You know it’s time for a new bed when…

1. You wake up feeling stiff, tired, achy, groggy, or in pain.
2. You have circles under your eyes, and it isn’t because you stayed out late.
3. Your mattress is getting on in years; it is saggy or droopy, or perhaps the fabric is falling apart.
4. Your current mattress is over ten years old, or you bought it in a previous decade.

You see, like people, mattresses have a specific lifetime. After only 5 years, your standard innerspring mattress simply does not give you the same support as it used to. It sags and fills up with bacteria and dust mites over time, which we think is pretty gross.

Shopping for a new mattress doesn’t have to be a pain. If you shop with a little savvy, a little shopping “know how,” the experience won’t even be a little overwhelming. For a few simple shopping tips that will make you an expert mattress buyer in no time, finding the perfect mattress for your needs with less than a modicum of fuss, keep on reading!

The first question you need to ask is: which mattress is best for you?

With so many mattress types to choose from, selecting a mattress can be a confusing process. Use this guide to select the type best for you.

memory foam mattresses: specifically engineered based on modern NASA technology, these comfortable and allergy resistant (read: bug proof!) mattresses conform snugly to your body, delivering the most comfortable sleep.

Pros: memory foam mattresses are hypoallergenic and conform to support every curve of your body. These beds alleviate pressure from crucial pressure points on your body, like your neck, back, and hips. They also have an extra long lifetime and are very durable: the average memory foam bed will last about 20 years.
Cons: memory foam mattresses are known to be warmer than other types. They may have a factory odor, depending on where they were made.

Innerspring mattresses: Traditional and true blue, innerspring mattresses contain wire coils that hold up your body.

Pros: Dependable and the most popular style, the innerspring mattress is time-tested.
Cons: These mattresses are incapable of evenly distributing body weight, which may lead to restless nights (especially when sleeping with a partner). Their hollow nature makes them an ideal breeding ground for dust mites, bacteria, and bedbugs.

Air Mattresses: Inexpensive and portable, air mattresses can be filled with a pump and deflated as desired.
Pros: Lightweight and storable, air mattresses are great for campers and singletons. They sometimes come with small, electronically controlled air pockets, giving you improved dynamic control over your bed’s firmness.
Cons: Don’t let your cat near this bed, as it easily punctures. Air mattresses do not provide even support.

Water Mattresses: these artifacts from an earlier time are full of water and as such are particularly soft.
Pros: exceedingly soft, these beds also have built in “rocking” action. Modern water beds tend to be much more stable and supportive than those of the 70s.
Cons: unfortunately, these beds weigh a ton, and they can get very cold; they should be avoided by persons who suffer from motion sickness or chronic back pain. If your partner moves, you’ll catch a wave.

Second: be comfortable.

If you’re an average adult with proper sleeping habits, you will likely spend about a third of your lifetime in snoozing in bed. Obviously, with all that mileage, you’re going to want a supportive and comfortable mattress. There are different layers of firmness available and a variety of mattresses that will all feel different.

Ideally, a mattress should keep your spinal alignment parallel to that of a person standing upright (with good posture), allowing for a sort of weak backwards ‘S’ curve. The wrong mattress will cause back pain. Mattresses that are far too soft, for example, will not give your back proper support, while mattresses that are far too firm will put too much pressure on your joints. Somewhere down the line you’ve likely heard that firm mattresses are better for your back, but this is a myth: the truth is that firmness is far less important than strong, even support. As long as a mattress distributes your weight evenly, you can use any firmness level you like.

Take time to test out mattresses at a warehouse or in hotels to see how soft or firm you like them. Then shop online for the best deals. If you’re having trouble finding the perfect firmness level for your body, consider buying a memory foam mattress with removable softness layers.

Third: choose a size.

Each and every unique mattress size will suit a unique need.

Your standard twin mattress (a “single”) is perfect for kids, dorm rooms, guest bedrooms, or bunk beds. Twin beds usually measure approximately 39” in width by 75” in height; needless to say, this simply won’t do if you’re taller than average or plan on sharing a bed.

An alternative to the regular twin is the twin extra long mattress, adding 5” in length for those who need the room. The problem with extra long twin beds is that it might be a pain to find sheets for them, though once again you can almost certainly find them online.

Double or “full” mattresses allow significantly more room for moving, rolling, and stretching out. The average full mattress clocks in at about 54” in width by about 75” in height, which may prove (once again) a little short for some people. But for singles who find twin beds too crowded or uncomfortable, these are perfect fits.

If you anticipate sharing your mattress with someone now or in the future, a queen is the smallest size recommended. These large beds measure about 60” in width by 80” in height, easily accommodating taller persons and couples who like to snuggle.

King beds are the most expensive of the bunch, but they also provide the most space for those people who can’t seem to sleep still. King beds are different from other beds in their measurement variations, so you’ll need to consider whether you’re more interested in a long bed or a wide bed. Essentially, king beds come in two distinct flavors:

The standard king mattress (sometimes called the “eastern king”) is 76” in width by 80” in height, a whole 4” wider than its king sized counterpart.

The western king, or California king, mattress is 72” wide by 84” long, making it 4” longer than its counterpart.

Fourth: shop smart.

So, you’re going to test out a new memory foam bed. First, you’ll need to wear some comfortable clothing. Try and lay your body down in the position you normally sleep. Do this for several minutes. Note how the heavier parts of your body feel. Are your hips, shoulders, and lower back supported? See how well the bed absorbs your movement.

Here are a few crucial points to consider while you shop:
1. Where is your mattress manufactured, and which company makes it? Are they reputable?
2. Will the mattress aggravate any of your existing allergies or chronic joint pains?
3. Is this mattress cost-effective, and can I afford it?
4. Just how confident am I in this mattress? Can I rely on it to deliver comfortable sleep for the years ahead?
5. Does the mattress give me good, full support?
6. Is there a warranty, and if so, how good or sound is the policy?
7. Will I be sharing this bed with someone, and what are this person’s needs?
8. Just how much space will I need to fully accommodate my dimensions, movements, and needs?

Remember, any sales person you talk to should be friendly, knowledgeable, and competent. If they can’t answer your questions, find someone who can.

The fifth question you need to ask is: how can I further enhance the quality of my sleep?

Aside from sleeping on an orthopedically supportive memory foam bed, you can also practice these nightly exercises to help improve your sleep:

1. Drink some soothing chamomile (or other decaf) tea before going to bed.
2. Try to get some exercise in about four hours before you go to bed, but do not exercise within two hours of going to bed.
3. Develop sleep rituals before bedtime, such as listening to relaxing music or stretching. This will signify to your body that it’s time to sleep soon.
4. Eat a light snack before bedtime so you don’t awaken hungry. Dairy products contain tryptophan, which induces sleep.
5. Go to sleep in a cool (NOT cold) room on a room-temperature mattress, and be sure to wear as many blankets as you need to keep warm. If you have a memory foam bed, consider using fewer blankets or sleeping in a cooler room.
6. Have a nightstand next to your bed where you keep water, books, journals, a CD player, and other things you might need to access easily. This way, you won’t need to get up and move around a lot before going to bed.
7. If you do feel the need to get up late at night, use a nightlight rather than the standard room lights so your body doesn’t set itself to “daytime” mode.
8. Take a hot bath 90 minutes before bedtime. The drop in body temperature you experience afterwards will make you sleepy.
9. Some people find that writing down their thoughts and feelings in a journal before going to bed is a great way to calm your mind and relieve stress.
10. If all else fails, try breathing deeply and slowly while counting breaths and the seconds between them (the modern day version of “counting sheep”).

With these considerations in mind, you will surely find the perfect mattress for you!