According to experts, we sleep about one-third of our lives. However, due the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, many of us don’t get the recommended 6-8 hours of sleep nightly. For that reason, it’s particularly important that we select the right bed for our sleeping needs. Various factors influence how long a bed lasts, such as whether one or two people sleep in it, how often people sleep in it, and so on. Experts generally agree that you should replace your bed roughly once every decade. Here are some tips to help choose the right bed for your needs:
1. Do a needs-analysis
One of the best ways to buy the right bed is to define what “right” means to you. Basically, your personal needs and preferences will determine which bed is perfect for you. For example, will you be doing office or house work in bed? Do you need additional space for storage? Do you like a softer or firmer mattress? Answering such questions before you hunt for beds will help to narrow down your search.
2. Purchase the bed and mattress as a set
There are a few important viable reasons. Buying the two items separately will invalidate any guarantees or warranties. Furthermore, an old base could inflict more damage to a new mattress than a new base would.
3. Remember that size matters
If two people will be sleeping in the bed, then as a general rule “bigger is better.” Consider a Queen-sized or King-sized bed for two people. The more space you have, the more you’ll be able to get a good night’s sleep. Here’s a general rule to determine if the bed is big enough for two. While lying parallel to each other, lock your fingers behind your head and point your elbows outward. If you don’t touch the other person in bed, then the bed is large enough. Also, the bed should be about 4-6 inches lengthier than the taller of the two people.
4. Consider that you’re making an investment
If you’re going to keep the bed for roughly a decade, then it’s important to secure a quality bed. This doesn’t mean that you need to buy the top-of-the-line bed in the world with a gold frame. Neither does it mean that you shouldn’t look for sales and discounts. However, a bed is a fairly big investment, so take the time to get it right.
5. Consider a memory foam mattress
This type of mattress is a significantly better mattress than a traditional box spring mattress. However, a pocket spring mattress would certainly be a viable option. Such mattresses combine the springiness of a box spring mattress, with the cushioning of foam. However, these springs are more compact. When used in tandem with the comfort of foam, this produces a truly relaxing sensation.
Memory foam mattresses function like squeezing water out of a sponge. However, this time it’s air instead of water, which escapes. Tiny holes in the bubbles that form the foam help to support your body like a glove.
