Choosing The Right Bed

The best way to choose the right bed is to actually lie on the sleep sets in a retailer showroom. Like test driving a car, experiencing a product demonstration is the only way to know for sure if it's right for you. Also

• look for a sleep set that supports your body without sagging
• make sure it feels comfortable
• find out if it has a warranty (just in case)
• check if it has enough space for you and your sleeping partner (if you have one)
• you should also buy a matching sleep set (mattress and foundation)
• consider value over price alone.

Shopping For A New Mattress

The following information is adapted from The Better Sleep Guide, a free brochure by the Better Sleep Council's "Consumer Information Series." No other piece of furniture in your home gets as much use as your sleep set or is as crucial for good sleep. That's why it's so important to find the right mattress for you. Before you start shopping, prepare by learning the basics.

Mattress Construction

A mattress is made of three basic elements:

• The foundation acts as a giant shock absorber, taking the normal wear and tear of nightly use. Foundations also lend added support, durability and, in the case of adjustable beds, flexibility.
• The mattress core construction varies with the type of mattress. Whether the mattress is made of springs, air, foam, or water, this middle "core" provides support for the sleeper.
• The upholstery layers wrapped around the core provide surface comfort. A variety of foams and fibers are used to improve cushioning properties and enhance the support of the mattress core.

Sleep Set Advances:

Because of technological advances and medical developments, today's mattress sets are not the same as those made 10 years ago. Industry research and development has improved mattress and foundation engineering to provide optimum comfort and support. A new sleep set that incorporates these advances can lead to a better night's sleep. Now that you are aware of the ins and outs of the sleep set of your dreams, it's time now to know the six shopping musts for a mattress.

1. Factors Impacting Sleep Quality

If you don't sleep as well as you think you should, feel tired during the day, or suffer from conditions such as insomnia, you aren't alone. It's estimated that millions of people suffer from occasional sleep problems. And about a third of these people have some form of chronic insomnia. Although a comfortable bed can't cure all sleep problems, there are certain situations where the right bed can help you sleep better. Read more about some common factors that can impact the quality of your sleep, and what can be done to overcome these issues.

2. Easing Back Pain

Back pain is a typical complaint and one of the most common reasons for visiting a doctor. Over 95% of people experience back pain at some point in their lives. The good news is that most back pain will resolve on its own and your doctor can provide you with treatments that can speed recovery. Of course, a quality mattress can help. But you don't necessarily have to suffer from back pain to appreciate a comfortable bed. In fact, a sleep set that you find comfortable can actually help prevent long-term back discomfort. To fully appreciate these design innovations, it's important to understand the back's inner workings.

3. BACKground

Your back is one of the most important parts of your body. It contains the spine, which supports the whole body and is in use 24 hours a day‹even when you are asleep. The spine is made up of 33 small bones, called vertebrae, which are stacked on top of one another. Vertebrae scale down the neck, the chest, and the lower back. Beneath the lower back lie the sacrum(consisting of five vertebrae) and the tail bone. The lower region of the back is the most vulnerable area to back pain. The lower back carries the entire weight of the trunk plus the weight of anything you carry or lift. It also twists and bends more than the upper part of the back. The lower back suffers more wear and tear than any other portion of the spine.

4. Buying A Mattress

Are you tossing and turning night after night? Are you not getting the deep, restful sleep you need because you can't seem to get comfortable? If so, then it may be time to buy a new sleep set. Remember, the average person spends roughly 1/3 of their life sleeping. So getting a quality sleep set is one of the most important investments you can make. So consider your bed set usage. Then, learn how to shop for the bed set that's best for you.

5. Matching Sleep Sets.

Matching mattresses and foundations are designed to work together. Mismatching sets, putting a new mattress on an old foundation or adding a board between the mattress and foundation can impede comfort and reduce the life of the mattress.

6. Value.

Buy quality products made with all new materials. Shopping for the best value, not the lowest price, is often a smart way to shop.