Studies have shown that on average, we spend about one third of our lives asleep. A good night’s sleep allows us to recharge and tackle our everyday challenges. Without quality sleep, we become constantly tired, exhausted and have difficulty concentrating on our daily tasks. Back pain, stiff necks and joints and other physical ailments are also signs that indicate the bed may be unsuitable for us. When choosing a bed, you need to consider several factors.

Size

As a healthy person changes position about 15 to 30 times each night, constrained movements make sleeping uncomfortable and reduces the quality of sleep.  Moreover, some experts feel that a person feels more rested when he sleeps alone as compared to sharing a bed. Given these reasons, a large bed is always better because it gives freedom of movement. When deciding on the size of a bed, consider the number of users, your budget and how much floor space you are willing to compromise.

Comfort and Support

Beds with poor support may result in muscle aches and back pain. Although it is advised that people with back problems should choose a very firm mattress, a bed that is too firm may aggravate existing back problems by placing pressure on the shoulders and hips. To test out a mattress, lie down on your back and place your hand at the hollow of your back. If your hand fits snugly and you are able to turn over with ease, the bed’s firmness is suitable for you. Next, lie on your side and get a friend to observe whether your spine remains in a straight line. If it does, the bed is sufficiently supportive. The ideal bed should be supportive yet molds to the curves of your body.   

Allergy and Older People

Those who are allergic to dust may prefer mattresses containing synthetic fibres or foam. A waterbed is also suitable. For the elderly, make sure it is easy for them to get in and out of bed from a sitting position. To prevent the risk of falling, a rule of thumb is to ensure that the soles of your feet are touching the floor when you sit on the edge of the bed.

Types of Mattresses

1.    Memory Foam Mattresses

This type of mattress slowly forms itself to the shape of your body. Even after you get up, there is a delayed impression of your body contours. The foam mattress works such that the higher the temperature, the better the foam molds to your body, giving the user a sense that the bed was made for them. However, the mattress may not allow air to circulate well at times, making the user feel hot and sweaty.

2.    Innerspring Mattresses

Tempered steel coils are arranged in rows in these mattresses. Generally, the greater the number of coils, the firmer is the mattress. Many samples or advertisements will show a cross-section of the mattress. However, you should also consider the type of innerspring mattresses – those with interlocking coil and independent coil. Interlocking coils are tied together with wire, resulting in a lesser number of coils in the mattress. As for independent coils, there are more coils because each coil works on its own to support the user. One advantage of independent coil mattresses is the impact of your partner getting in and out of bed is reduced.

3.    Waterbeds

Waterbeds today are also known as flotation sleep systems. They are solidly framed and contain less water than before. As the bed shapes to the contours of the body, it reduces pressure on the body especially around the joints. A waterbed eliminates the problems of bed bugs and dust mites as it has a plastic cover which can be easily washed. However, waterbeds may leak occasionally, which represents a potential “flood” in your bedroom.

When to Replace Your Mattress

Although the average lifespan of a bed is 10 years, you may consider replacing your mattress when you see signs of sagging or lumping or when you experience physical discomfort due to poor quality sleep. For hygiene reasons, replacing your bed every ten years can help reduce problems of dust mites and allergies. You can prolong the life of your mattress by turning it over every few years so that it gets evenly worn out.