How to Choose a Mattress

A good night’s sleep reaps bountiful rewards for your health, including improved memory, metabolism, and mental outlook. Consequently, choosing the best mattress is an important decision not only for your bed but also for your body. The mattress-buying rule of thumb says to buy a new one every 10 years, but some won’t hold up for that long. If you haven’t hit the 10-year mark and aren't sure whether you need a new mattress, watch out for signs that tell you it might be time for a replacement: aching shoulders, hips, or lower back could mean the mattress isn’t supporting you properly, while lumps, bumps, and excessive squeaking might indicate the mattress structure is breaking down.

What to Look for In a Mattress

Queen-size mattresses are the most popular on the market, but size isn’t the only thing that matters. To guarantee a good night’s rest, a mattress should be soft enough to suit your comfort levels and firm enough to support your frame. Proper mattress support will also vary from person to person, but it should always provide enough pushback on shoulder, hips and the lower back. From firmest to softest, common mattress comfort categories include cushion firm, firm pillowtop, and plush.

Since everyone’s body is different, certain mattresses are suited to how you sleep. Side sleepers who require additional cushioning along their hips and shoulder should pick from plush and pillowtop mattresses. Firmer mattresses are optimal for back sleepers. Couples should invest in motion separation mattresses that muffle each other’s movements, as people tend to toss and turn as often as 40 to 60 times per night.

Choosing a Mattress Size

Queen-sized mattresses are usually the go-to option for couples, but that isn’t much real estate for two bodies. Slightly larger than a full sized bed, mattresses actually offer less individual room than one person on a twin mattress. For that reason, motion separation queen mattresses guarantee undisturbed sleep for couples.

If the bedroom space is available, king mattresses are a couple’s best choice. Though typically more expensive than queen sizes, king mattresses give both partners ample siesta space. Measuring 76 inches by 80 inches long, king mattresses are roughly the equivalent of side-by-side twin mattresses. But don’t let that ample sleeping acreage fool you. Motion separation mattresses, complete with cushioning tailored to partners’ side or back sleeping habits, are still the prime setting for rejuvenating shuteye.

Just because twin mattresses are on the short end of the spectrum doesn’t mean you should rule them out. They’re a great option for a child’s first bed and for adults sleeping solo. Their compact 39-inch by 75-inch dimensions also fit well into smaller bedrooms and guestrooms.

When it’s time to choose a mattress, it’s important to understand your options before you go shopping for a new one at Harlem Furniture. It’s also important to test drive it for yourself; you might realize that firm innerspring mattresses feel different than molded foam mattresses. Given the wide range of mattress types and sizes, from twin mattresses to kings, these simple steps will make it much easier to find the one that’s right for your body – and your overall health.

We invite you to use Harlem Furniture website to browse our entire inventory of mattresses on sale in Chicago and beyond. Our search options allow you to filter your results by firmness, price range, and brand, among other mattress qualities. And as always, feel free to contact Harlem Furniture with any questions or concerns you may have. Our team looks forward to hearing from you!