Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for maintaining optimal health, focus, and mood, but without the right mattress, healthy sleeping habits can feel like a pipe dream. There are plenty of options out there for consumers who want to upgrade their mattresses, but the impressive range of options is a double-edged sword since buyers often struggle to decide which type of mattress will be the best fit for them. Consumers who want to make well-informed decisions can read on to find out how to choose the perfect mattress.

Step One: Find the Right Vendor

When they choose the right mattress store, consumers will have a much easier time finding the products best suited to their needs. Find a store that specializes in selling high-quality, name-brand mattresses, but don’t stop there. Some vendors will help buyers figure out exactly what type of mattress will offer the best night’s sleep depending on their body types, sleep styles, and more.

Step Two: Choose the Right Size

Before even looking into different materials, consumers should narrow down their options by choosing what size mattress to buy. Sizing options range from 38″ by 75″ twin mattresses to 76″ by 80″ king size mattresses, but consumers shouldn’t assume that bigger is always better. Take measurements for the bedroom to see how much space the bed will take up and consider whether it will be used by just one person or a couple. Most couples prefer queen through king-sized mattresses, while individuals typically prefer slightly smaller twin or full-sized alternatives.

Step Three: Determine a Budget

A high-quality mattress is an investment in consumers’ health and well-being. The right mattress will alleviate back problems, make it easier to stay asleep, and improve sleepers’ waking lives, so it will be worth the money. That being said, some materials and brands are cheaper than others, so it’s wise to set a reasonable budget before shopping for a new mattress.

Step Four: Narrow Down Options

Those still sleeping on outdated innerspring mattresses will find that the world of mattress buying has changed substantially over the years since they bought their first beds. Today’s consumers tend to prefer memory foam, latex, and gel-infused mattresses, but pocketed coil mattresses are also a good option for consumers who want extra longevity. Consumers can narrow down material options by considering their budgets, mattress size, sleeping position, and whether the bed will be shared, but they should try to stick with these proven materials.

Step Five: Head to a Showroom

The only way to find out how comfortable a mattress will really be is to take it for a proverbial test drive. Find a local company that carries multiple popular brands and head to the showroom to try out the ones that seem like the best fit. Don’t worry, there’s no need to plan for an hour-long nap. Most consumers can feel the difference between a high-quality mattress and a poorly made alternative almost immediately. They should trust their intuition and go with the mattress that feels the best.

The Bottom Line

The best way to decide what kind of mattress to buy is to speak with an expert who can help. It’s always worth buying a high-quality, well-constructed mattress, even if that means financing the purchase. A quality mattress will pay for itself over time, not just by making it easier to get a good night’s sleep, but also by holding up to the test of time.