular due to its comfort and the ability to dissipate heat. It can be made from various sources and it is regarded as one of the top products for people who cannot sleep tight.

  • Memory foam

Memory foam models have several comfort layers made from the foam. These products tend to be a bit more expensive but have lots of excellent properties. They are especially useful for people suffering from back issues as they adapt to your body and sleeping position. Unfortunately, they are also known for poor heat dissipation, so they are not ideal for people who wake up quickly.

                Other products include getting mattresses, airbeds, waterbeds, hybrids, pillow-top etc.

Always keep in mind that no matter how great a mattress is, there might be something bothering you. Basically, they all have certain traits. So, when making a purchase, make sure to get an item that will suit your particular needs.

Turn to a professional mattress review expert and ask him for his personal advice. Keep in mind that there are lots of mattress reviews online which can provide some additional clarity as well.