How to Choose a New Mattress

Goldilocks was very tired by this time, so she went upstairs to the bedroom. She lay down in the first bed, but it was too hard. Then she lay in the second bed, but it was too soft. Then she lay down in the third bed and it was just right. Goldilocks fell asleep.

Having recently purchased a new queen bed mattress, I was amazed at the range and types of mattresses now available. The decision was not as easy to make as I thought it might be.

Here are some tips and hints based on my experiences choosing a new mattress.

Tips and Hints for Choosing a New Mattress

1. If you are sharing the bed with someone, then take them along with you: It seems that women as a rule prefer softer mattresses than men, so to avoid marital disharmony for the next decade or so, choose a mattress that you both like.


2. Consider the dimensions of the mattress: Check that the mattress is a standard bed size (single, double, king, queen) or it may not fit a standard base. Your sheets won't fit either. Also consider the depth of the mattress. Many modern mattresses have a layer of extra padding or foam that makes them too deep for a standard sheet set. That is only fine if you want to replace all your bedding.


3. Is the mattress reversible?: Most modern mattresses are one-sided and cannot be turned over. This came as quite a surprise to us. Your shop assistant may not volunteer this information (our's didn't and we had to ask). A mattress that cannot be turned will wear faster and will need to be replaced sooner than one that is turned regularly.


4. What is the warranty on the mattress?


5. How many springs are there per square foot?: Good quality mattresses have a higher ration of springs per square foot than lesser quality mattresses.


6. Consider any health issues: If you suffer from lower back pain you will need to consider carefully the mattress you buy. Here is a link to an article on Choosing the Best Mattress for Lower Back Pain which provides some useful tips.

Finally: You get what you pay for. Your new mattress is an investment in sleep and health for the next decade, so a cheapie may not be the best deal in the long run.

What did we buy?

We eventually decided on an Adriatic Slumber Back Rest Luxury Firm mattress. This mattress was about medium-priced, is reversible, is quite firm, and has just the right amount of padding for us. You can see pictures of our new bed here.

Image is courtesy of http://www.surlalunefairytales.com/illustrations/goldilocks/images/woodroffe_3bears1.jpg